Too Many Programs

Hello, my computer is quite slow. I wonder if I have too many things on it opening each time I use it. I also have no sound currently. I was sent to this forum by the virus forum where they helped me remove some viruses. They really helped me a lot and then I ran a registry cleaner I had which undid somethings I think. Anyway I have removed the registry cleaner. I would really love to hear any suggestions you might have to improve my computer's performance. Thank you in advance. Here is my latest highjackthis.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 6:42:28 PM, on 7/2/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v8.00 (8.00.6001.18702)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Defender\MsMpEng.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb12.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\wscntfy.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\hijackgpthis.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=Q304&bd=pavilion&pf=desktop
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.comcast.net/comcast.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=Q304&bd=pavilion&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = :0
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: AVG Security Toolbar BHO - {A3BC75A2-1F87-4686-AA43-5347D756017C} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\Toolbar\IEToolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: HP view - {B2847E28-5D7D-4DEB-8B67-05D28BCF79F5} - c:\program files\hp\digital imaging\bin\hpdtlk02.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AVG Security Toolbar - {CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\Toolbar\IEToolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb12.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\GPhotos.scr/200
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add To HP Organize... - C:\PROGRA~1\HEWLET~1\HPORGA~1\bin\core.hp.main\SendTo.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {5EF06782-55B2-4DF3-A57A-3FE8F1D2A181} (PPMDForms.Forms) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/ppmdforms.cab
O16 - DPF: {67A5F8DC-1A4B-4D66-9F24-A704AD929EEE} -
O16 - DPF: {6A6E7E91-B6EB-46B5-A545-12B8EDDD261E} (AMDSControls50.XGroupCategory) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/amdscontrols50.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1228970026765
O16 - DPF: {9602B3CE-BC91-417D-B4FD-F6538C2ABB3B} (AMDSWSCheck.WSCheck) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/amdswscheck.cab
O16 - DPF: {B15C3921-CCFA-4403-9E6F-4470839E835E} (Leadtools.XLead) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/leadtools.cab
O16 - DPF: {CC99A86F-EA5D-414A-8231-7C3F1B10A644} (AMDSAudio.XAudio) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/amdsaudio.cab
O16 - DPF: {EE8CEFA4-1F91-11D4-B31E-00C04F1D37E6} (PPMDVBDownload.XShowReady) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/ppmdvbdownload.cab
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe

--
End of file - 5650 bytes

Hello,

I don't see any unnecessary programs in your HijackThis log so it's nothing malware removal, the startup items are also minimal.

To speed up your computer, you can uninstall whatever software you do not need and perform a disk defragment. Or you could add extra RAM to your computer.

I successfully loaded hippfile.com which advised of many updates. When I try to update Quicktime, it tells me the network resource it needs is unavailable. Then it says the older version of Quicktime cannot be removed. When I try to update itunes I have the same problem. How do I remove the older version?

Also, I don't use Internet Explorer 7 but my control panel doesn't allow me to delete it.

IE is essential for Window User.Delete it does not give you much space.

You can try cleaning tool like Ccleaner can remove many Junk files from your PC.

Thank you for the information. Should I download the IE update to IE8? I downloaded Ccleaner and it deleted a lot of stuff but I don't see any improvement in speed. What is l.yimg.com? I have a yahoo news page bookmarked that when I try to open now it gets stuck and says trying to transfer data for l.yimg.com. If I remove the yahoo toolbar will that help? I also can't update adobe, quicktime and real player. I really appreciate all your advice and I am anxious to hear any recommendations you may have. Thanks again.

l.yimg.com is the domain where Yahoo hosts their images, sometimes they have problems loading and so the site stops loading there, so I don't think removing the toolbar will help.

As for updating, do you get any error messages?

I don't know if Ccleaner was a good idea. I ran it and things are slower than ever. I know on the geekpolice virus forum I was told registry cleaners usually weren't good. I feel like I've taken a big step backwards in speeding up my computer. It seems like yahoo often is having problems loading things from their domain on my computer. The error message I got trying to update Quicktime was that I was unable to remove former versions. I welcome any ideas you might have to improve my system.
Here is the latest highjackthis.
Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 3:16:50 PM, on 7/12/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16850)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb12.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\filehippo.com\UpdateChecker.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\Personal Firewall\SbPFLnch.exe
C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\Personal Firewall\SbPFSvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\Personal Firewall\SbPFCl.exe
C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Desktop\hijackgpthis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.comcast.net/comcast.html
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Bar = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iesearch&locale=EN_US&c=Q304&bd=pavilion&pf=desktop
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyServer = :0
R3 - URLSearchHook: AVG Security Toolbar BHO - {A3BC75A2-1F87-4686-AA43-5347D756017C} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\Toolbar\IEToolbar.dll
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - *{CFBFAE00-17A6-11D0-99CB-00C04FD64497} - (no file)
R3 - URLSearchHook: (no name) - *{A26503FE-B3B8-4910-A9DC-9CBD25C6B8D6} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Adobe PDF Reader Link Helper - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: AVG Security Toolbar BHO - {A3BC75A2-1F87-4686-AA43-5347D756017C} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\Toolbar\IEToolbar.dll
O3 - Toolbar: HP view - {B2847E28-5D7D-4DEB-8B67-05D28BCF79F5} - c:\program files\hp\digital imaging\bin\hpdtlk02.dll
O3 - Toolbar: AVG Security Toolbar - {CCC7A320-B3CA-4199-B1A6-9F516DD69829} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\Toolbar\IEToolbar.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HPDJ Taskbar Utility] C:\WINDOWS\system32\spool\drivers\w32x86\3\hpztsb12.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Ad-Watch] C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWTray.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [filehippo.com] "C:\Program Files\filehippo.com\UpdateChecker.exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [msnmsgr] "C:\Program Files\Windows Live\Messenger\msnmsgr.exe" /background
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add to Google Photos Screensa&ver - res://C:\WINDOWS\system32\GPhotos.scr/200
O8 - Extra context menu item: Add To HP Organize... - C:\PROGRA~1\HEWLET~1\HPORGA~1\bin\core.hp.main\SendTo.html
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI1933~1\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {5EF06782-55B2-4DF3-A57A-3FE8F1D2A181} (PPMDForms.Forms) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/ppmdforms.cab
O16 - DPF: {67A5F8DC-1A4B-4D66-9F24-A704AD929EEE} -
O16 - DPF: {6A6E7E91-B6EB-46B5-A545-12B8EDDD261E} (AMDSControls50.XGroupCategory) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/amdscontrols50.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1228970026765
O16 - DPF: {9602B3CE-BC91-417D-B4FD-F6538C2ABB3B} (AMDSWSCheck.WSCheck) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/amdswscheck.cab
O16 - DPF: {B15C3921-CCFA-4403-9E6F-4470839E835E} (Leadtools.XLead) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/leadtools.cab
O16 - DPF: {CC99A86F-EA5D-414A-8231-7C3F1B10A644} (AMDSAudio.XAudio) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/amdsaudio.cab
O16 - DPF: {EE8CEFA4-1F91-11D4-B31E-00C04F1D37E6} (PPMDVBDownload.XShowReady) - https://app.advancedmd.com/practicemanager/ppmdcontrols/ppmdvbdownload.cab
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O18 - Protocol: skype4com - {FFC8B962-9B40-4DFF-9458-1830C7DD7F5D} - C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Skype\SKYPE4~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: AVG Free8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: Lavasoft Ad-Aware Service - Lavasoft - C:\Program Files\Lavasoft\Ad-Aware\AAWService.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: SbPF.Launcher - Sunbelt Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\Personal Firewall\SbPFLnch.exe
O23 - Service: Sunbelt Personal Firewall 4 (SPF4) - Sunbelt Software, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Sunbelt Software\Personal Firewall\SbPFSvc.exe

--
End of file - 6928 bytes

Hello,

We do not need the HijackThis log any more as this is currently not malware related. Right now, let's try to clear your browser's cache. Open Firefox >> Tools >> Clear Private Data (Clear Recent History in FF3.5) >> Check Cache and Cookies. Restart Firefox and see if it solves the problem.

As for Quick Time, can you try uninstalling and reinstalling it see if it works?

So, I cleared everything in recent history of firefox. There was no cache or cookies to check. No real change in speed and in fact when I go to the geekpolice site it starts to load and then stops with the green progress part almost full and I have to hardboot. In fact, I am sending this message from my computer at work.

When I try to remove Quick Time the Sunbelt firewall symbol flashes for a split second and then doesn't do anything. Thank you for all your help. I look forward to hearing any other advice you might have.

Hello,

There should be an option to check cache and cookies, could you send me a screenshot of what you see in the Clear Private Data or Clear Recent History windows?

I do have firefox 3.5. So I have the clear recent history option. I discovered that if I click on the details button if shows me boxes of things to delete so I did clear cache, cookies and the history. Any other ideas? It takes my computer at least 5 minutes to start up. I can hear it churning away before I can even attempt to get into firefox. Thank you.

Hello,

There doesn't seem to be anything causing it to slow down.

Computers may slow down gradually over time if you install softwares etc. If you wish to get the speed back, a reinstall of Windows will definitely do the trick.