Applying Theme suddenly takes so much longer than it used to

[Atreju]

Hello all,

Recently (only in the past couple of weeks) applying a new theme /
style to my XP has begun to take about 15 seconds. It used to take
around 2-4 seconds.

I have a Pentium 4 3 GHz w/ Hyperthreading. 1 GB RAM.
This is supposed to work like lightning.

Any thoughts?

Is it possible one specific theme I have installed has somehow screwed
things up?


---Atreju---

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Well, that is the first question, does this happen with the default XP
themes or only third party themes you've installed from other sources. If
it's only third party themes, you may not have screwed up, it may simply be
an issue with the themes. When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, was it working
with these themes? When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, how much was open? If
your graphics card shares memory with main system memory as opposed to
having its own memory, that could be the issue and is a choke point for your
entire setup.

If it is in fact sharing memory, you should look into a card with it's own
memory. I can't say whether or not it would resolve this issue and some may
depend upon how much memory the card has it really doesn't matter how much
system memory you have and the power of the processor, even with
hyperthreading, if the graphics card is sharing memory (Yes, even on systems
such as this we see such things) you are using a 400 horsepower sportscar to
pull the car and a 5000 pound trailer.

If you don't know about the graphics card, you may have to check your
system's documentation or the manufacturer's website or tech support.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Atreju" > wrote in message
...
> Hello all,
>
> Recently (only in the past couple of weeks) applying a new theme /
> style to my XP has begun to take about 15 seconds. It used to take
> around 2-4 seconds.
>
> I have a Pentium 4 3 GHz w/ Hyperthreading. 1 GB RAM.
> This is supposed to work like lightning.
>
> Any thoughts?
>
> Is it possible one specific theme I have installed has somehow screwed
> things up?
>
>
> ---Atreju---

[Atreju]

Comments inline...

On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 15:47:06 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
Shell/User\)" > wrote:

>Well, that is the first question, does this happen with the default XP
>themes or only third party themes you've installed from other sources. If
>it's only third party themes, you may not have screwed up, it may simply be
>an issue with the themes. When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, was it working
>with these themes?

It worked in a very short period of time even with custom themes, even
the ones I am using now. I am using other ones as well, but even the
ones that worked fast are now slower to apply.

> When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, how much was open? If
>your graphics card shares memory with main system memory as opposed to
>having its own memory, that could be the issue and is a choke point for your
>entire setup.

I've got an ATI RADEON 9600 XT, so, um... no graphics card problem
there ;-)

I think even applying the Windows XP default theme does it.

The one thing I remember being weird was at one time I installed a new
theme that coincidentally had the same Title embedded within it as one
I was already using. I renamed the msstyles file, but the title is
apparently embedded inside. Therefore, I could not actually add that
theme because all Windows saw in the list was the existing one.

What I tried was to right-click on that new theme msstyles file and
select "Open" which applied it into the current scheme.
I have since deleted that theme because I didn't like it very much,
but perhaps there's still something 'stuck' somehow. I removed the
entire folder including the msstyles file for that theme, and I still
have the old one. But I'm not only using the old one.

I don't really think this incident was the catalyst for the problems.
Perhaps something else I am running is interfering without my being
aware of it.

I have looked through my registry and startup and services... nothing
looks fishy.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

-SNIP-


---Atreju---

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
virus scan.

Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
www.lavasoftusa.com

If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.

The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:

Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the XP
CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when you
see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Atreju" > wrote in message
...
> Comments inline...
>
> On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 15:47:06 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
> Shell/User\)" > wrote:
>
>>Well, that is the first question, does this happen with the default XP
>>themes or only third party themes you've installed from other sources. If
>>it's only third party themes, you may not have screwed up, it may simply
>>be
>>an issue with the themes. When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, was it
>>working
>>with these themes?
>
> It worked in a very short period of time even with custom themes, even
> the ones I am using now. I am using other ones as well, but even the
> ones that worked fast are now slower to apply.
>
>> When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, how much was open? If
>>your graphics card shares memory with main system memory as opposed to
>>having its own memory, that could be the issue and is a choke point for
>>your
>>entire setup.
>
> I've got an ATI RADEON 9600 XT, so, um... no graphics card problem
> there ;-)
>
> I think even applying the Windows XP default theme does it.
>
> The one thing I remember being weird was at one time I installed a new
> theme that coincidentally had the same Title embedded within it as one
> I was already using. I renamed the msstyles file, but the title is
> apparently embedded inside. Therefore, I could not actually add that
> theme because all Windows saw in the list was the existing one.
>
> What I tried was to right-click on that new theme msstyles file and
> select "Open" which applied it into the current scheme.
> I have since deleted that theme because I didn't like it very much,
> but perhaps there's still something 'stuck' somehow. I removed the
> entire folder including the msstyles file for that theme, and I still
> have the old one. But I'm not only using the old one.
>
> I don't really think this incident was the catalyst for the problems.
> Perhaps something else I am running is interfering without my being
> aware of it.
>
> I have looked through my registry and startup and services... nothing
> looks fishy.
>
> Any other thoughts?
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> -SNIP-
>
>
> ---Atreju---

[Atreju]

Thanks for the advice.
As for Adaware, I have it, so I'll run it to see if anything new pops
up.

No way am I running a system restore, sorry. But thanks for the input.

On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 19:41:53 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
Shell/User\)" > wrote:

>First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
>virus scan.
>
>Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
>www.lavasoftusa.com
>
>If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
>take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
>Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
>it, try the information below.
>
>The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
>restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.
>
>Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
>is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
>CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
>not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
>minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.
>
>If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:
>
>Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
>unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
>files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
>forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
>data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.
>
>Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the XP
>CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
>system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
>instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when you
>see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
>the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
>your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.
>
>Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
>should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
>wish to boot from the CD press any key.



---Atreju---

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

I offered other options besides System Restore but what is your objection to
it?

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Atreju" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the advice.
> As for Adaware, I have it, so I'll run it to see if anything new pops
> up.
>
> No way am I running a system restore, sorry. But thanks for the input.
>
> On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 19:41:53 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
> Shell/User\)" > wrote:
>
>>First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run
>>a
>>virus scan.
>>
>>Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
>>www.lavasoftusa.com
>>
>>If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore
>>to
>>take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
>>Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
>>it, try the information below.
>>
>>The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD
>>or
>>restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.
>>
>>Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note,
>>there
>>is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your
>>XP
>>CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this
>>is
>>not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
>>minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.
>>
>>If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:
>>
>>Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you
>>are
>>unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
>>files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may
>>be
>>forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
>>data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.
>>
>>Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the
>>XP
>>CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
>>system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
>>instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when
>>you
>>see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
>>the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence.
>>Save
>>your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will
>>reboot.
>>
>>Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD,
>>it
>>should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if
>>you
>>wish to boot from the CD press any key.
>
>
>
> ---Atreju---

[Atreju]

Comments inline...

On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 15:47:06 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
Shell/User\)" > wrote:

>Well, that is the first question, does this happen with the default XP
>themes or only third party themes you've installed from other sources. If
>it's only third party themes, you may not have screwed up, it may simply be
>an issue with the themes. When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, was it working
>with these themes?

It worked in a very short period of time even with custom themes, even
the ones I am using now. I am using other ones as well, but even the
ones that worked fast are now slower to apply.

> When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, how much was open? If
>your graphics card shares memory with main system memory as opposed to
>having its own memory, that could be the issue and is a choke point for your
>entire setup.

I've got an ATI RADEON 9600 XT, so, um... no graphics card problem
there ;-)

I think even applying the Windows XP default theme does it.

The one thing I remember being weird was at one time I installed a new
theme that coincidentally had the same Title embedded within it as one
I was already using. I renamed the msstyles file, but the title is
apparently embedded inside. Therefore, I could not actually add that
theme because all Windows saw in the list was the existing one.

What I tried was to right-click on that new theme msstyles file and
select "Open" which applied it into the current scheme.
I have since deleted that theme because I didn't like it very much,
but perhaps there's still something 'stuck' somehow. I removed the
entire folder including the msstyles file for that theme, and I still
have the old one. But I'm not only using the old one.

I don't really think this incident was the catalyst for the problems.
Perhaps something else I am running is interfering without my being
aware of it.

I have looked through my registry and startup and services... nothing
looks fishy.

Any other thoughts?

Thanks for your help.

-SNIP-


---Atreju---

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
virus scan.

Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
www.lavasoftusa.com

If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
it, try the information below.

The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.

Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.

If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:

Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.

Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the XP
CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when you
see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.

Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
wish to boot from the CD press any key.

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Atreju" > wrote in message
...
> Comments inline...
>
> On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 15:47:06 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
> Shell/User\)" > wrote:
>
>>Well, that is the first question, does this happen with the default XP
>>themes or only third party themes you've installed from other sources. If
>>it's only third party themes, you may not have screwed up, it may simply
>>be
>>an issue with the themes. When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, was it
>>working
>>with these themes?
>
> It worked in a very short period of time even with custom themes, even
> the ones I am using now. I am using other ones as well, but even the
> ones that worked fast are now slower to apply.
>
>> When it worked in 2 to 4 seconds, how much was open? If
>>your graphics card shares memory with main system memory as opposed to
>>having its own memory, that could be the issue and is a choke point for
>>your
>>entire setup.
>
> I've got an ATI RADEON 9600 XT, so, um... no graphics card problem
> there ;-)
>
> I think even applying the Windows XP default theme does it.
>
> The one thing I remember being weird was at one time I installed a new
> theme that coincidentally had the same Title embedded within it as one
> I was already using. I renamed the msstyles file, but the title is
> apparently embedded inside. Therefore, I could not actually add that
> theme because all Windows saw in the list was the existing one.
>
> What I tried was to right-click on that new theme msstyles file and
> select "Open" which applied it into the current scheme.
> I have since deleted that theme because I didn't like it very much,
> but perhaps there's still something 'stuck' somehow. I removed the
> entire folder including the msstyles file for that theme, and I still
> have the old one. But I'm not only using the old one.
>
> I don't really think this incident was the catalyst for the problems.
> Perhaps something else I am running is interfering without my being
> aware of it.
>
> I have looked through my registry and startup and services... nothing
> looks fishy.
>
> Any other thoughts?
>
> Thanks for your help.
>
> -SNIP-
>
>
> ---Atreju---

[Atreju]

Thanks for the advice.
As for Adaware, I have it, so I'll run it to see if anything new pops
up.

No way am I running a system restore, sorry. But thanks for the input.

On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 19:41:53 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
Shell/User\)" > wrote:

>First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run a
>virus scan.
>
>Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
>www.lavasoftusa.com
>
>If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore to
>take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
>Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
>it, try the information below.
>
>The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD or
>restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.
>
>Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note, there
>is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your XP
>CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this is
>not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
>minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.
>
>If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:
>
>Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you are
>unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
>files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may be
>forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
>data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.
>
>Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the XP
>CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
>system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
>instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when you
>see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
>the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence. Save
>your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will reboot.
>
>Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD, it
>should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if you
>wish to boot from the CD press any key.



---Atreju---

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

I offered other options besides System Restore but what is your objection to
it?

--
Michael Solomon MS-MVP
Windows Shell/User
Backup is a PC User's Best Friend
DTS-L.Org: http://www.dts-l.org/

"Atreju" > wrote in message
...
> Thanks for the advice.
> As for Adaware, I have it, so I'll run it to see if anything new pops
> up.
>
> No way am I running a system restore, sorry. But thanks for the input.
>
> On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 19:41:53 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
> Shell/User\)" > wrote:
>
>>First, be sure your antivirus software has the latest definitions and run
>>a
>>virus scan.
>>
>>Second, download, install and run Ad Aware:
>>www.lavasoftusa.com
>>
>>If this is a relatively recent issue, you might try using System Restore
>>to
>>take you back to a time when this worked properly. Start\All
>>Programs\Accessories\System Tools\System Restore. If that doesn't resolve
>>it, try the information below.
>>
>>The following assumes you have an actual XP CD as opposed to a restore CD
>>or
>>restore partition supplied by your PC manufacturer.
>>
>>Go to Start, type sfc /scannow in the run box and press enter. Note,
>>there
>>is a space between sfc and the forward slash. You will be asked for your
>>XP
>>CD. Be aware, upon inserting the CD the XP setup screen may appear, this
>>is
>>not a part of sfc /scannow, rather it is being invoked by autorun. Simply
>>minimize the screen and allow sfc to continue.
>>
>>If the above fails to resolve the issue, try a repair install as follows:
>>
>>Be sure you are well backed up in case there is a problem from which you
>>are
>>unable to recover. NOTE, while a repair install should leave your data
>>files intact, if something goes wrong during the repair install, you may
>>be
>>forced to start over and do a clean install of XP. If you don't have your
>>data backed up, you would lose your data should that eventuality occur.
>>
>>Assuming your system is set to boot from the CD-ROM drive, boot with the
>>XP
>>CD in the drive. If it isn't or you are not sure, you need to enter the
>>system's BIOS. When you boot the system, the first screen usually has
>>instructions that if you wish to enter setup press a specific key, when
>>you
>>see that, do so. Then you will have to navigate to the boot sequence, if
>>the CD-ROM drive is not first line, set it first in the boot sequence.
>>Save
>>your settings and exit with the XP CD in the drive. The system will
>>reboot.
>>
>>Boot from the CD. If your system is set to be able to boot from the CD,
>>it
>>should detect the disk and give a brief message, during the boot up, if
>>you
>>wish to boot from the CD press any key.
>
>
>
> ---Atreju---

[Atreju]

On Thu, 8 Apr 2004 22:32:15 -0700, "Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows
Shell/User\)" > wrote:

>I offered other options besides System Restore but what is your objection to
>it?

Doesn't system restore put back the OS the way it is on a fresh
install?

I have too much installed and configured to start doing that now. I
don't have the time for it.

One of these days I suppose I can do a re-install of the OS and put
everything on again, but since I only have had the system for a few
months, I really don't think that should be necessary. Nothing has
gone that wrong... yet.


---Atreju---