Need computer error halp.

1,034 Views | 22 Replies | Last: 8 yr ago by wee_ag
wee_ag
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AG
I'm trying to fix up someone's Win 7 computer that continually displays a Low Memory Error (even after first booting up the computer). It's running excruciatingly slow and I can't nail down what's causing it. I've run multiple anti-virus/maleware/spamware programs with no luck.

Any ideas what could be causing this?
SlackerAg
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AG
The RAM might need to be replaced.
agdoc2001
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Reformat. Porn/Spyware overload is more likely than bad RAM.
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wee_ag
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quote:
Reformat. Porn/Spyware overload is more likely than bad RAM.
Well that might be an awkward conversation...
SlackerAg
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AG
quote:
I've run multiple anti-virus/maleware/spamware programs with no luck.

Did it detect any males?
Tailgate88
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Exact text of error message? But it is probably malware/scare ware. Run Malwarebytes, adwcleaner etc.
wee_ag
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quote:
Exact text of error message? But it is probably malware/scare ware. Run Malwarebytes, adwcleaner etc.


As a side note... this reminds me why I switched to macs.
Cloud
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Open up the task manager performance tab and post a screenshot of it.
wee_ag
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AG
Computer only has 4gb of RAM, but the error has just recently began to appear.

Cloud
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I might download adwcleaner and run it and see if it makes a diff.
91_Aggie
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AG
Run MSCONFIG from the RUN command. Look for strange processes running and start killing ones that you don't think are necessary. You can Google processes if you aren't sure.
SlackerAg
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AG
1) The "services" tab next to "performance" might show some services added by some programs.

2) CCleaner can show startup programs (similar to MSCONFIG) that might need to removed.

3) Remove any browser toolbar add-ons, which could be taking up resources.
texsn95
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AG
You could run a pre-boot memory test to see if one of the sticks is failing. I ran a program similar to memtest and it immediately found a bad stick when my PC wouldn't boot up. Also go to processes or resource monitor, sort the memory usage from highest to lowest, and it'll tell you if something is hogging all of the free memory. Sometimes I get a scvhost.exe that hogs in excess of 1 gig, which is linked to some windows update services on our Win 7 laptop, but on our Win 7 desktop, it's linked to other services I haven't researched yet. Windows is a strange beast.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/105647-ram-test-memtest86.html
mickeyrig06sq3
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AG
What are you showing in the processes tab?
wee_ag
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AG
Bregxit
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AG
I use Process Explorer when troubleshooting this stuff. https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

Did you click on Processes for All Users there at the bottom?
wee_ag
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I did not!

Well, lookie there. Guessing the new "Fix-It Utilities" he installed is sucking his RAM (AVQWinMonEngine).

Bregxit
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AG
That's probably the issue. Well done.
mickeyrig06sq3
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AG
Glad you got it tracked down. I'd definitely suggest getting him to pay $20 and just throw another 4GB in there so he doesn't have to play RAM chicken every time he installs a new program.
Tailgate88
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AG
Uninstall that piece of crap. "Registry Cleaners" and anything claiming to "speed up your PC" are nearly always scans that will do the exact oppposite!

https://blog.malwarebytes.org/social-engineering/2015/06/digital-snake-oil/
ABKitch
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AG
While you're at it, you might as well go ahead and run some scans, since it sounds like this user is the type to "click on things" and install stuff without knowing it, etc.

I like CCleaner and Malwarebytes and running them (or at least MWB) in Safe Mode is always preferred.
Cloud
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Adwcleaner.
bmc13
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AG
what's his swap setting at?
wee_ag
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AG
Well, the computer is back in the owner's hands. I wanted to check the swap size but didn't get a chance. I recommended for him to buy more RAM and told him that utility was a memory hog.

Thanks for the input!
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