computer freezes during scan (be it Windows Defender, Anti-virus, or SFC/scannow)

Hi everybody,

This friend of mine has real problem with her laptop (Vista sp1).

it was first noticed when her anti-virus did a scheduled scan. The
anti-virus program hung whilst scanning the System32 folder.

I tried with Windows Defender. Same thing, it hangs after a while.

I de-activated her anti-virus program (forgot the name. Not a well known
brand) and downloaded/installed Avast, to no avail. it also hangs whilst
scanning the System32 folder.

I also tried to scan using SFC/scannow. The PC freezes at 68 % of the scan.

I tried these different manipulation in safe mode. Same results.

and everytime, the PC Freezes and I am obliged to do a hard stop/restart.

I am stuck. I just don't know what to try next, or what to look for.

any clue, suggestion, magic potion ?

many thanks in advanc efor your time and kind help.

Best rgds,
Daniel

Daniel wrote:
> Hi everybody,
>
> This friend of mine has real problem with her laptop (Vista sp1).
>
> it was first noticed when her anti-virus did a scheduled scan. The
> anti-virus program hung whilst scanning the System32 folder.
>
> I tried with Windows Defender. Same thing, it hangs after a while.
>
> I de-activated her anti-virus program (forgot the name. Not a well known
> brand) and downloaded/installed Avast, to no avail. it also hangs whilst
> scanning the System32 folder.
>
> I also tried to scan using SFC/scannow. The PC freezes at 68 % of the scan.
>
> I tried these different manipulation in safe mode. Same results.
>
> and everytime, the PC Freezes and I am obliged to do a hard stop/restart.
>
> I am stuck. I just don't know what to try next, or what to look for.
>
> any clue, suggestion, magic potion ?
>
> many thanks in advanc efor your time and kind help.

scan with an online scanner...

<http://housecall.trendmicro.com/>

scan for rootkit...

<http://www.recipester.org/Recipe:Use_Rootkit_Revealer_to_look_for_rootkits_3 1708842>

Many thks, Mr Arnold for your quick answer.

I will try these 2 methods.

(FYI I also tried the Symantec online scan... it also freezes after a while)

tks again and brgds
Daniel



"Mr. Arnold" <> a écrit dans le message de groupe de
discussion : #6y#...
> Daniel wrote:
>> Hi everybody,
>>
>> This friend of mine has real problem with her laptop (Vista sp1).
>>
>> it was first noticed when her anti-virus did a scheduled scan. The
>> anti-virus program hung whilst scanning the System32 folder.
>>
>> I tried with Windows Defender. Same thing, it hangs after a while.
>>
>> I de-activated her anti-virus program (forgot the name. Not a well known
>> brand) and downloaded/installed Avast, to no avail. it also hangs whilst
>> scanning the System32 folder.
>>
>> I also tried to scan using SFC/scannow. The PC freezes at 68 % of the
>> scan.
>>
>> I tried these different manipulation in safe mode. Same results.
>>
>> and everytime, the PC Freezes and I am obliged to do a hard
>> stop/restart.
>>
>> I am stuck. I just don't know what to try next, or what to look for.
>>
>> any clue, suggestion, magic potion ?
>>
>> many thanks in advanc efor your time and kind help.
>
> scan with an online scanner...
>
> <http://housecall.trendmicro.com/>
>
> scan for rootkit...
>
> <http://www.recipester.org/Recipe:Use_Rootkit_Revealer_to_look_for_rootkits_3 1708842>

Try this

Pres the Windows KEY + R

Type: -msconfig

Select the Services Ta

Check the box entitled, "Hide all Microsoft Services

Click "Disable All

Click Appl

Go back and uncheck the program you want to scan with or use

Click O

Restart the computer

Try it then..

--
American

TRYING THE SAME THING OVER, AND EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT = INSANIT
http://www.vistax64.com/images/style.../reputation.gi
-*don't forget to say thanks, tip my scales!*-

Yes, indeed, Dave.

Thank you for your concern.

I am working on and off on that PC, but I am getting nowhere. I just don't
know whether it is infected or not.

brgds,

Daniel




"Dave-UK" <> a écrit dans le message de groupe de discussion :
...
>
> "Daniel" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>>
>> Hi everybody,
>>
>> This friend of mine has real problem with her laptop (Vista sp1).
>>
>> it was first noticed when her anti-virus did a scheduled scan. The
>> anti-virus program hung whilst scanning the System32 folder.
>>
>> I tried with Windows Defender. Same thing, it hangs after a while.
>>
>> I de-activated her anti-virus program (forgot the name. Not a well known
>> brand) and downloaded/installed Avast, to no avail. it also hangs whilst
>> scanning the System32 folder.
>>
>> I also tried to scan using SFC/scannow. The PC freezes at 68 % of the
>> scan.
>>
>> I tried these different manipulation in safe mode. Same results.
>>
>> and everytime, the PC Freezes and I am obliged to do a hard
>> stop/restart.
>>
>> I am stuck. I just don't know what to try next, or what to look for.
>>
>> any clue, suggestion, magic potion ?
>>
>> many thanks in advanc efor your time and kind help.
>>
>> Best rgds,
>> Daniel
>
> Is this the same laptop as in the other thread you started ( virus ?
> nmarta.dll) ?
>
>
>
>
>

Many thanks for your time and kind help, Americano.

I really do appreciate it. Will try this manipulation, it looks interesting.

brgds
Daniel



"Americano" <> a écrit dans le message de groupe de
discussion : ...
>
> Try this:
>
> Pres the Windows KEY + R
>
> Type: -msconfig-
>
> Select the Services Tab
>
> Check the box entitled, "Hide all Microsoft Services"
>
> Click "Disable All"
>
> Click Apply
>
> Go back and uncheck the program you want to scan with or use.
>
> Click OK
>
> Restart the computer.
>
> Try it then...
>
>
> --
> Americano
>
> TRYING THE SAME THING OVER, AND EXPECTING A DIFFERENT RESULT = INSANITY
> http://www.vistax64.com/images/style...reputation.gif
> -*don't forget to say thanks, tip my scales!*-

I understand. Simply, what I wrote in the object line and the way I
formulated the problem in my first post didn't seem appropiate any longer.
brgds



"Dave-UK" <> a écrit dans le message de groupe de discussion :
...
>
> "Daniel" <> wrote in message
> news:...
>> Yes, indeed, Dave.
>>
>> Thank you for your concern.
>>
>> I am working on and off on that PC, but I am getting nowhere. I just
>> don't know whether it is infected or not.
>>
>> brgds,
>>
>> Daniel
>>
>
> Do yourself and everyone else a favour and keep to one thread at a time.
>
>

Hi Dave,

You are absolutely right, Dave. Not very good from my part. And I do
apologize to those who are so kind as to try to help me.

I don't have access to that PC all the time, and can only "visit" it now and
then, between my appointments. Which is not very efficient, because I lose
track, and my friend cannot really manage with the manipulations.
I need to take a day off to concentrate on this matter.
According to my friend, Malwarebites stalls after a while.

As suggested I went to VirusTotal and had several files checked. They were
OK.

didn't get a chance yet to try superantispyware.

I was suggested to run SFC, before doing anything else, which I did, to no
avail, for it also freezes after a while.

I won't be able to work on it for a few days, and will then definitely try
the other tests Mr Arnold and Americano and yourself suggested.

As a recap, according to what I could see myself, The PC freezes totally and
systematically during a scan (windows Defender, Avast, SFC, and some on-line
scans). Being in safe mode doesn't make a difference.
And, very occasionally, it freezes for no reason, the screen becoming
totally black, except for the pointer, which I can move. Otherwise, all the
applications seem to behave properly, and Internet acces is also OK.

there is no "fancy" software installed. My friend never install anything in
fact, and cannot relate the occurrence of the pbm with anything she could
have done.
There doesn't seem to be any unusual processes running.
This laptop is a Sony VIO something. Sorry, forgot the model Nbr, with Vista
SP1. Seems to start pretty fast, actually.

Sorry again for not responding in the most appropriate way.

best,
Daniel


"Dave-UK" <> a écrit dans le message de groupe de discussion :
...
>
> "Daniel" <> wrote in message
> news:Olj$...
>> I understand. Simply, what I wrote in the object line and the way I
>> formulated the problem in my first post didn't seem appropiate any
>> longer.
>> brgds
>>
>>
>>
>
> It may seem to be no longer appropriate to you because you are sitting in
> front
> of the machine and can see the results of what you have tried.
> Everyone else is in the dark as to what's going on.
> I suggested running Malwarebytes and you said you would let us know about
> the results. Another poster suggested SUPERAntiSpyware, both on-line and
> off-line,
> as well. You said you would try the different suggestions.
> I'm guessing you ran them and they found nothing. It would be polite to
> report back so that people know what's going on. Instead of giving us any
> feedback you start another thread without mentioning anything about having
> run Malwarebytes or Superantispyware.
> So off we go again trying to second guess what you have or have not done
> and what does or doesn't work.
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>

Many Thanks again Dave, for your time and concern. And your different
suggestions.

I plan to take a day off next week and concentrate on this problem.

I will keep you posted. Although this problem is really interesting, it 's
getting bad for the nerves !

wish you my best,

Daniel




"Dave-UK" <> a écrit dans le message de groupe de discussion :
...
>
> "Daniel" <> wrote in message
> news:#w2Y#...
>>
>> Hi Dave,
>>
>> You are absolutely right, Dave. Not very good from my part. And I do
>> apologize to those who are so kind as to try to help me.
>>
>> I don't have access to that PC all the time, and can only "visit" it now
>> and then, between my appointments. Which is not very efficient, because
>> I lose track, and my friend cannot really manage with the manipulations.
>> I need to take a day off to concentrate on this matter.
>> According to my friend, Malwarebites stalls after a while.
>>
>> As suggested I went to VirusTotal and had several files checked. They
>> were OK.
>>
>> didn't get a chance yet to try superantispyware.
>>
>> I was suggested to run SFC, before doing anything else, which I did, to
>> no avail, for it also freezes after a while.
>>
>> I won't be able to work on it for a few days, and will then definitely
>> try the other tests Mr Arnold and Americano and yourself suggested.
>>
>> As a recap, according to what I could see myself, The PC freezes totally
>> and systematically during a scan (windows Defender, Avast, SFC, and some
>> on-line scans). Being in safe mode doesn't make a difference.
>> And, very occasionally, it freezes for no reason, the screen becoming
>> totally black, except for the pointer, which I can move. Otherwise, all
>> the applications seem to behave properly, and Internet acces is also OK.
>>
>> there is no "fancy" software installed. My friend never install anything
>> in fact, and cannot relate the occurrence of the pbm with anything she
>> could have done.
>> There doesn't seem to be any unusual processes running.
>> This laptop is a Sony VIO something. Sorry, forgot the model Nbr, with
>> Vista SP1. Seems to start pretty fast, actually.
>>
>> Sorry again for not responding in the most appropriate way.
>>
>> best,
>> Daniel
>>
>>
>
> No need to apologise, I assumed you had the machine in front of you.
> I too have had computer-induced stress in the past!
> As you say, you need to spend a bit of time on the problem.
>
> If SFC is failing to complete it might be useful to run chkdsk.
> http://www.windows-help-central.com/...ta-chkdsk.html
> This may take some time to run.
> Also have a look at the Performance Monitor to see if any of the software
> hangs have been reported.
> Control Panel
> System Maintenance
> Performance Information and tools
> On the left - Advanced tools
> Open Reliability and Performance Monitor
> Reliability Monitor
> Clicking on an item will display details.
> Also have a look in the Event Viewer.
> Control Panel
> System and Security
> Admin tools
> Good luck!
>

On 5/13/10, Dave-UK posted:
> "Daniel" <> wrote in message
> news:#w2Y#...
>>
>> Hi Dave,
>>
>> You are absolutely right, Dave. Not very good from my part. And I do
>> apologize to those who are so kind as to try to help me.
>>
>> I don't have access to that PC all the time, and can only "visit" it now
>> and then, between my appointments. Which is not very efficient, because I
>> lose track, and my friend cannot really manage with the manipulations.
>> I need to take a day off to concentrate on this matter.
>> According to my friend, Malwarebites stalls after a while.
>>
>> As suggested I went to VirusTotal and had several files checked. They were
>> OK.
>>
>> didn't get a chance yet to try superantispyware.
>>
>> I was suggested to run SFC, before doing anything else, which I did, to no
>> avail, for it also freezes after a while.
>>
>> I won't be able to work on it for a few days, and will then definitely try
>> the other tests Mr Arnold and Americano and yourself suggested.
>>
>> As a recap, according to what I could see myself, The PC freezes totally
>> and systematically during a scan (windows Defender, Avast, SFC, and some
>> on-line scans). Being in safe mode doesn't make a difference.
>> And, very occasionally, it freezes for no reason, the screen becoming
>> totally black, except for the pointer, which I can move. Otherwise, all the
>> applications seem to behave properly, and Internet acces is also OK.
>>
>> there is no "fancy" software installed. My friend never install anything in
>> fact, and cannot relate the occurrence of the pbm with anything she could
>> have done.
>> There doesn't seem to be any unusual processes running.
>> This laptop is a Sony VIO something. Sorry, forgot the model Nbr, with
>> Vista SP1. Seems to start pretty fast, actually.
>>
>> Sorry again for not responding in the most appropriate way.
>>
>> best,
>> Daniel
>>
>>

> No need to apologise, I assumed you had the machine in front of you.
> I too have had computer-induced stress in the past!
> As you say, you need to spend a bit of time on the problem.

> If SFC is failing to complete it might be useful to run chkdsk.
> http://www.windows-help-central.com/...ta-chkdsk.html
> This may take some time to run.
> Also have a look at the Performance Monitor to see if any of the software
> hangs have been reported.
> Control Panel
> System Maintenance
> Performance Information and tools
> On the left - Advanced tools
> Open Reliability and Performance Monitor
> Reliability Monitor
> Clicking on an item will display details.
> Also have a look in the Event Viewer.
> Control Panel
> System and Security
> Admin tools
> Good luck!

I'd like to add - it seems to me there might be a hardware problem -
failing power supply, overheating, failing memory, etc., ad nauseam.

That sort of thing can be hard to exclude or to verify, sadly.

--
Gene E. Bloch (Stumbling Bloch)