Computer slow - lockups etc. Solution

[glenn kangiser]

Looks like you are pretty well into computers too, Peter.

I can say, now that I think about it, that I never see Mac people who really get into the guts and tinker with their computers.

[Ernest T. Bass]

You have some valid points there... If it suits you. I've never completely dissected a chainsaw either, but it's still a tool I use day in and day out. And a good chainsaw doesn't lock up every time it's used, regardless of the operator.

I'm also an amateur filmmaker, and appreciate the Mac's video and graphics capabilities..

[Redoverfarm]

OK I know nothing about computers because they don't have a square or circular saw installed.  What about "defragging" your computer.  We tried to set our up to automatically do this a couple years ago and I don't think the thing ever did complete the automatic task.  Is it a vital function or just hype of the computer junkies that always have a solution for your problems.  I am asking this honestly and I really don't know.

[MountainDon]

Re: defragging
IF you are using an NTFS disk you don't need to worry so much about this. Most XP machines will be using XP. Not sure about Vista; probably, it has advantages. Go into "My Computer", right click a drive, select properties, and the next window will tell you what file system is in use.

Going 'way back', the smart thing IBM did was to use open architecture, whereas Apple was a closed shop. Being open let every Tom, Dick and Harry try to outdo the other in innovations. That led directly to the overwhelming superior numbers of PC's vs Apples/Mac's. Who knows how Macs new Intel chips will affect their rise in popularity?

I have a friend, long time PC user who still has a high end PC, but also runs a Mac for his video editing. 

[Redoverfarm]

OK What does "FAT32" tell anyone in the C drive properties.

[MountainDon]

That's the file system that PC have used for a long time... Win98 and earlier  [FAT = File Allocation Table] I don't recall. FAT32 should be defragged every so often, more so if you are the sort of user who tries out a lot of software and then uninstalls it.

A FAT32 XP system can be changed to NTFS, but before doing so all important data should be backed up for certain. I don't know if I would recommend the switch to anyone who is not comfortable diddling with their PC.

FAT vs. NTFS comaprison info HERE

[Erin]

Because they are so automated, when there is a program or application that it doesn't understand, you are in TROUBLE.

  I've never had trouble tearing into mine...  (Of course I haven't tried with my mini because they are designed to be a closed box, but the rest of them aren't an issue). 
My mom is often tearing into the guts of the assorted Macs she's had, for either fun or necessity...

For that matter, my kid brother (a computer geek for Google) would be quite surprised to hear this also... 

[glenn kangiser]

Well -- I think I found the solution to my lockups.  None for 2 days now.

It was a Microsoft update of svchost a long time ago.  They were aware of the problem but it took them a long time to get a fix and apparently I never got it.

http://forum.sysinternals.com/printer_friendly_posts.asp?TID=9326
Troubleshooting: Help with svchost.exe

If you have this problem and don't like a lot of reading it eventually directs you here for the two things to do to fix this problem  --- if you get the same one.

http://msmvps.com/blogs/thenakedmvp/archive/2007/05/06/wsus-v3-the-final-fix-for-the-svchost-issue.aspx

[MountainDon]

    

[glenn kangiser]

Seems I did one more thing as I was able to recreate the problem.

I have a program called TUT - The Ultimate Troubleshooter.  I had also turned off wuauclt - the Windows Automatic Updates and will do manual updates per TUT's advice.  When I turned them back on, the problem came back.

TUT has a feature that will Suspend, Terminate and Delete a task.  wuauclt was made mandatory in later Windows fixes and it has to be turned off - TUT is the only thing I found that does that. 

The above fixes don't seem to work with updates turned on.  As soon as I told automatic update to notify me, it locked up again.

Seems if it is not a virus, it is a very problematic MS program. 

More info.  http://www.neuber.com/taskmanager/process/wuauclt.exe.html

[glenn kangiser]

Note that if you have this problem, wuauclt (windows update automatic update client) reinstalls itself at every boot up.  TUT is still the only way I have found to remove it.  After shutting it down after bootup, it does not reload on hibernate and is not a problem until the next bootup whereupon it must be Suspended, Terminated and Deleted by TUT to keep the computer from locking up.  Microsoft......... hmm 

[MountainDon]

THIS WEBSITE was just recommended by one of the PC related newsletters I subscribe to.

It was highly recommended in relation to completely uninstalling some programs, like Symantec and McAfee anti virus products, as well as others.

[glenn kangiser]

Good one, Don.  Thanks.

I am currently doing as last listed above.  Close down wuauclt and things are just peachy.