The Official Computer Tech Support Thread

[Plankton]

Originally Posted by WhateverDude

I've heard that using more than one 'internet protection service' or whatever can cause problems though and may result in one or both no longer working- do I have that wrong?

You're correct, kind of. They'll both try to work, but they'll be fighting for your PC's resources at the same time. This is how I'd handle a PC with the problem you're having:

1. Uninstall any unwanted programs (including installed anti-virus and malware programs), as well as clean out browsing history, and unwanted temp files.

2. Make sure you're clean from any virus. Follow these instructions (it's older, but still relevant): How to Clean Up a Windows Spyware Infestation

You'll need these:
http://download.sysinternals.com/fil...ssExplorer.zip
http://download.sysinternals.com/files/Autoruns.zip

3. Download and run a full scan with a malware/spyware cleaner similar to (or this one): https://www.malwarebytes.org/mwb-download/

4. Download and DO A BOOT TIME SCAN using any free anti-virus software. I've had some success with AVG, and MS Essentials in the past. Microsoft Security Essentials - Microsoft Windows. You can uninstall this if it's taking up resources once all is said and done. Just stay off the gaming/porn sites.

5. Run through #2 one more time.

6. If clean, defrag the drive. If not, repeat steps 2 through 4 until it is, then defrag it.

This will take some time, and I've had a lot of success with this (at work, and friends PC's), although once in a while it takes some investigating into a certain malicious file. Regedit's come into play when that happens, and I wouldn't recommend doing any unless you know whats what.

If this doesn't solve your buffering problem though, I'd check my connection speed and make sure it matches up with what I'm paying for. Although it could be that your connection speed just sucks.

As a last resort, check to see if your neighbors are steeling your bandwidth. If they are, go kick some ass.

At any rate, you'll have a clean, faster PC.