Assuming malware 'cuz PC Laptop slowing down again

[Ed_M1]

It's slowed to the point that it's extremely frustrating to use the internet, and somewhat frustrating to try to quickly do anything.

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Hello,


FRST reports aren't properly generated. Let's run this tool again:

Scan with Farbar Recovery Scan Tool

Please re-run Farbar Recovery Scan Tool to give me a fresh look at your system.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
  (XP users click run after receipt of Windows Security Warning - Open File).
• Make sure that Addition option is checked.
• Press Scan button and wait.
• The tool will produce two logfiles on your desktop: FRST.txt and Addition.txt.

Please include their content into your next reply.

 

[Ed_M1]

OK. New files attached.

Question: Is it ok that this error message pops up every time I run FRST?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Nothing important, I have complete reports now.

Scan with ZOEK

Please download ZOEK by Smeenk and save it to your desktop (preferred version is the *.exe one)
Temporary disable your AntiVirus and AntiSpyware protection - instructions here.

• Right-click on
  
  icon and select
  
  Run as Administrator to start the tool.
• Wait patiently until the main console will appear, it may take a minute or two.
• In the main box please paste in the following script:
  

  createsrpoint;
  autoclean;
  emptyalltemp;
  ipconfig /flushdns;b

• Make sure that Scan All Users option is checked.
• Push Run Script and wait patiently. The scan may take a couple of minutes.
• When the scan completes, a zoek-results logfile should open in notepad.
• If a reboot is needed, it will be opened after it. You may also find it at your main drive (usually C:\ drive)

Post its content into your next reply.

 

[Ed_M1]

The zoek-results.txt file is attached

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

Good. How is your PC behaving now?

 

[Ed_M1]

I'll have to observe a while. It does seem to be having fewer slow-down moments, but since the behavior was not happening consistently all the time, I can't be sure. Keep this thread open another couple of days and I'll have a better idea.

Can I know what it was that has changed? Did one of the things I ran actually DO something?

Also, I'd like to get help understanding what all is running. I have programs running that I don't know anything about, but am not sure if they are important or not. Would cleaning that up help? Is there anything else I can do to help performance?

 

[TwinHeadedEagle]

You have only basic programs needed, so I don't think anything should be removed. Also, I can give you some readings to keep your PC in good shape.