Looking to fix and start over....

I must've caught a virus somewhere. My computer has slowed very considerably. This is what I'd like to do-- I want to fully scan/remove any spyware/malware/viruses/etc and then completely redo my laptop from the beginning. After that, I only want to have the programs I need on here, not all the "factory installed" crap. I really only use some dvd programs, bit torrent, and some odd and end programs. After the install, please let me know the best way to protect and clean my laptop from that point on. I don't care if I have to run a scan/repair everyday...
I've been using superantispyware and can buy the professional version today for $10, but if you have a better suggestion, please let me know. I'm not a pc guy, so i need something that I can just go to town and not have to pester you guys on what to do each time.
My system is a Dell Inspiron E1505 with windows XP. Please let me know what else you need to know. If someone would even want to PM me to ask for my personal email to help, that would be great too.
I truly appreciate all assistance given! HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!! Maybe this hijack this will get you started:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 3:26:21 PM, on 12/20/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP3 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v6.00 SP3 (6.00.2900.5512)

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\WLTRYSVC.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\System32\bcmwltry.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Authentium\AntiVirus\dvpapi.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Update Service\IntuitUpdateService.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLTRAY.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Verizon\McciTrayApp.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\NICCONFIGSVC\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
C:\Program Files\Verizon\VSP\VerizonServicepoint.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\WINDOWS\stsystra.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell Support Center\bin\sprtcmd.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe
C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
C:\Program Files\Digital Line Detect\DLG.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\rapimgr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgrsx.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgnsx.exe
C:\Program Files\Dell Support Center\bin\sprtsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\MsPMSPSv.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgcsrvx.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jucheck.exe
C:\Documents and Settings\Tommy D\Desktop\ANTI-SPY\HijackThis_v1.99.1.exe
c:\dell\E-center\gtb2.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://wapp.verizon.net/bookmarks/bmredir.asp?region=all&bw=dsl&cd=7.0MSN&bm=ms_home
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.dell.com
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\DOCUME~1\TOMMYD~1\Desktop\VEHICLES\acrobat5\Reader\ActiveX\ACROIE~1.OCX (file missing)
O2 - BHO: WormRadar.com IESiteBlocker.NavFilter - {3CA2F312-6F6E-4B53-A66E-4E65E497C8C0} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgssie.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {5CA3D70E-1895-11CF-8E15-001234567890} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Windows Live Sign-in Helper - {9030D464-4C02-4ABF-8ECC-5164760863C6} - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Microsoft Shared\Windows Live\WindowsLiveLogin.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {b90fb71c-e831-4b56-b627-822c7ae47c03} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\dineweso.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: Java(tm) Plug-In 2 SSV Helper - {DBC80044-A445-435b-BC74-9C25C1C588A9} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jp2ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: JQSIEStartDetectorImpl - {E7E6F031-17CE-4C07-BC86-EABFE594F69C} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\ie\jqs_plugin.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxhkcmd] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Broadcom Wireless Manager UI] C:\WINDOWS\system32\WLTRAY.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ECenter] "c:\dell\E-Center\gtb.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Verizon_McciTrayApp] C:\Program Files\Verizon\McciTrayApp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [VerizonServicepoint.exe] "C:\Program Files\Verizon\VSP\VerizonServicepoint.exe" /AUTORUN
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG8_TRAY] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SigmatelSysTrayApp] stsystra.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxtray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxpers] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Dell QuickSet] C:\Program Files\Dell\QuickSet\quickset.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dellsupportcenter] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support Center\bin\sprtcmd.exe" /P dellsupportcenter
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dovofamati] Rundll32.exe "C:\WINDOWS\system32\vesokeni.dll",s
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [CPM7fff9070] Rundll32.exe "c:\windows\system32\bisawuza.dll",a
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [dscactivate] "C:\Program Files\Dell Support Center\gs_agent\custom\dsca.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ISUSPM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\isuspm.exe" -scheduler
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [SUPERAntiSpyware] C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SUPERAntiSpyware.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Gamma Loader.lnk = C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\Calibration\Adobe Gamma Loader.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MI3AA1~1\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: Real.com - {CD67F990-D8E9-11d2-98FE-00C0F0318AFE} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\Shdocvw.dll
O9 - Extra button: Trend Micro Security Services - {D5E1CDC8-64B9-4f8c-8155-FC3B6D6749F7} - http://tmss.trendmicro.com/dashboard/dashboard.aspx?BGCGBIJCAHHDFEBJICGJDCFABIJIHIJBBIDDI (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Trend Micro Security Services - {D5E1CDC8-64B9-4f8c-8155-FC3B6D6749F7} - http://tmss.trendmicro.com/dashboard/dashboard.aspx?BGCGBIJCAHHDFEBJICGJDCFABIJIHIJBBIDDI (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O16 - DPF: {01113300-3E00-11D2-8470-0060089874ED} (Support.com Configuration Class) - https://activatemydsl.verizon.net/sdcCommon/download/DSL/tgctlcm.cab
O16 - DPF: {4F1E5B1A-2A80-42CA-8532-2D05CB959537} (MSN Photo Upload Tool) - http://gfx1.hotmail.com/mail/w2/resources/MSNPUpld.cab
O16 - DPF: {639658F3-B141-4D6B-B936-226F75A5EAC3} (CPlayFirstDinerDash2Control Object) - http://www.shockwave.com/content/dinerdash2/sis/DinerDash2.1.0.0.67.cab
O16 - DPF: {6E32070A-766D-4EE6-879C-DC1FA91D2FC3} (MUWebControl Class) - http://update.microsoft.com/microsoftupdate/v6/V5Controls/en/x86/client/muweb_site.cab?1168786403937
O16 - DPF: {9A9307A0-7DA4-4DAF-B042-5009F29E09E1} (ActiveScan Installer Class) - http://acs.pandasoftware.com/activescan/as5free/asinst.cab
O16 - DPF: {B516CA4E-A5BA-405C-AFCF-A97F08CC7429} (GoBit Games Player) - http://www.shockwave.com/content/burgershop/sis/GoBitGamesPlayer_v4.cab
O16 - DPF: {D54160C3-DB7B-4534-9B65-190EE4A9C7F7} (SproutLauncherCtrl Class) - http://l.yimg.com/jh/games/web_games/gamehouse/frenzy/SproutLauncher.cab
O16 - DPF: {DF780F87-FF2B-4DF8-92D0-73DB16A1543A} -
O18 - Protocol: linkscanner - {F274614C-63F8-47D5-A4D1-FBDDE494F8D1} - C:\Program Files\AVG\AVG8\avgpp.dll
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\WI1F86~1\MESSEN~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\WI1F86~1\MESSEN~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\WINDOWS\system32\nolopitu.dll c:\windows\system32\bisawuza.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: !SASWinLogon - C:\Program Files\SUPERAntiSpyware\SASWINLO.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: avgrsstarter - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\avgrsstx.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: dimsntfy - %SystemRoot%\System32\dimsntfy.dll (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxdev.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: AVG8 E-mail Scanner (avg8emc) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG8 WatchDog (avg8wd) - AVG Technologies CZ, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\AVG8\avgwdsvc.exe
O23 - Service: DSBrokerService - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\DellSupport\brkrsvc.exe
O23 - Service: DvpApi (dvpapi) - Authentium, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Authentium\AntiVirus\dvpapi.exe
O23 - Service: Intuit Update Service (IntuitUpdateService) - Intuit Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Intuit\Update Service\IntuitUpdateService.exe
O23 - Service: Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe" -service -config "C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\lib\deploy\jqs\jqs.conf (file missing)
O23 - Service: NICCONFIGSVC - Dell Inc. - C:\Program Files\Dell\NICCONFIGSVC\NICCONFIGSVC.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Radialpoint Unicorn Update Service (RPSUpdaterR) - Radialpoint Inc. - C:\Program Files\Verizon\PC Security Checkup\rpsupdaterR.exe
O23 - Service: SupportSoft Sprocket Service (dellsupportcenter) (sprtsvc_dellsupportcenter) - SupportSoft, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Dell Support Center\bin\sprtsvc.exe
O23 - Service: Dell Wireless WLAN Tray Service (wltrysvc) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\System32\WLTRYSVC.EXE

 

Do all your scans and if everything checks good my advice is to start removing some of your software.

Only have the following for security (this I use on my xp computer)
1. firewall (inbd/outbd protection) I use zonealarm pro
2. avira free antivirus (faster than avg)
3. firefox 3.5 browser (only browser I use on the internet)
4. returnil version 200.5007 (I use this instead of antispyware software, nothing virus/spyware has ever defeated this program and since it runs in memory it won't slow your computer)

Any antispyware software will slowdown your computer, also any all-in-one security suites will slow down your computer.

My computer runs boots up fast and runs fast on the internet. And nothing has ever defeated my "basic" security setup. "Returnil" is the backbone of my security, I can mix and match the first 3 as long as I have returnil.

As long as returnil is enabled everytime you are in the internet, you won't have to run a scan/repair everyday. Returnil returns your computer to it's original configuration (it was before you enabled it) everytime you reboot.

 

Can't help with jack log,can help in part in what's running & whether you need it,you'll have to do some homework on your own ,tho eventually you'll know what's what on your comp

ok this little app will explain what each process in the task manger is,crap like jqs.exe can be disabled by going into the control panel & disabling the "java quick start" including java's autoupdater
http://www.processlibrary.com/quicklink/

same goes for many other progs that have autoupdate n stuff

Next:
CNet,TechRepublic,PCWorld,PCMechanic
All have articles on how to squeeze juice out of xp

The type of software you use can indeed affect performance as jony mentioned some security ware [NOT ALL]do just that,it boils down to trial & error my friend & not being a horder so delete any unneeded software

 

I assume Returnil won't remove any software I put on after it, correct?

Sorry mod for wrong location.

it was running fine until friday night(?), so I don't think it was a software issue. It may have been something bad from a torrent is my guess. I burned a bunch of my files and programs to disc(as slow as that was, and some lockups) and it hasn't changed. I get 2 system32 errors at startup, which I forgot to mention. I will checkk what they are tomorrow.
If it's a virus, it needs to be removed before reformating otherwise it's a waste, correct?
The programs mentioned above; should those be run now or are you suggesting after I make it to my reformat and from there on out?

 

Reformat removes everything on the hard drive including any malware or viruses etc,everyone has their own opinion as to attempt removal of malware etc personally i'd reformat,well i would except nowadays i use drive imaging to solve that issue & any other,you should also look into getting an imaging software
macrium reflect,symantec ghost or acronis true image



Returnil works in ram that means nothing gets written to hard drive when it's active,if you have a download while using returnil you'd need to save it to another hdd otherwise it will get deleted as soon as you turn off the comp,that means if you want to install a new app you have to reset returnil not to run at start up & then reboot the comp,then you can add new software.

Adding more software unless it's a virus or malware scanner would not be a good idea at this time

As for paying for security ware never again,you mention superantispyware isn't that free ? well maybe you should take a look at spyware terminator it's a realtime scanner as for system slowing no it won't it uses 9mb of ram & on occasion 3% cpu,basicly you won't notice it more importantly enabling HIPS nothing will install unless you let it,yeah well you can do your own research & trying differing programs out for yourself to see what works best for you,just keep in mind check for free progs first before handing money over,that includes using open source software & dumping system hogging programs like adobe pdf for sumatra pdf,the smaller the foot print the faster the comp

 

one folder to try to burn to disc tonight, then reformat tonight or tomorrow. before I do, assuming I have no virus, how can I tell if I have a bad HDD?
i'll be researching all the above mentioned programs and links as well.

 

That's a tricky one to answer,i've got two maxtor 200gb hdd's both ran great for a time in a computer until 2-3 years ago when for no reason they would stop being detected on boot or they'd boot ok then stop at any given time so they may last a day or a month,only reason i knew what was happening is i had the BIOS set to show hardware test on screen & i could see what was being detected,occasionally one of them wouldn't show up,oddly enough they run great in external housings go figure,running the maxtor diagnosis software as a waste of effort after all how can you detect an issue if it's intermittent,
no it ain't the computer as i tried both drives in two other computers,same thing happened.OK Win32 error is for me a windows file so the error is the operating system not your hdd.

things my maxtors did
Booting goes to black screen message hdd not detected

Booting goes to black screen blinking line thing just sits in top left corner blinking away (just so you know a missing windows file can cause this too so you have to becareful not to mis diagnose)

Computer boots to windows at some point everything on screen stops working,do a hard shutdown reboot (by this time i have the BIOS diagnostic hardware screen running & it shows there's no primary hdd showing as tho it was never installed..lol..occasionally the slave wouldn't show up)
Thats about as much info as i can give

 

I haven't toyed with it yet, as I just got home now. it booted with no win err this time, but the windows startup music(im sure that makes sense to you) "skips" as its coming onto my desktop. it doesn't do it everytime, but most. No problems like you mentioned, other than locking up and all I can do is move icon. if superanti says no spyware other than cookies, being 6yrs old+, could it be bad memory or processor? Told you, im not a computer guy; I don't know what could cause what. I'm a GM tech, I leave pc's to others, but I like to learn, and don't have someone reliable or that I trust working on my electronics

 

Wouldn't have a clue i make it up as i go along or more to the point when things turn to custard i'm forced to figure it out,the ram things a simple solve if you have two sicks in place just remove one if it's still there replace with the other,if it doesn't fix then perhaps check cpu temp in BIOS make sure cooling fins are dust free other than that i got no idea..lol..you can run a linux live cd like puppy & see how things perform that bypasses the hdd side of things can't remember if it has a memory test before booting tho ubuntu does in it's selection screen

 

now that you mention your having audio problems and the computer locking up. I remember having a similar problem last year and I also thought I might have a bad drive or a driver problem. Also when the computer locked up, the cpu was always running at 100 percent with no programs running. The whole computer was running very sluggish.

I decided to install a PCI audio card (was using onboard audio) to try and fix the audio problem (sometimes when the computer booted up, the audio didn't work). Installing a cheap 10.00 soundcard fix the audio and also got rid of the high cpu use. Also the computer ran faster.

Sometimes things that don't seem related might be what is causing your problems. I never suspected the onboard audio would be capable of slowing down a computer.

 

I reformatted lastnight, and so far so good. =)
I just installed Sumatra and PQlink. I'm installing ZA right now. I'm looking into the security mentioned and the returnil. I really should get an external HDD for this laptop for my downloads and storage so it's not all on here.

Are there any suggestions that you feel I should look into or follow? Programs other than avira or spyware terminator? The link to it has someones review that says it uses old Spybot librariess and Trojan Remover is better. What about Spyware blaster? Looks like Terminator has HIPS installed and blaster doesn't....i think

Oh, what exactly does this imaging software do? I it like the virtualClonedrive from Slysoft that acts as a separate HDD/storage space? I believe returnil is one so i may just go to that after i get my needs installed.

 

Just use my 4 software recommendations, firewall/antivirus/firefox/returnil.

Returnil will replace antispyware software and since it runs in memory it won't slow your computer. Your computer boots up with returnil disable, download your latest antivirus definitions etc, next before you go surfing on the internet enable returnil (this occurs instantaneously) you won't notice anything different on your computer except the returnil icon is now red instead of green. Now you are fully protected. (similar paid software is deepfreeze/shadowuser/powershadow). With returnil you can even use internet explorer as your browser, you will get virus/malware that will easily defeat internet explorer but when you reboot you will be as good as new.

Spyware terminator which I have used before will slow down your computer too much (all antispyware software need to analyze all reads/writes to the hard drive, this is where the slowdown occurs).

Avira has a free version which I'm using right now. (avira antivir personal) it loads fast and hasn't slow down my computer.

Imagining software backups your entire c: drive and saves it as a compressed file. You can save this file on a external drive or different partition. If you get virus/malware that proves fatal, instead of reinstalling windows, you just restore the saved image over your original c: drive. As soon as you install windows and load all your programs it's a good idea to make an image backup and save it (baseline clean window installation). After that just do a weekly backup.
Macrium reflect is a good free image software.

 

Created images in simple terms is your contents of C (Assuming that's all your creating images of),so that means you can browse any folders or data in them including retrieving any data you need,there is just one issue you need to be aware of like any data storage or backup it can be corrupted so that restoring an image cannot be done, so i would recommend before continuing is if you have a spare hdd try to restore the image to it & boot it up & see if it works (don't rely on verification of image) or you could just do a restore of C & reboot if it works you know that image is safe to use,create one time images not incremental or differential you'll end up with a ton of images & wasted space if you do, more importantly it'd be far easier for data corruption that way.
Ok up to you how you proceed with imaging here's how i do mine & they are my five main base images at differing points of installation,the first 3 are the most important

ONE TIME BASE IMAGES
1:>Install OS create first image no software apart from imaging software,you could add a few extra 3rd party software tho only small ones

2:>add 3rd party software but only small apps & ones i'd use a lot

3:>Fully update OS
.....................................................................
4:>Add more 3rd party software pretty much 80% of what i have however do it in order of most used,you could update them as well

5:>Add all security ware & update them update all software that's installed & any software you have left to install
.....................................................................
6:>Monthly one time images created,these are nothing more than throw away images & are just a stop gap,as space is taken up i just delete the oldest image
.....................................................................
7:>My Docs,email,favorites done weekly ;norton ghost will give this option automatically not sure about other imaging software,i use to do it but since all my email is done online & i like to keep C clear of all downloads & unnecessary data (downloads,pictures etc go to a slave hdd)i now just drop n drag favourites folder & any other small stuff in my docs manually

Yeah that's pretty much it i know my images work as i use them to restore c to test em out,then had them all transfered to two external hdd's,yep two hdd's you need a backup to the backup,now the monthly backups are automatically set to one of those externals then i manually transfer it when completed to the other hdd so i have two copies of the same image on different drives,if your transferring your base images i recommend not to connect more than 1 external at a time the last thing you need is a write in progress on both externals when the comp crashes & stuffs up the file system on both externals so the data can't be read,transfer to the comp then to the other external,never have them on at the same time,safety first..lol..

 

OK, I've reformatted and reinstalled XP. I installed Zone Alarm, Avira Antivi, Returnil, and Spyware Terminator. My problem now is this:
When I open uTorrent to download, it slows down my surfing pretty badly. I know it slowed down before, but even utorrent is slow. I'm lucky if I can DL anything faster than 8kB/s!! I've read that only disabling Zone Alarms firewall didn't always work, so I uninstalled and cleaned the registry....same. I disabled the other programs above...same.
I tried port forwarding by following these guides:
---- http://www.portforward.com/networking/static-xp.htm
---- http://www.portforward.com/english/routers/port_forwarding/Linksys/WRT54G/Utorrent.htm
Then I ran the dsl test. It is great w/torrent off, but obviously slow with it on.

Does anyone have any ideas? Should I list this as a new problem on the forum?
---- http://www.dslreports.com/speedtest?flash=1

Also, if I go to bittorrent-->options-->speed guide. At the bottom it has a button "test if port is forwarded properly". I click it and I get "An error has occurred!
Port 44947 does not appear to be open."

 

Check in options & untick bandwidth management in utorrent,i found that was the cause of my slow d/l it's odd itr has an effect on your surfing tho,there is mention of others having d/l trouble in utorrent forums not sure what's causing their issues

 

I'll have to check when I get home in about an hour/hr and a half. do you think my isp somehow sees what I'm dowloading and is limiting it?! it was fine before...even with it freezing.

 

Sorry, I dont have utorrent, I have BitTorrent. There isn't a bandwidth box, but I can put a zero for unlimited download rate...same, nothing has really gone over 10, mainly less than 8.
Why is the port not saying it's open/connected? I didn't have it setup with a port before and it worked fine. I tried it this time thinking it would help.
How can I figure out whats slowing it up?
Anyway around the ISP block? How can they determine what to slow up on me and what not too?!