Slow start up

system · 2006-11-10T15:57:10.000Z

I am using Avast home 4.7, Zonealarm Firewall with Winows XP SP2.

Sometime ago my system began to startup very slowly. I see the AVAST symbol going round and round but have to wait about 4 to 5 min. before the firewall starts and I can then start using my system.

Does anyone have any idea why my laptop takes so long to start up?

All suggestions are welcome.

Thanks

system · 2006-11-10T16:11:36.000Z

Hi :

 This usually means you have : 1) too many programs; 2) "malware" is on your computer .
 You did NOT mention IF you have any antiSPYWARE/antiTROJAN program(s) on your
 computer !? If yes, tell us the NAMES and have you run their "Full Scans" !?

system · 2006-11-10T16:17:59.000Z

I scan my system regularly for spywear using Zonelab.
There is no spywear or other malwear on the system. Virusscan is also ok.
As far as I can tell there are only 3 programs in windows start up + Avast + Zonealarm

system · 2006-11-10T16:29:42.000Z

Hi :

 Zonelab does NOT have a very good reputation for antiSPYWARE protection; perhaps you
 have a "rootkit" !? I recommend you try the FREE ver of "SUPERantispyware" from
 www.superantispyware.com and/or the ONLINE scanner at www.ewido.net/en .

system · 2006-11-10T16:54:04.000Z

Just ran a online scan from ewido. Nothing found with the exception of some tracking cookies.

DavidR · 2006-11-10T18:15:52.000Z

If the anti-spyware is incorporated into the ZA firewall it is active on boot. I had the same issue with my firewall Outpost Pro (anti-spyware plug-in) it is very active during boot, that caused avast to scan more files that it would if there was no anti-spyware running on boot.

As a suggestion, check the Standard Shield details directly after boot (when the icon stops rotating) and tell me what the scanned total: reads ?
At the same time what is the Sensitivity set to (Normal is the default), the higher that is the greater number of files scanned ?

system · 2006-11-10T19:30:50.000Z

Sensativity is Normal

Startup takes 4:00 min and sacans 511 files
Then I startup outlook and the scan increased to 581 in 5:32
(Must wait outlook cannot be used until scan is complete)

OE was next total 612 files in +/- 7:30

Look forward to hering your ideas and thanks.

DavidR · 2006-11-10T21:39:42.000Z

Well my scanned total after boot is in the region of 100.

As I said I suspect your zonelabs is running on boot and opening files to scan them, this activity will cause avast to scan the file. Can you confirm does the zonelabs anti-spyware run on boot (if so try disabling it and see if that makes a difference) ?

system · 2006-11-11T17:58:56.000Z

If I disable ZA PC startsup very quickly

Now how can I influence the startup ordr of the programmes. First Zonealarm and then Avast?

DavidR · 2006-11-11T22:35:15.000Z

Did you not try it with just the anti-spyware element disabled first as ZA on its own doesn’t seem to have much impact on start-up.

You can try a program called startup delayer, but personally I don’t like messing with the startup order, your system your choice.

system · 2006-11-13T08:54:54.000Z

Hi,

Win XP already has installed a Firewall solution, so you can use just that cause it is enough.

I have XP too and downloaded Avast Free, and use ccleaner freeware software to disable certain startup programs.

Karl

DavidR · 2006-11-13T12:13:32.000Z

@ noadware
Whilst the windows XP firewall is usually good at keeping your ports stealthed (hidden) it provides no outbound protection and you should consider a third party firewall. I would however, say you need to look at a third party firewall to protect against unauthorised outbound connections.

Any malware that manages to get past your defences will have free reign to connect to the internet to either download more of the same, pass your personal data (sensitive or otherwise, user names, passwords, keylogger retrieved data, etc.) or open a backdoor to your computer, so outbound protection is essential.

Zone Alarm free http://www.zonelabs.com works fine with avast and has a reasonably friendly user interface. There are others, Comodo, Sunbelt Kerio, Jetico, etc.

See some firewall tests for comparison, some are freeware but many are paid for versions http://www.firewallleaktester.com/tests.php. Also see http://www.thefreecountry.com/security/firewalls.shtml

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