[ROSWELLCHICK]

I am not computer proficient at all. I have a DeskTop PC that was built for me by a local tech company that is no longer in business. It is 5-years old and uses Windows 2000 as the OS. I am a Mortgage Broker and a software program (Mortgage Coach) that I want to use is not compatible with Windows 2000. The Software Company recommended either XP or Vista. I don't play any games on my computer but I do use ACT by Sage as Client Management System, Outlook 2003 (also want to upgrade to Outlook 2007), Ahead Nero, Publisher, Power Point, and professional printer/scanner Lexmark 646 DTE, my loan origination software Calyx Point, and I store a ton of documents on my system (appraisals, title reports, etc). My current computer is really slow and freezes a lot when I have ACT, Outlook, and my loan origination software open at the same time. It also takes forever to start up and that is causing me a lot of concern.

I checked PC's Reviews and would Micro Express Mircroflex 92b or XI Mtower Pcie Centurion work for me? I don't know much about Vista or XP...what kind of Fire Walls do you recommend? Any expertise or advice you can provide me will be greatly appreciated.

[Flashorn]

Hey Roswell !!



Welcome to PCWorld Community !



PLZ, read ALL of my post Before you do any of the recommendations. If you have any

concerns as to How or Why . stop and ask by posting your questions.



ALL of the applications in this recommendation are ALL FREE and are Compatible

with Windows 2000.



Ok , first let's see if a little bit of spring cleaning won't help.BUT, we'll also verify that

there aren't any Bugs that would potentially be hampering your PC or slowing it down.

Could you , in your next post , tell us what security apps. you already have or relying

on to protect your PC . Also , how much space is still available on your Hard Drive.



The first step would be to delete all of those Temporary files that accumulate over time

and glog your Hard Drive. For this task we generally use :


ATF-Cleaner by Atribune . This is a .exe which does Not require a

installation. (Click on the Blue words) Simply follow the instructions on the web site which the above link will take

you to. The Download link on the web site is in RED. This action should not take more than a few seconds.

This is what it looks like:

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Simply Click on the "Select All" and then , on the "Empty Selected"

and your done.



Next , if you would , a Defrag of the Hard Drive might well be in order. Again , this app. does Not

require a install. If the Hard Drive

is very Fragmented , this operation will take some time . PLZ be patient. For this task , we use :

JKDefrag by Jeroen kessels . PLZ. read " on site " instructions

and then . download from the link below. You will have to "UnZip" the file and double click on the

JKDefrag.exe.



Download HERE :


|http://www.kessels.c...efrag-3.36.zip] [JkDefrag-3.36.zip|Download for Windows 2000/2003/XP/Vista/2008|




Now, if you would , please download , install and Up-date the definitions of these two

AntiSpyware. Actually , they are now called Anti-Malware.



SUPERAntiSpyware . PLZ download the FREE version , which is for personal use.

(Click on the Blue words.) . Once you have up-dated the definitions ,

(Click on "Check for Updates, this will automatically download the new definitions and install them)

Click on the "Scan your Computer"

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which will bring you this screen :



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Now, click on the "Quick Scan" radio button (if not already done)

and choose the "Next Button" at the bottom of the screen. The scan will n ow start.

This might take a while so , be patient. When the scan is finished ,

IF the antispyware finds any infections , it will ask you to "Quaratine and Delete"

those files. You should accept . If it asks to Reboot your PC (Restart) you should do so.



MalwareBytes Anti-Malware . PLZ download the FREE Trial.

(Click on the Blue words.) .

To Up-date the definitions , Click on the "update" tab at the top of the screen.



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This will bring you to this screen :



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Click on the "Check for Updates" button. No other action is required on your part

except to click on the OK at the end of the update.



Click on the "Scanner" tab after the updates are done and click on the "Scan" button.

This scanner will be faster than the first one. Once the scan is done, it will also ask

to "Quarantine and Delete" the infected files if it finds any. You should also accept.

If it asks to Reboot your PC (Resart) , you should do so.



Now, see if your PC is a little faster and post back with any comments.



If you are not sure as to the HOW of any of these procedures , PLZ post back and I will

explain in more details.



FLASHORN. !http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
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[ROSWELLCHICK]

Thank you for your help. I will perform these steps this afternoon. I right-clicked on the My Computer Icon and on the Properties Tab it says: AMD ATHLON ™ XP2600+ AT/AT COMPATIBLE, 1048,096 KB RAM. I only use AVG Free.

[SpiritWind]

Hi :



As to "Mortgage Coach", might want to look into Alternatives "Mortgage Lens" or "Loan

Toolbox", as mentioned at www.mortgagenewsdaily.com/forums/t/23859.aspx .

Especially after reading the Info at [http://forum.brokeroutpost.com/loans/forum/2/254681.htm] .

[ROSWELLCHICK]

Thank you Spiritwind...I've used Mortgage Coach since 2001 and it has been helpful from time to time. Mortgage Coach has "new and improved" itself but the price also increased substantially plus I would have to get a new OS to run it. I am not keen on adding a new OS to my old computer so I'm leaning towards purchasing a new Desk Top PC later this year. I already am a Loan Tool Box Member, a MMG member, Mac Attack, have not heard of Mortgage Lens but will research it and the Broker Outpost forum below.

I appreciate all the advice and did incorporate the suggestions from Flashorn and I do believe my Computer is running a bit faster and hasn't froze since the cleansing and defragging. That will help as the mortgage biz is pretty awful right now and I prefer to delay any more capital expenditures for a while. However, when I do have the funds to make this choice, would either of you recommend a PC that would work for me?

My emphasis is on speed and memory. I need to work on multiple programs simultaneously: ACT, Calyx Point, with Outlook open for e-mail and calendaring purposes, while also opening Word to type a letter or Publisher/Excel, without my Computer taking all day long to think about it or freezing up. The Desk Top PC's rated highly seem to have quite a bit more options for gaming than I would ever use but does that mean that there is more power and memory so they would work well for my purposes?

Thank you again for taking the time to help me. Special thank you to Flashorn for taking the time to provide explicit instructions. All your suggestions were implemented and went like clockwork:-)

[SpiritWind]

Hi :




A very knowledgeable person on the Avast Antivirus Support Forums, where I occasionally help out, recently said :


"I am a malware fighter, and no philosopher. I did not have a discussion with the malcreants of the new file infector strains to what purpose their miscreations were wrought upon us, and I do not like to speculate either.
On the other hand is not it the prize we pay for letting SafeHex not be a top priority in computing.
That means there are vast amounts of people cruising the Internet not knowing one hoot about how to be or stay secure, loads of them behind a zombie machine spewing 250.000 e-mails illegally every hour, for the main part without an active dual way firewall installed (who influenced users to no longer install firewalls), many users that never have their OS and third party software updated, making them vulnerable as hell. Not many users using safe browser procedures e.g. blocking script to run or request to be made from re-directs to malware sites. And we just go on selling M$ out of the box and run these with full admin rights on an as default machine with AV disabled, because isn't this using too much of my poor cycles? It is almost a policy over the last two decades where we can sigh: 'Actually we deserved this virus to tell us a lesson and cripple the way we were on the Internet for years'. And now the genie is out of the proverbial bottle, how do we get it back in? "


His Comments were based on News of an extremely difficult, if NOT impossible to remove,


recent discovery of a "malware". Your next purchase of a computer should most likely be a


Mac, though looking for compatible programs you want may be extremely difficult .


IF you would like us to have a more security-oriented look at your current computer, I


recommend you get the FREE "HijackThis" program from www.filehippo.com/download_hijackthis


After installation, click the "Open the Misc Tools section" button, then click the "Open


Uninstall Manager" button . A "list" should appear !? Computer "copy", then "paste"


that "list" into a Reply in this Forum .

[Flashorn]

Thank You Spirit .



Hey Roswell !!



You are welcomed.



To add to Spirit's request, may I ask if you followed up on the scanning

of your PC with the programs I recommended and if yes, did they find

any infected files ?



The information you included in your post yesterday afternoon was for

the CPU(computer processor unit) and the amount of Ram (memory)

installed in your PC. As a side note, IF the Motherboard permits , you

could add a stick of memory ( a one Gig module ) but, for that we would

need the name and number plus the make of the PC (As specific as possible).



The information I was asking for was the amount of space remaining on the

Hard Drive. To get to this information.

Go To > Start > Click on "My Computer" or just Computer. A window should open

and in that window , you should be able to see the C:/ Drive with the amount of

space "Used" and the amount of space "Left" or unused.

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Another way to get to this information , would be to "Right Click" on My Computer

and choose the Properties tab or entry in the context menu. This is what you should

see or something similar :

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Choose the "General tab" from the top of the screen and report in your next post the

numbers that appear in this tab.

I ask for this information because , as the Hard Drive becomes full, it will slow

your PC down. Ideally , a Hard Drive should remain at or above 60% of Free space.



To your question about a new PC , which is why you posted in the first place , I would,

IF you can, hold off until the New OS from Microsoft comes out in late September or

early October. This new version is called "Windows 7". You can read a bit about it

here : Welcome to Windows 7.



As for your programs well, they Might just not work or be compatible with Either

Windows Vista or Windows 7. You will have to research this by going to the

programs website and verify the "Recommended Operating Systems".



To add to your dilemma, the printer , if older than 3 years , Might not work in Vista

or Windows 7 because of the outdated or lack of Drivers.



When you are ready to purchase a new PC , it would greatly help to add as much

information as possible. The budget you have in mind, the preference of a make

over another , what will it's primary use be , How LONG you intend to keep this one.

Well , you get the picture.



For now, if you could answer my questions , we might be able to help further.

Also , we would have to discuss the security or lack of , on your PC.



FLASHORN. !http://forums.pcworld.com/legacyimages/
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[ROSWELLCHICK]

Good Morning, Flashorn,

Thank you so much for your helpful suggestions. I did run all the Scans and there were 73 cookies running the Super Anti-Spyware which were quarantined and deleted; nothing when I scanned with Malware Bytes. Here is the C:/Drive information: 74.5 GB, 20.1 used, 54.3 free. Yes, I am going to wait until Fall to buy a new system as the Mortgage Industry biz is a little bit too challenging right now to spend a few thousand dollars on equipment that should be spent on marketing. So unfortunately, that will have to wait until Fall. With new the Windows Version 7 coming out about then, it should work out. The Lexmark 646 DTE Scanner/Printer is just six months old so hopefully, it will work with the new Windows Version. I also have a color HP desktop printer that I use to print out Appraisals for my Clients.

I am getting ready to run the Hijack This program recommended by SpiritWind and will post that information when it is completed. The next computer system I purchase would be about $2500-$3000 max. I would like it to perform for five years. It would be used mainly for business (Mortgage Lending) and compatible with ACT, Mortgage Coach, Calyx Point, Outlook and my Lexmark at this point. I also use Ahead Nero to scan loan files on to disk for storage. As I sit at my computer for long hours each day, ideally, it would also come with a 24 inch monitor too:-)

Thank you again for your time and information.

[ROSWELLCHICK]

Good Morning, SpiritWind,

Here is the list from HiJack This:

ACT!
ACT! by Sage
Ad-Aware SE Personal
Adobe Download Manager 1.2 (Remove Only)
Adobe Flash Player 10 ActiveX
Adobe Flash Player 10 Plugin
Adobe Photoshop Album 2.0 Starter Edition
Adobe Reader 7.0.9
AIS Client
APC PowerChute Personal Edition
Apple Software Update
ATI - Software Uninstall Utility
ATI Control Panel
ATI Display Driver
AVG Free Edition
Comcast Universal Installer v1.2
DesignPro 5.0 Media Edition
Desktop Doctor
deskUNPDF 2
DirectX 9 Hotfix - KB839643
eFax Messenger Plus
Encompass Personal Edition Installation Manager
ePrint Setup
Getting Things Done Outlook Add-In
Google Toolbar for Internet Explorer
GoToMyPC
HECM
HijackThis 2.0.2
HP Color LaserJet 3600
HP Color LaserJet 3600
Interactive vForms 3.5
iTunes
Java 2 Runtime Environment Standard Edition v1.3.1_10
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_01
Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.2_03
Java Web Start
Java™ 6 Update 2
Lexmark Software Uninstall
LiveUpdate 2.0 (Symantec Corporation)
Logitech Desktop Messenger
Logitech Harmony Remote Software 7
Logitech iTouch Software
Logitech MouseWare 9.75
Logitech SetPoint
Macromedia Shockwave Player
Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
MeridianLink Site Security Certificate
Microsoft .NET Framework 1.1
Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Microsoft Access 2000 Runtime
Microsoft Access 2000 Runtime
Microsoft ActiveSync
Microsoft Data Access Components KB870669
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 SP1
Microsoft Office Standard Edition 2003
Microsoft Picture It! Express 9
Microsoft Picture It! Library 9
Microsoft Publisher 2002
Microsoft SQL Server 2005
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition (ACT7)
Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Tools Express Edition
Microsoft SQL Server Desktop Engine (EMMSDE)
Microsoft SQL Server Native Client
Microsoft SQL Server Setup Support Files (English)
Microsoft SQL Server VSS Writer
Microsoft VGX Q833989
Microsoft Visual C 2005 Redistributable
Microsoft Visual J# .NET Redistributable Package 1.1
Microsoft WSE 2.0 SP3 Runtime
Mozilla Firefox (0.8.)
Mozilla Firefox (3.0.7)
MSN
MSN Encarta Plus Support Files
MSN Messenger 7.0
MSN Toolbar
MSXML 6.0 Parser
MtgCoach
Nero - Burning Rom
Outlook Express Q823353
pdfFactory
Picsel File Viewer
Point
Point
Point 6.2
POINTAGENT
Quick Qualifier 5.45
QuickBooks Premier Edition 2004
QuickTime
Remote Control USB Driver
SoundMAX
Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.4
Startup Control Panel
SUPERAntiSpyware Free Edition
Time Zone Data Update Tool for Microsoft Office Outlook
Treo 700w User Guide
vForms vPrinter
WD Diagnostics
WebEx
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB329115
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB823182
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB823559
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB824105
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB824141
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB824146
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB825119
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB826232
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB828028
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB828035
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB828741
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB828749
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB833407
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB835732
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB837001
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB839645
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB840315
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB840987
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB841356
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB841533
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB841872
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB841873
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB842526
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB842773
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB873339
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB885835
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB885836
Windows 2000 Hotfix - KB889293
Windows Installer 3.1 (KB893803)
Windows Media Player Hotfix [See wm828026 for more information]
Windows Media Player system update (9 Series)
WinZip
Wireless Sync Client


I appreciate your help!!

[smax013]

ROSWELLCHICK said:

The Lexmark 646 DTE Scanner/Printer is just six months old so hopefully, it will work with the new Windows Version. I also have a color HP desktop printer that I use to print out Appraisals for my Clients.

When I went to Lexmark's site, it certainly appeared as if they had drivers for Windoze Vista. And considering that it is a 6 month old printer, you should be fine.

Quote

The next computer system I purchase would be about $2500-$3000 max. I would like it to perform for five years. It would be used mainly for business (Mortgage Lending) and compatible with ACT, Mortgage Coach, Calyx Point, Outlook and my Lexmark at this point. I also use Ahead Nero to scan loan files on to disk for storage. As I sit at my computer for long hours each day, ideally, it would also come with a 24 inch monitor too:-)

You should not need to spend anywhere near $2500 to $3000 for the computer for your use...unless that includes additional new peripherals (i.e. external drives, printers, scanners, routers, etc). You should be able to get a system that can more than handle your needs for quite a while for about $1500, if not less...and that would likely include a 24" monitor.

[ROSWELLCHICK]

Thank you so much...that would be very appealing:-)

[SpiritWind]

Hi :

The following is my evaluation of "Items" in your "Uninstall List" :

1) The various "Java"s ( "Java 2 Runtime Environment Standard Edition v1.3.1_10",

"Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.201","Java 2 Runtime Environment, SE v1.4.203",

"Java Web Start" and "Java™ 6 Update 2" ) are ALL outdated and an extreme security

risk and should ALL be uninstalled . For your Windows 2000 Operating System, the

APPROPIATE Java is at http://java.sun.com/...index_jdk5.jsp] ; the One that


says "Java Runtime Environment (JRE) 5.0 Update 17". IF & when you install "this" Java and


in the future you get a Java "Update" Icon in your System Tray, IGNORE that "Icon" because


the Site I just quoted is the ONLY Site you should be going. For security purpose, should


ONLY have One Java "Version/Update" on a computer; should ALWAYS uninstall all


PREVIOUS "Versions/Updates" .


2) Adobe Reader - this malware-prone program has serious security risks . Recently,


Researchers found a new hackertoolkit that uses nothing but Adobe securityleaks in order to infect systems. "PDF Xploit Pack" ( [http://www.trustedsource.org/blog/153/Rise-Of-The-PDF-Exploits] )adds all kind of exploits to PDF-files. When a certain exploit has successfully infected the OS, the IP address is sent to the attackers, so they need to try again. This to reduce the time it takes to manage the bots.

Use of PDF-files is becoming more and more popular among malcreants, this because other toolkits also have PDF exploits now. A year ago only 3% of the exploits were PDF directed.


Therefore, it is recommended to uninstall Adobe Reader and get the safer & FREE


"Foxit Reader", available at [http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/reader/] .


3) Adobe Flash Player - should consider the Info in the article "Flash ads bearing malware


plague popular sites" at [http://WindowsSecrets.com/comp/080417 ; I was thinking primarily

of the "part-time-Flash option" using the "TurnFlash" program !?

4)Macromedia Shockwave Player - this is somewhat an "obsolete" program, having been

"replaced" by the Adobe Flash Player . Recommend it be uninstalled .

5) Live Update 2.0 ( Symantec ) - this appears to be "leftover" from when you had Norton

on your computer !? Recommend you run the "Norton Removal Tool" which is available

at www.majorgeeks.com/Norton[uRemoval[/u]ToolSymNRTd4749.html]

6) Ad-Aware SE Personal - Lavasoft stopped updating this program yrs ago;

recommend you uninstall it .

7) Spybot S&D 1.4 - This outdated program has NOT been a top performer for quite some

time and is similar to Ad-Aware . Recommend you unistall it since you now have

Malwarebytes Anti-Malware and SUPERAntiSpyware, which now are better .

8) Mozilla Firefox 0.8 - Should you have this "old" version when you have Version 3.0.7 !?

9) Desktop Doctor - appears to be "connected to Comcast !? IF they are NOT your ISP,

should uninstall it . IF Comcast is your ISP, consider the Info at

[http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/lofiversion/index.php/t171845.html] .

10) GoToMyPc - this appears to be "remote control software" !? Unless someone is

helping you fix a problem on your computer and wants to help WITHOUT coming to

WHERE the computer is, I recommend this be uninstalled .

[ROSWELLCHICK]

Good Morning, SpiritWind, I will implement all of these changes today. I truly appreciate your advice and expertise. I am especially grateful that you all take time out of your busy schedules to share your vast knowledge with the community. Thank you very much!

[SpiritWind]

Hi :

I have several "other" things I would like you to give serious consideration :

1) Although the 73 "Adware/Tracking Cookies" that SUPERAntiSpyware detected and later

"deleted" are NOT a serious security Issue, they do "spy" on WHAT you are doing . IF you

are interested in vastly reducing those "type" of Cookies, I recommend the FREE

"Spywareblaster" program from www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html .

There is a "Tutorial" on this program at [http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial49.html] .

It has Updates about once every 2 weeks .

2) I saw no indication that you have a software Firewall on your computer !? Since the

built-in Windows Operating System One is considered "deficient" ( it only protects one way),

I recommend you install a "Free" One like Zone Alarm, Sunbelt Kerio, etc , that are

available at [http://www.filehippo.com/software/firewalls/] . I recommend you avoid Comodo.

IF you do install a software firewall, you should "test" it by running the FREE "Shields Up"

program at [http://www.grc.com/] . IF successful, you then "disable" the Windows firewall .

3) The more "Toolbars" someone has on their computer, the more a computer "slows

down" ; how necessary are those Google and MSN "Toolbar(s)" !?

4) The MSN Messenger is the 2nd worse Instant Messenger ( only AOL's is worse ) when

it comes to security . I use the much more secure Yahoo Instant Messenger. Might want

to look into "Trillian" from [http://www.ceruleanstudios.com/] and/or "Pidgin" from

[http://www.pidgin.im/] .