Huge Problem with SD: CPU HOG!

[arindamc]

First, my system specs:

Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
2.53 gigahertz Intel Pentium 4
16 kilobyte primary memory cache
256 kilobyte secondary memory cache
2040 Megabytes Installed Memory
c: (FAT32 on drive 0) 26.20 GB 9.17 GB free
d: (FAT32 on drive 0) 13.78 GB 1.68 GB free

Virus Protection

Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus Version Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus
Realtime File Scanning Off. Kernel mode enabled.

Norton AntiVirus Version 16.2.0.7 Realtime File Scanning On

Windows Firewall ON

This issue is primarily with SD version 6. Earlier, it used to play very well with Norton; I know this because I am running both products side by side for years. At worst, my CPU usage would shoot up by 80% but never at 100% that too always as it is happening at present.:mad:

The issue currently is that: as long as my PC is running, its RAM is at 100% with the mind-blowing fan sound and even a shrill sound coming out from the processor. It seems as if I am running a factory consisting of loud of machines running all over instead of a simple Desktop :D. BUT I am happy as long as the fan sound is there for if it ever stops, that means DISASTER for me: my PC would boot up unexpectedly and then take a long time to startup.

Like I mentioned at the top, I am using plenty of RAM at 2GB (I upgraded my RAM only because of SD as I hoped this would fix the issue). I also have Google Desktop running besides SD and NAV. It is no secret that all three of them are major resource hogs so it is a kind of "either" "or" situation for me (Norton has improved with the 2009 version as it uses less than 20% RAM, as compared to the previous versions, so I hope it is no longer a system hog )

To nab the culprit, I installed Process installer. I decided to run some tests. I first closed the Google Desktop program. It didn't make much difference in RAM. Next I shut down my SD. Immediately my RAM shot down to just 15-40%. Next, I again started Google Desktop and again my RAM shot up at 100%. No problem. I closed it as I can live without Google Desktop. Now my RAM shot down as usual.

Next, I again started SD and RAM shot up first to 82% then 100%, with SD taking almost 50% of the RAM.

As I said, I can live without GD but I am not sure about SD.

It is true that both Norton and SD has saved me from time to time but recently I have gotten more protection with SD than Norton (maybe SD protected me even before poor Norton got a chance to display its power). Just recently, it helped me identify a trusted program like DAP as a keylogger!! I have been using DAP for years and never thought it was silently logging away my keystrokes. :eek: Even SD couldn't detect it until recently. Besides that, it saves me from many Trojans. Well it even identified Norton Live Update as a Trojan but I have whitelisted it so it is no longer an issue.

As it stands now, I have to choose between PC security and performance. I am partial both to SD and Norton and won't want to remove either of them. Even tried deactivating the antivirus of SD but no big difference in performance. Help pls. I feel like killing my PC :(

My other problem with SD is that everytime the Intelliguard is activated at Startup I get a popup message asking me if I would like to run an intelli-scan. Now sometimes it happens that I start my PC and am away for a few minutes. If I don't click "No" button immediately it starts a scan unexpectedly. Logged a ticket last year on this issue but their suggestion of uninstalling and reinstalling SD didn't help. Heck, I even reinstalled Windows but the problem remains.

But I keep tolerating it because it is a small price to pay for the protection I get from SD. If that RAM issue is solved then I am happy.

Typing this message took me some minutes and as of now my RAM is very low (both SD and GD shut off)

A third problem is that the intelliscan takes too long (this is happening esp. after the March upgrade); it hnags midway, and then freezes, so much so that when I click on the pause or Stop button it won't respond. Killing it with process explorer is the ultimate option I have.

[haapy]

[QUOTE=arindamc;204402]

Here is your first problem. Choose one anti virus.
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus Version Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus
Realtime File Scanning Off. Kernel mode enabled.

Norton AntiVirus Version 16.2.0.7 Realtime File Scanning On

Second, make sure that your virtuial memory is at least 2048 min and max.

The issue currently is that: as long as my PC is running, its RAM is at 100% with the mind-blowing fan sound and even a shrill sound coming out from the processor.

Have your vacuumed out your heat sink? Something often overlooked.

my PC would boot up unexpectedly and then take a long time to startup.

Run Msconfig or CCleaner and cleck your start up programs. You may have many that you do not need.

I also have Google Desktop running besides SD and NAV.

Try uninstalling GDT. you can always re-instgall it.


As it stands now, I have to choose between PC security and performance. I am partial both to SD and Norton and won't want to remove either of them.

Try SD with AV without Norton



Get CCleaner and clean your PC files and registry.

A couple of suggestions to try.

[arindamc]

Thanks happy I appreciate your fast response. As it stands now, I already installed GD using Revo uninstaller and the CPU Usage is hovering between 100%-89%-to just 10%. CRAZY :D

In all cases, SD takes up about 50% to 70% of the available RAM ;)

Yup I already have CC cleaner installed and use it to clean all junk at startup. Too bad it doesn't have the the cleanup at shutdown option, so have to do that manually. Just an hour ago I deleted 200 junk registry keys with CC cleaner. Also I have set FF to auto clean all junk when I close the browser.

I can uninstall Norton. I am not worried about the money I paid for the license but my question is: would I be protected with just SD with AV. Or do u suggest a Norton alternative? IMO relying on a single virus app is not too good because many times I have found that what SD missed out was caught by NAV and vice versa.

Also, I am not in a position to buy a new virus app, so any freebie suggestions are most appreciated.:o


Also,

>>Have your vacuumed out your heat sink?

>>Second, make sure that your virtuial memory is at least 2048 min and max.

How do I do all that? :o

Thanks.


[QUOTE=arindamc;204402]

Here is your first problem. Choose one anti virus.
Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus Version Spyware Doctor with AntiVirus
Realtime File Scanning Off. Kernel mode enabled.

Norton AntiVirus Version 16.2.0.7 Realtime File Scanning On

Second, make sure that your virtuial memory is at least 2048 min and max.

The issue currently is that: as long as my PC is running, its RAM is at 100% with the mind-blowing fan sound and even a shrill sound coming out from the processor.

Have your vacuumed out your heat sink? Something often overlooked.

my PC would boot up unexpectedly and then take a long time to startup.

Run Msconfig or CCleaner and cleck your start up programs. You may have many that you do not need.

I also have Google Desktop running besides SD and NAV.

Try uninstalling GDT. you can always re-instgall it.


As it stands now, I have to choose between PC security and performance. I am partial both to SD and Norton and won't want to remove either of them.

Try SD with AV without Norton



Get CCleaner and clean your PC files and registry.

A couple of suggestions to try.

[haapy]

I can uninstall Norton. I am not worried about the money I paid for the license but my question is: would I be protected with just SD with AV.

Yes, you would.

Or do u suggest a Norton alternative? IMO relying on a single virus app is not too good because many times I have found that what SD missed out was caught by NAV and vice versa.

Also, I am not in a position to buy a new virus app, so any freebie suggestions are most appreciated.:o

You can not have 2 active antivurs programs due to conflicts. If you want additional protections install Avira Antivirus, but disable onguard protection. Use it as a backup standalone sanner for viruses. Install Malwarebytes Antimalware for other malware. Use it as a backup sandalone scanner.

Also,

>>Have your vacuumed out your heat sink?

Power down your PC, unplug the power, press the power button to discharge latent power, open your case and vacuum the dust bunnies, especially over the heat sink. Be careful and do not bump the various parts.


>>Second, make sure that your virtual memory is at least 2048 min and max.
How do I do all that? :o

Right click My Computer, properties, advanced, performance, advanced, virtual memory, change, custom, set initial and max to 2048, click set, click apply and OK all the way out.




Thanks.

[QUOTE=haapy;204405]

I hope that all of the above helps.

[arindamc]

Thanks. Will bite the bullet and give your suggestion a try. What is the worst that cud happen in absence of Norton, anyway :D

I am still not sure how to vaccum the heat sink or whatever, never done it in life so what you say makes no sense. Not ur fault of course; I should have learnt such things but right now I would call the tech guys for that. I only know how to turn power off and on, and of course how to pull the power plug. Never looked beyond the case because the tech guys (who we call upon in case of serious PC probs) strictly instructed us not to open the case and do something there coz we might cause some serious damage to the processor. They may well have said it on purpose or as a precaution, but considering I am a PC noob I shouldn't be getting too adventurous yet.

I have seen on this forum that SD has some compatibility issues with MBAM. Hope this is fixed :)

BTW, I saw in ur sig that you use SD/AV/BG. I can figure out what SD is, but kindly enlighten me on the other two :o

OH and the fan noise is gone. I haven't done anything at all!

I don't visit any bad sites like porn, warez, at all, except maybe by mistake:p So I guess the kind of virus protection you use would be ok for me.

[haapy]

If you do uninstall Norton, I strongly suggest that you:

1. uninstall it
2. go to the Symantec site:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/docid/2005092709200113?Open&src=symsug_us

and run the uninstall program for your product. Norton is notorious for leaving crap behind.

Regarding the heat sink. If your PC is older than 3 years, and if you live in a dusty environment, you need to address this. Heat kills PCs.

[arindamc]

One more thing. You said:

>>If you want additional protections install Avira Antivirus, but disable onguard protection.

Okay, if instead of that, I disable the auto protect function of Norton, would that do? HP recommends only Norton AV so I am afraid some other AV would crash my system.

[arindamc]

Update: I haven't uninstalled Norton yet but CPU usage is only 5-15% now :D

[haapy]

One more thing. You said:

>>If you want additional protections install Avira Antivirus, but disable onguard protection.

Okay, if instead of that, I disable the auto protect function of Norton, would that do? HP recommends only Norton AV so I am afraid some other AV would crash my system.

It might. Hp is in bed with Norton.. just hype. No reputable AV will crash your system. It is just that 2 AVs can not work together.

You have your Norton license code. You have nothing to lose by uninstalling it. You can always re-install it and use your license code, if you so choose. I think that you will find that SD/AV/BG will be plenty good for you. I do not work for PCT, I am just pleased with the tools that I and my clients use.

[arindamc]

Ok disabled Norton auto protect now and am going to monitor the CPU usage. Hopefully this would put an end to my woes.

One problem still remains:


My other problem with SD is that everytime the Intelliguard is activated at Startup I get a popup message asking me if I would like to run an intelli-scan. Now sometimes it happens that I start my PC and am away for a few minutes. If I don't click "No" button immediately it starts a scan unexpectedly. Logged a ticket last year on this issue but their suggestion of uninstalling and reinstalling SD didn't help. Heck, I even reinstalled Windows but the problem remains.

In the "Advanced Settings" tab I see two options:

1. Intelliguard tools to display popup alert windows (checked)

2. Do not show messages and alerts from PC tools (unchecked)

I guess the issue is with either of these two options. Any help is appreciated :)

[haapy]

In the "Advanced Settings" tab I see two options:

1. Intelliguard tools to display popup alert windows (checked)

2. Do not show messages and alerts from PC tools (unchecked)

I guess the issue is with either of these two options. Any help is appreciated :)

Those options are correct. I am puzzled by:

My other problem with SD is that everytime the Intelliguard is activated at Startup I get a popup message asking me if I would like to run an intelli-scan. Now sometimes it happens that I start my PC and am away for a few minutes. If I don't click "No" button immediately it starts a scan unexpectedly.

Intelliguard is activated once, should stay activated and should show on the status page.

The only thing that I can think of is some sort of conflict with Norton. I have had weird behaviors with SD and Norton (even uninstalled) until I went to the Symantec web site and ran the Norton uninstall tool, after that all was good.

I do not want to bash another product, but if you want to go with SD, and see if we can resolve the last problem, I urge you to uninstall, Norton and run the Norton uninstall tool. As I said before, you can always re-install it if you wish.

I strongly believe in SD/AV/BG with Avira and Malwarebytes as backup scanners. Been doing this for a long time with no adverse effects.

[Phenom]

I tested SD with the AV and it still a resource hog:(

[Bsqrd]

I have the same problem with SD and Norton on two machines running Vista. I do not have AV as I have Norton 360. Only recently have they decided not to play well together. Both machines have taken over ten minutes to boot and one has taken to freezing up at boot. I have disabled SD on both machines and have seen a dramatic difference in boot times and speed. I hate to do this because of the great reviews SD has received but I guess I will count this as a learning experience. Until Pctools can work out the conflicts I will uninstall SD. :(

[AChen]

Hi Guys,

Many thanks for the info. We are currently investigating this issue with SD and Norton and will see what we come across.

[RC-Bruin]

I downloaded the lastest version of the Spyware Doctor w/AV and I don't have any other Anti-Virus running. This new version just takes up all the resources and locks up my laptop. I did not have this problem with the previous versions.

It seems that it's the PctsSvc.exe file takes up 80-90% of the CPU for some reason.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[haapy]

Try clearing your internet cookies, history and temp files. See if that helps.

[arindamc]

You tell me that. I do it daily with CCcleaner and Revo, but have not seen any reverse in SD's memory hogging habit :D

Here is what I recommend to RC-Bruin: disable the Cookie Guard and see if that helps. I know it has helped me. BUT you have to set Firefox to clear all private data when you close FF.

Cookie guard DOES protect you from cookies; only if it used a bit less RAM ... ;)

Anyways, per your advice a few posts above I have removed Norton. So far I don't see any improvement in performance but I would give SD a few more days. Right now SD+AV is the only security tool running; I am yet to install Avira and MBAM

Oh yeah, regarding Behavior guard: do I need to disable it because I already have TF running at background. Or should I keep Behaviour guard and get rid of TF (I see no way of doing that). Let me know. :)

On a sidenote, I guess SD even blocks cookies from this forum, coz each time I finish writing a post, I am asked to login again ;)


Try clearing your internet cookies, history and temp files. See if that helps.

[RC-Bruin]

I've cleared all that stuff and Spyware Doctor still ties up most of the CPU. I'm hoping to solve the problem without turning off any of the guards in place from Spyware Doctor. I've always had those on before and never had a problem. I'm currently using IE8, don't know if that makes a difference.

[haapy]

Oh yeah, regarding Behavior guard: do I need to disable it because I already have TF running at background. Or should I keep Behaviour guard and get rid of TF (I see no way of doing that). Let me know. :)
;)


You will see Threatfire running an it is rolled into SD as Behavior guard. All is good. If you do not have a ThreatFire icon in your information tray, then the standalone Threat Fire is not running, Behavior Guard is. And since you can not remove Threat Fire (the standalone program) I assume from add/remove programs, you do not have it installed.:)

[haapy]

There is one thing to try. I have found that many program (Norton, Avast, McAfee etc.) leave driver behind that keep getting installed at boot time. By removing these, for sure you will improve your boot time and maybe your performance issue.

This is all about removing hidden device drivers.

Create a System Restore point.

Use Device manager to find hidden plug and play devices. You must perform the following procedure first

Before you do the following procedure check the Windows Services to make sure no old services are still active. Many software utilities do a very bad job of uninstalling. This is in Administrator Tools.

In order to show hidden devices:

1. Right click My Computer and Select Properties
2. Click Advanced tab
3. Click Environment Variables
4. Below the bottom Environment Variables window pane (System Variables), click New
5. For Variable Name, enter devmgr_show_nonpresent_devices
6. For Variable Value enter 1
7. Click OK. OK to close My Computer

Now re-open Device Manager, click on View, select show hidden devices from the menu. Most of the orphans will be in non-plug and play drivers and the icons will appear grayed out. You can right click the grayed out driver and click uninstall.

[RC-Bruin]

The CPU is still running at 100% when all the guards are on for Spyware Doctor. Is it possible to go back to the previous version of the program? I had no problems with that one. Is it possible for one of the moderators to provide a link to a download for the previous version?

Thanks.

[GoneToPlaid]

RC-Bruin,

I just sent you a PM.

:)