Hi all!

I’m hoping that someone can give me some advice with my problem.
First off, let me give you the rundown on my configuration. I am running a:

PIII 866 MHz w/256k L2 cache
512MB Ram
1761MB Windows Memory
Gigabyte Mainboard – Socket 370
NVIDIA RIVA TNT2 Model 64/Model 64 Pro
(Dual Boot System)
Windows XP Pro SP1 on main drive NTFS - 20GB Maxtor Drive
Windows 98 2nd Edition on other drive FAT 32 - 20GB Western Digital
Hardware Firewall (Router)
Software Firewall – (EZ Firewall – basically Zonelabs ZoneAlarm)
EZ Anti-virus
ETrust Pest Patrol for Spyware
Various other protection programs
Connected through a Broadband Cable connection

OK, I’ll try and keep this rather complicated problem as short as possible. About two to three weeks ago I downloaded 2 or 3 trial software programs. I uninstalled them each within the same day. Each time I uninstalled one; I ran my TuneUp Utilities 2006 program to clean my registry of any leftover uninstalled files.

Then about 3 DAYS ago I NOTICED a rather strange occurrence taking place. My machine boots fine, but after it is up and running, it begins to continuously repeat a system check. Every minute or so the entire computer locks up, and during this lock up, the system checks the CDROM drive and the floppy drive. This check usually lasts about 10 seconds or so. Once it finishes checking them, everything returns to normal. It’s important to mention that at this same time, the CPU spikes to 100% for the duration of the check.

I checked my processes and found out that the file that is causing the spike is vsmon.exe. This file is part of EZ Firewall (ZoneAlarm). My take on this issue is this: since this all started to occur right after I installed/uninstalled software and then cleaned my registry, I am thinking that maybe I mistakenly deleted a “shared file” that the system is now searching for. If this is the case, I have a backup for every registry cleaning I made and can easily change it back to the way it was.

My question is this: Number (1) - I have since installed a new program that I downloaded and purchased online. (2) – I am afraid that if I put the registry back the way it was previously, that I might make the whole system unstable and cause an even bigger problem! By the way, I ran a complete virus check on all of the drives as well as a Spyware check. I also visited “ShieldsUp” and tested my firewall. Everything comes up clean and my machine is totally Stealth!

Does anyone know what might be causing this? I appreciate anything you can tell me!

Thanks in advance,
OldmanDidn't the program you bought come with information for re-registering it in the event of a reinstallation? If not, contact the vendors.

It may indeed be a registry error induced by TuneUp Utilities. I wish people would leave these programs well alone!

It may be an infection or parasite of some sort so carry out the procedures LISTED [highlight]in this post[/highlight] and post a Hijackthis logfile here when done.
If possible, zip the logfile and attach it rather than post it.Hi Backdated,

Thank you for responding. I appreciate your advice within the link that you provided. But, as I specified earlier, I have already SCANNED my entire system and found nothing at all. In addition, some of those programs I would never use on my machine. For example, I used to have Spybot Search & Destroy on my machine (back when it was a good program). It has since become very unstable and not very reliable. Therefore, I uninstalled it over two years ago.

I am a professional developer and only have necessary programs installed. I am very conscious of all of the garbage that is out there and have several layers of protection in place. I also have all of the latest Windows updates installed. It is highly unlikely that I have an infection or parasite.

Since I posted this thread, I have done a lot of additional research around the web. What I have been hearing on other forums is that EZ Firewall, using its file (vsmon.exe) is checking for updates on a regular basis. Well, I’ve always had it setup to do that, but for some reason it is doing it constantly. My research has pointed me in that direction for the time being.

In an answer to your initial question: yes, I can re-download and reinstall the program that I purchased if necessary. I would like to avoid that though if possible. In terms of my use of TuneUp Utilities 2006: The Windows (uninstall) program or even the one’s that come with the software itself rarely deletes all of the files associated with it. If left in the registry, over time your computer will slow down to a crawl and you will probably need to reinstall the OS. I often install different programs that I need for my work and then uninstall them to keep my machine as lean as possible. I don’t want to do a complete reinstall every couple of months.

Do you happen to know anything about EZ Firewall, vsmon.exe, or any other firewall that behaves in this same fashion?

Thanks again! A professional developer using F**kUp Utilities?? Tsk!

I've seen these well protected machines before btw. A user who depends on ZA, EzTrust and TuneUp does not inspire confidence!Well... based on your intelligent response, I guess you do not know the answer to my question. If you want to talk about, let's just say... old, washed up utilities... let's keep talking about the likes of AdAware & Spybot S&D! [smiley=grin.gif]

Forgive me for making the mistake of visiting this forum. I was under the initial impression that I would be conversing with intelligent individuals who would present themselves as professionals in their field.

Guess not!

Pardon me for saying... I THINK you may just need an attitude adjustment.

Good day! [smiley=vrolijk_26.gif]

There is a set method of troubleshooting and I have to use that as I don't have a crystal ball.

I really do hope I don't ever encounter any of your professional developments!

In the words of our Annie:
You are the weakest link.... Goodbye!Oldman he was only having a joke, calm down!