Resolved Odd System Slowdown

I just completed installing Win 7 (64) on a 250GB HD. The mainboard is a new MSI G31TM-P21 with a used Intel Core Duo 2 CPU (.86Ghz) and 8GB memory. The system runs fine but occasionally when I bring up explorer something happens that slows the system unusably. When I was able to bring up the system monitor during one of these episodes, it showed minimum CPU, minimum memory, minimum disk IO and minimum network activity. In other words the machine appeared to be completely idle other than it would just not respond reasonably. I checked the event log and the only thing I found were these:

Volume Shadow Copy Service error: Unexpected error calling routine CoCreateInstance. hr = 0x8007041d, The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.
.

Operation:
Instantiating VSS server

Volume Shadow Copy Service information: The COM Server with CLSID {e579ab5f-1cc4-44b4-bed9-de0991ff0623} and name IVssCoordinatorEx2 cannot be started. [0x8007041d, The service did not respond to the start or control request in a timely fashion.
]

Operation:
Instantiating VSS server

Anyone have any ideas if this is related or how to troubleshoot this?

 

Ummm, I don't think so. Did you mean an E6300/E6320 Core 2 Duo @ 1.86GHz?

Did you upgrade the drivers?

What are you running for security? How do you connect to your network?

 

Thanks for the replies. I haven't tried in safe mode because there is not enough system up to do anything significant. It happens randomly but seemingly only when explorer is up. You are correct, the one did not get entered and I didn't spot that until you pointed it out. Everything (should) be up to date or at least there is nothing listed as an update at this time. I have not yet checked with MSI to see if there any firmware updates. For security I am running Norton AV and LavaSoft AdWare. My network connects via LAN and a DSL router but I doubt that has anything to do with it. Since the performance monitior sees an idle system I am thinking there is either an HD problem or a SATA bus problem. Those errors seem to indicate a drive problem but they could also be unrelated.

 

I disagree. If you are having problems with the system as it is now, then there IS enough system there now. Why wait until you add even more variables to the equation? That, to me, would just cloud the issue, and potentially result in wasted time if I had to start over again.

On any new build, if you run into a problem, you need to resolve the problem before moving on.

Is your RAM (or RAM with same specs) listed in your motherboard's QVL? The QVL (qualified vendors list) shows the RAM your board maker tested and certifies to be compatible with that board. There are too many RAM makers and models for board makers to test them all so, unlike the CPU QVL, you do not have to buy listed RAM. But you do need to buy RAM with the same specs as listed RAM.

You might try running with just 4Gb for awhile. If it holds, swap it out with the other 4Gb. And remember to unplug from the wall and touch bare metal of the case interior to discharge any static BEFORE reaching for any RAM modules.

And I ask again, did you upgrade the drivers? Is there a new BIOS update on your board's site that addresses these issues?

 

I think you misunderstood. I was talking about not having enough system up in safe mode to do any work that might precipitate the problem. It may happen but just starting and stopping explorer may take decades. With the entire system up I can initiate enough activity so that it will happen within a few hours of running things sometimes. The RAM is on the QVL.

As an aside, the problem has not occurred in the last 2 days. It almost seems that the longer I use this the less frequent it happens.

As for drivers, like I said there are no new ones listed by the respective vendors or found by Windows. I still have not checked for firmware from MSI but I hope to get to that sometime today.

Thanks.

 

In Safe Mode, only the minimum number, and just the basic native drivers are used. So what I am suggesting is if it fails in Safe Mode, you have eliminated any HW specific drivers you installed that run (or what Windows automatically uses) in Normal Mode as the cause. And that would focus my attention on the basic hardware itself.

That said, if it takes hours, there's not much you can do in Safe Mode for hours on end without going crazy. So I understand.

2 days, huh? And how many times have you rebooted in that time? Note, after major changes, it can take more than one reboot for the Registry to sort itself out - along with maybe some new Windows Updates, and other subtleties. Maybe, fingers crossed, things will be good. Still, if "working" assuming you know that word on something important like a report in Word, I would ensure automatic backups are enabled for every 5 - 10 minutes so you don't lose everything. A good idea even if your computer has been stable all along.

Are you watching your temps?

 

The problem is that I won't know that it works in safe mode until it doesn't happen. I wouldn't know what to do in safe mode to precipitate the problem because without all the drivers I can't do much of anything.

I have rebooted a couple of times so if it takes more than 1 reboot that could be an explanation.

I haven't been "watching" temps but when I did check, everything was in range(this machine is on 24X7).

Just to keep this thread info up to date I did check for MSI updates and all that was there was an audio update and a network driver update. Nothing indicating anything like my problem.

 

hi , you are running 2 anti-malware programs with default real-time scanners ? I would suggest disable adaware "real-time protection" component and let Nortons execute real-time security
Manually run a full adaware scan periodically , after streaming or if there are indicators of an infestation ie degraded video performance
Evaluate execution of tasks
(However if no issues are manifest like downgraded performance if running 2 or how many real-time scanners then i would suggest no reason to disable one - just my experience has been that one real-time scanner seems to maintain better long term good browsing experience)
Your note that issue seems to manifest less over time may imply that your total security solution and Windows is learning to play together better - Windows management learns to be more efficient relative to normal running processes and historic usage
If you are using adaware pro then i suggest disable the firewall (along with Windows firewall) and use the Nortons firewall

 

Sorry but I forgot to close this thread although it was never resolved. The machine's mainboard failed so rather than replacing it, I purchased a new machine with Win 7 rendering this issue moot.