system slow - mouse/graphics/sound hangs

Question

Hi everyone, Since march i have had a Dimension XPS Gen 4: Pentium 4, 3.20GHz, 1.00 G of Ram. Win XP SP2. I use Norton Antivirus along with Norton Internet Security. Since I received it - or at least from early on i've noticed a problem, which is only intermittent, and there seems to be no correlation between what programmes are running and whether the problem is occurring. However, sometimes it snaps out of it if i launch something like a film in media player.   When the problem does take place the symptoms are: -mouse pointer hangs as moving it across the screen -stutters in recorded sound. When i'm playing music it doesn't seem to occur - but if i listen back to something i've recorded there are stutters. -graphics hang (in fact this may be cause of the mouse appearing to hang). For example, if i'm listening to music with windows media player, the images don't refresh as often as they should.   I have checked i have all the most recent drivers and as well as the antivirus protection i use Spybot and and Spyware blaster. I have also run hack it (see below) but to my admittedly novice eye i can't really spot anything wrong.   My gut instinct is that the problem is provoked by some background application running and using a lot of processor memory - although given this is supposed to be a pretty powerful machine i'm surprised that it can't cope with this extra application.   Any comments or advice would be greatly appreciated.   Thanks, John       Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1 Scan saved at 14:19:13, on 20/05/2005 Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600) MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP2 (6.00.2900.2180) 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\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\EPSON\EBAPI\eEBSVC.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaantmon.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Microsoft Shared\VS7Debug\mdm.exe C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus
avapsvc.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32
vsvc32.exe C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaanotif.exe C:\Program Files\Intel\Modem Event Monitor\IntelMEM.exe C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE2.0\OpwareSE2.exe C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Real\Update_OBealsched.exe C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTHELPER.EXE C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe C:\Program Files\Logitech\MouseWare\system\em_exec.exe C:\Program Files\SlySoft\AnyDVD\AnyDVD.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla	fswctrl.exe C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe C:\PROGRA~1\DELLSU~1\DSAgnt.exe C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe C:\Documents and Settings\John\Bureau\HijackThis.exe R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.euro.dell.com/countries/fr/fra/gen/default.htm R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://192.168.5.1/ServicesAcces.html R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings,ProxyOverride = localhost R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Toolbar,LinksFolderName = Liens O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 6.0\Reader\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\Program Files\Spybot - Search & Destroy\SDHelper.dll O2 - BHO: DriveLetterAccess - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla	fswshx.dll O2 - BHO: Web assistant - {9ECB9560-04F9-4bbc-943D-298DDF1699E1} - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\AdBlocking\NISShExt.dll O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll O2 - BHO: NAV Helper - {BDF3E430-B101-42AD-A544-FADC6B084872} - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar1.dll O3 - Toolbar: Web assistant - {0B53EAC3-8D69-4b9e-9B19-A37C9A5676A7} - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\AdBlocking\NISShExt.dll O3 - Toolbar: Norton AntiVirus - {42CDD1BF-3FFB-4238-8AD1-7859DF00B1D6} - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\NavShExt.dll O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IAAnotif] C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaanotif.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IntelMeM] C:\Program Files\Intel\Modem Event Monitor\IntelMEM.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDLauncher] 'C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdateManager] 'C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe' /r O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BuildBU] c:\dell\bldbubg.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zBrowser Launcher] C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OpwareSE2] 'C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE2.0\OpwareSE2.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EPSON Stylus C82 Series] C:\WINDOWS\System32\spool\DRIVERS\W32X86\3\E_S10IC2.EXE /P23 'EPSON Stylus C82 Series' /O6 'USB001' /M 'Stylus C82' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] 'C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Real\Update_OBealsched.exe'  -osboot O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe /r O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDET] 'C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ccApp] 'C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccApp.exe' O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [URLLSTCK.exe] C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\UrlLstCk.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Symantec NetDriver Monitor] C:\PROGRA~1\SYMNET~1\SNDMon.exe /Consumer O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] 'C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe' -atboottime O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /install O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AnyDVD] C:\Program Files\SlySoft\AnyDVD\AnyDVD.exe O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dla] C:\WINDOWS\system32\dla	fswctrl.exe O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [CTFMON.EXE] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [LDM] \Program\BackWeb-8876480.exe O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] 'C:\PROGRA~1\DELLSU~1\DSAgnt.exe' /startup O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LDMConf.exe O4 - Global Startup: Microsoft Office.lnk = C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\Office10\OSA.EXE O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xporter vers Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\Office10\EXCEL.EXE/3000 O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin
pjpi150_02.dll O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Console Java (Sun) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin
pjpi150_02.dll O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll 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: {B38870E4-7ECB-40DA-8C6A-595F0A5519FF} (MsnMessengerSetupDownloadControl Class) - http://messenger.msn.com/download/msnmessengersetupdownloader.cab O17 - HKLM\System\CCS\Services\Tcpip\..\{8411C57D-F8F3-4309-957D-604F81ADCC88}: NameServer = 192.168.5.1,192.168.3.1 O23 - Service: Symantec Event Manager (ccEvtMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccEvtMgr.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Network Proxy (ccProxy) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccProxy.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Password Validation (ccPwdSvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccPwdSvc.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Settings Manager (ccSetMgr) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\ccSetMgr.exe O23 - Service: Creative Service for CDROM Access - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\CTsvcCDA.EXE (file missing) O23 - Service: EpsonBidirectionalService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\EPSON\EBAPI\eEBSVC.exe O23 - Service: EPSON Printer Status Agent2 (EPSONStatusAgent2) - SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\EPSON\EBAPI\SAgent2.exe O23 - Service: IAA Event Monitor (IAANTMon) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Intel Application Accelerator\iaantmon.exe O23 - Service: iPod Service (iPodService) - Apple Computer, Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe O23 - Service: Service Norton AntiVirus Auto-Protect (navapsvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus
avapsvc.exe O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32
vsvc32.exe O23 - Service: SAVScan - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Norton Internet Security\Norton AntiVirus\SAVScan.exe O23 - Service: ScriptBlocking Service (SBService) - Symantec Corporation - C:\PROGRA~1\FICHIE~1\SYMANT~1\SCRIPT~1\SBServ.exe O23 - Service: Symantec Network Drivers Service (SNDSrvc) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\SNDSrvc.exe O23 - Service: SymWMI Service (SymWSC) - Symantec Corporation - C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Symantec Shared\Security Center\SymWSC.exe

100mph · Answer

Some useless items...

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_02\bin\jusched.exe - Java updates
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [DVDLauncher] "C:\Program Files\CyberLink\PowerDVD\DVDLauncher.exe" - Plays DVDs upon insertion
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdateManager] "C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Sonic\Update Manager\sgtray.exe" /r - StorageGuard from Veritas
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BuildBU] c:\dell\bldbubg.exe Dell Alerts
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [zBrowser Launcher] C:\Program Files\Logitech\iTouch\iTouch.exe - Configuration of additional keys on their range of multimedia keyboards (used or not?)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Logitech Utility] Logi_MwX.Exe - Additional functionality of Logitech mice/trackballs (used or not?)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [OpwareSE2] "C:\Program Files\ScanSoft\OmniPageSE2.0\OpwareSE2.exe" - OmniPage SE2 (do you need it in startup?)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TkBellExe] "C:\Program Files\Fichiers communs\Real\Update_OB\realsched.exe" -osboot - RealPlayer
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTSysVol] C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\Surround Mixer\CTSysVol.exe /r - Creative sound card volume controls (used or not?)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTDVDDET] "C:\Program Files\Creative\SBAudigy2ZS\DVDAudio\CTDVDDET.EXE" - Auto-detect and play a DVD (used or not?)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CTHelper] CTHELPER.EXE - Soundblaster - Plug-in manager (do you need it in startup?)
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [UpdReg] C:\WINDOWS\UpdReg.EXE - Creative Labs SoundBlaster - Regisration reminder
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe - Speeds up iTunes when it starts
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime - QuickTime
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [LDM] \Program\BackWeb-8876480.exe - Logitech Desktop Messenger - manages the automatic update check
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [DellSupport] "C:\PROGRA~1\DELLSU~1\DSAgnt.exe" /startup - Additional support and update features for your Dell computer or laptop (used or not?)
O4 - Global Startup: Logitech Desktop Messenger.lnk = C:\Program Files\Logitech\Desktop Messenger\8876480\Program\LDMConf.exe - Logitech Desktop Messenger

Good Luck!

John_Belfort · Answer

Hi 100mph,

Many thanks for taking the time to reply: i followed your comments - and there is a noticeable improvement in speed at start-up. Unfortunately the problem is still present... ;-(

Thanks,

John

Mikeo340 · Answer

I have EXACTLY the same problem. I have a Dell 8400. Specs are 3.2Ghz P4 with HT, 200FSB, 1GB RAM, 160HD with 20 Avalible, 256mb nVidia GeForce 6800, Sound Blaster Live. My problem is this. I am not sure what causes this but while using the computer, i notice a big drop in performance. Video refresh slows down, the mouse hangs as you move it across the screen, and audio playback sounds jittery. I have all the latest drivers but just cannot seem to find out what is causing this problem. I feel it is some type of software problem but even when I close most programs and my tray to run bare bones it still happens. Even worse, most times it follows over a reboot so even that does not fix it. It seems to just work perfectly for hours days or even weeks at time and then go on the fritz for hours or days and then works fine again. I have tried different sound cards because initially it always happend with audio playback. That has not fixed the problem. Does anyone have any ideas what could be causing this problem? It is driving me nuts since I can't seem to isolate it and fix it. Another wierd thing to throw in the mix is that normally and when my computer is working perfectly, the CPU usage in Task Manager, says at 2-5%. When it jumps to 12-20% and stays in that range, this problem happens. If you raise the usage by draging a window across the screen to actually increase CPU usage it goes away. Sometimes it goes away as the CPU usage goes back to the <10% range. I am not sure if this has anything to do with it, but it is the only pattern i have been able to identify. Please help, thanks.

John_Belfort · Answer

Hi Mikeo340,

I agree COMPLETELY with the symptoms you describe, particularly the bizarre CPU usage. Sound card wise i have a SB Audigy 2 ZS. Since you're experiencing the same problems with a different card it suggests it's something else, although i tried disabling creative's background programmes (CTSysVol.exe, CTHELPER.EXE see previous message) and it made no difference whatsoever.

I've been contemplating a hard drive format and a reinstall - but i don't want to go down that route until i'm sure i'm not going to reinstall the thing that's causing the problem.

Good luck! Any help appreciated!

Mikeo340 · Answer

I thought that was my only option as well. I think that is a bit extreme though. I defragged yesterday, I ran virus scan and spyware scan. It came back with a couple things so I guess I will see if the problem goes away. So far it as but as you know with the nature of this problem things happen then go away. On another forum someone suggested that you make sure indexing servicies is off. You can check that by going to run then services.msc to verify it is off. In my case it was already off. My instincts tell me however that this is just some software problem which you can isolate and fix. Another suggestion is msconfig and taking things out of startup a few at a time to try and isolate the problem.

100mph · Answer

Are you having similar problems in Safe Mode?

Mikeo340 · Answer

I do not have the same problems in safe mode but the nature of the problem is that it comes and goes without any warning or noticable trigger so it's hard to tell. I am trying to isolate the problem now by turning off services and startup items to see if the problem happens. If it continues I will turn off more until I figure out which is causing the problem and can isolate it. After calling Dell the only other suggestion they had was an OS reinstall which of course I would like to avoid. I am sure now though this is some software problem which will be hard to isolate because it is intermident but eventually I will be able to determine what is the cause of the conflict.

John_Belfort · Answer

Mike340, Have you had any luck? I have been suspicious of Sonic and Logitech software - but removing those made no changes. Thanks in advance!

Abrandoned · Answer

Hi John_Belfort,

Anti-Virus

Tips for using AVG 7.0 at http://www.mvps.org/winhelp2002/avg7.htm by mvps.org on AVG 7.0

If you’re a Windows user you need an Anti-Virus. I do not recommend the current top sellers: Norton Anti-virus or McAfee. They’re bloated and less effective than others. Check any anti-virus before you buy by visiting the independent Virus Bulletin : Independent Anti-virus and Anti-spam Advice at http://www.virusbtn.com/ Any anti-virus you choose should also be certified by the Standards for commercial security products are set by ICSA Labs at http://www.icsalabs.com/ (all the big commercial products are).

* If you can’t afford, or don’t want to buy, an anti-virus program I recommend the Free Version of AVG at http://free.grisoft.com/freeweb.php/doc/2/lng/us/tpl/v5 from Grisoft. It’s fairly accurate but to reduce bloat you might want to turn off the background tasks.

* The best commercial anti-virus is NOD32 at http://www.eset.com/ from Eset. It’s relatively inexpensive and has a 100% effective rating from the Virus Bulletin.

Symantec’s Anti-Virus Research Center at http://sarc.com/ is a good source of virus information. The site also lists hoaxes and offers many free virus removal tools. Most anti-virus companies maintain similar sites. Unfortunately, there’s no standard for virus names, so you may have to look around to find the right page.

* Online Anti-Virus Scanner's

Spyware911- Free Tech Support Virus Scanner's at http://www.spyware911.net/forum/index.php?act=page&pg=virusscan Linked to all of these online virus scanner's. BitDefender, Computer Associates eTrust Antivirus Web Scanner, F-Secure Support pages: F-Secure Online Virus Scanner, Kaspersky, McAfee - Computer Virus Software and Internet Security For Your PC, PandaSoft, TrendMicro, RAV, Symantec Secruity Check

Sygate Online Services (sos) at http://scan.sygate.com/

* Trojans/Worms Online Scanner's Program's

a² free at http://esd.element5.com/affiliate.html?affiliateid=62338&publisherid=34449&target=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.emsisoft.com%2Fen%2Fsoftware%2Ffree%2F%3F

DiamondCS at http://www.diamondcs.com.au/index.php?page=products

Windowsecurity at http://www.windowsecurity.com/trojanscan/

tbsaunders · Answer

i am having this exact same problem.   my machine is an XPS Gen 4, 3.40GHz P4, 1 GB DDR, nVidia GeForce 6800, 320 GB RAID 0 setup, SB Audigy 2ZS, running XP Pro, firefox and mcafee. a machine this fast should never lag/studder as it does, and as you guys say you are experiencing.   in addition to the mouse hanging up and the windows start/shut down sound hanging up, i was having problems with mp3s skipping/lagging, so i thought my files were corrupt (as they were recently recovered from a click-clicking hard drive) so i deleted them and re-ripped my cd collection. same problem. then i thought it might be winamp, so i went to an older version of winamp. same problem. went through the start-up programs countless times and became addicted to watching the performance monitor and trying to figure out what was hoggging all my system resources. nothing shows up, and problem keeps occuring.  i thought it might be any of the myriad of some software that i had downloaded and installed, so i got so fed up with it and (just last night) did a complete drive format and reinstalled windows...same problem.   BUT the problem didnt' show up until i tried to install JAVA this morning before i came to work. so that leads me to think it was sun's java that did it.   this is a major problem, as a machine this fast shouldn't have issues like this. i've tried to call dell support, but after staying on the hold for 30-45 mins (and have you heard that annoying new hold music - it's like they WANT you to hang up) got fed up and hung up.   help??

John_Belfort · Answer

Hi everyone,

I recently reinstalled XP SP2 to try and eliminate the problem. While doing so the hard drive packed up - dell installed a new one for me 2 days later, so i really started again from scratch. Following tbsaunders' comments i didn't install sun's java, but have nonetheless experienced the problem. Given that other people are experiencing this, with different os and antivirus software i think we can eliminate a lot of possibilities. This is not a spyware etc problem, and i doubt a problem from software that has been installed. I suspect something like a processor driver... If i can find a previous version with which I don't experience the problem I'll let you know.

When I first experienced this problem I called dell and the only thing that they could suggest was a system restore. I think we can all agree that the problem is related to something more fundamental.

I find this situation intolerable: as others have mentioned this seriously affects, among other things, sound which is very annoying - particularly so as i bought this "high-spec" machine to use for audio and video. Although dell's after-sales service is pretty good (since march i've had the sound card and hard drive replaced 36 hours after experiencing a problem) i don't see how i could advise a friend to buy a dell on the basis of my machine's performance.

Any help gratefully received,

John

tbsaunders · Answer

this problem still hadn't gone away for me, so...

after reading John_Belfort's comments where he mentioned 'processor drivers' i began to dig around intel's website, and eventually found my way to dell's support page. i upgraded my bios to dell version A06 and this seems to have solved my problem - for now. as soon as the machine rebooted after flashing the bios i noticed a massive change in system response.

the file name is DXPS3A06.exe, and if you search support.dell.com for the filename you should have no trouble finding it. i don't know why i didn't think of this earlier - my bios was two versions behind - A04.

hopefully i will continue to notice the improvement in the coming days - maybe this is the solution. if so, i just wish i had done this before i went to all the trouble of reformatting - twice. i'll let you know in a few weeks if this truly does fix the problem.

Message Edited by tbsaunders on 07-06-2005 11:44 PM

John_Belfort · Answer

Thanks for the suggestion tbsaunders. I've upgraded my bios - but am still encountering the problem!!!

Have you found it comes back too? What about you Mikeo340?

Have also loaded the most recent "Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility" chipset utility available on the dell site - didn't make any difference...

Any help appreciated!!

Windows General

system slow - mouse/graphics/sound hangs

Was this post helpful?