Re: Programs run in background even after they're closed, slowing PC down

CookyMonzta via WindowsKB.com wrote:

> I have a problem with my machine running slower whenever I'm on the Web.
> Recently I discovered that it was because of one or perhaps 2 programs
> running in the background even after I close the programs.
>
> Last month, after performing a system cleanup with my antivirus and
> antispyware programs, I noticed that the cleanup process was running
> unusually slow. At some point, I activated RealPlayer and it wouldn't
> activate. I double-clicked the icon more than once, and it didn't run.
>
> Out of curiosity, I decided to look at my Task Manager, and in the list of
> programs running under the 'Processes' tab, I noticed 'realplay.exe'. My
> RealPlayer program was still running in the background, even though I
> closed the program, and it was chewing up my resources and slowing down my
> machine.
>
> I stopped the process by hitting the 'End Process' button, and noticed
> that my machine was back up to normal speed.
>
> Once in a blue moon, I get the same problem with Mozilla Firefox, and I
> have to go into my Task Manager to stop that process to be able to run it
> again.
>
> So far, RealPlayer and Firefox are the only 2 programs that run in the
> background even after I close them. How to I fix this problem so that I
> don't have to keep going into my Task Manager to shut down both programs
> if they continue to run in the background?
>

This behavior is strong indication that your computer is not
virus/malware-free. Go through these general malware removal steps
systematically -
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/...moving_Malware

You may also wish to get guided help at one of the following specialty
forums:

PLEASE DO NOT POST LOGS IN THE MS NEWSGROUPS.

http://aumha.net/viewtopic.php?t=4075 - Posting FAQ
http://aumha.net/viewforum.php?f=30
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
http://www.dslreports.com/forum/cleanup
http://www.cybertechhelp.com/forums/...splay.php?f=25
http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/Malwa..._Here-f37.html
http://www.malwarebytes.org/forums/i...hp?showforum=7
http://gladiator-antivirus.com/forum...?showforum=170
http://spywarewarrior.com/viewforum.php?f=5
http://forums.techguy.org/54-security/
http://forums.tomcoyote.org/
http://www.thespykiller.co.uk/index.php?board=3.0
http://forums.subratam.org/index.php?showforum=7

Malke
--
MS-MVP
Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic!
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ

On Wed, 18 Mar 2009 15:14:52 -0700, Malke <>
wrote:

>This behavior is strong indication that your computer is not
>virus/malware-free. Go through these general malware removal steps
>systematically -

I would disagree. FFox is known to leave a process behind that you
can't kill in many cases. Google it for more info.

It would not surprise me at all the Realplayer leaves a running core.
That company is not exactly known for their "good behavior" with
software.

To the OP: Do you have Realplayer starting up in you startup config -
or perhaps a better question, do you know how to check what starts up
on your system via the registry or other methods? If so, remove
realplayer. At least then it will only hit you when you use it. You
can go look for a solution to their issue. If you don't know how to
check the startup programs, post and someone can give you some help.

On Thu, 19 Mar 2009 00:03:05 GMT, "CookyMonzta via WindowsKB.com"
<u50174@uwe> wrote:

>A running core? That's interesting. I'll check my startup list to find out.

Almost every program you install these days thinks it's so important
that it has to start up when you log on or with windows itself. After
installing anything I always check the startup areas to see if it's
there.

Have you gone into msconfig and uncheck the programs that you do not want to
start. Go Start/Run/ type msconfig enter then under the startup tab select
which program that you do or don't want to run when you boot up. Some of
these programs are not visible in the programs/startup menu

"CookyMonzta via WindowsKB.com" wrote:

> I have antivirus and anti-malware (3 in all) running on top of one another.
> The fact that it's running slow because of RealPlayer still running in the
> background (even after shutdown) is no indication that the lack of such
> software is the cause. I have my antivirus/anti-malware running all the time,
> and sometimes even my downloads slow down because RealPlayer is still running
> in the background. Like I said before, sometimes I have to go into my Task
> manager to disable realplay.exe before I can use RealPlayer again.
>
> --
> Message posted via WindowsKB.com
> http://www.windowskb.com/Uwe/Forums....vista/200903/1
>
>

JoeB Wrote:
> Have you gone into msconfig and uncheck the programs that you do no
> want to start. Go Start/Run/ type msconfig enter then under the startu
> tab select which program that you do or don't want to run when you boo
> up. Some of these programs are not visible in the programs/startup men
Good call on that one

Everyone should know about msconfig and what it does

Adobe Acrobat, lol
Same thing with Realplayer -and- Quicktime... such resource prim
donnas, lol

--
pauliewalnuts

Glad to help, hopefully this will work which it should. Glad that
"everybody" knows about msconfig Paulie!!!

"CookyMonzta via WindowsKB.com" wrote:

> I checked my msconfig, and RealPlayer is among the startup programs. I'll
> uncheck it and see what happens.
>
> --
> Message posted via WindowsKB.com
> http://www.windowskb.com/Uwe/Forums....vista/200903/1
>
>

CookyMonzta via WindowsKB.com wrote:
> I have antivirus and anti-malware (3 in all) running on top of one another.
> The fact that it's running slow because of RealPlayer still running in the
> background (even after shutdown) is no indication that the lack of such
> software is the cause. I have my antivirus/anti-malware running all the time,
> and sometimes even my downloads slow down because RealPlayer is still running
> in the background. Like I said before, sometimes I have to go into my Task
> manager to disable realplay.exe before I can use RealPlayer again.
>

Microsoft provides some stronger tools to determine what starts when you
boot up, and to see what is running. They have explanations for their
use on the webpage.

Autoruns:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb963902.aspx

Process Explorer:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s.../bb896653.aspx

Their homepage is here:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/s...s/default.aspx

--

I'm glad my Mom named me Aaron,
That's what everybody calls me.