Could use some help with a few issues

[Khansahb]

My computer has been facing some issues lately. I thought there was malware on my computer, but after having checked out my computer and talking to the malware removal folks on this forum, I was directed here. Basically the issues are 1) a marked deterioration in picture and video quality on my computer and somewhat slower functioning (lagging) 2) tons of errors in my event viewer log. Does anybody have any ideas as to what might be causing these issues.

I'm posting logs from FRST that show the event log errors.

1. ==================== Event log errors: =========================
   
   Application errors:
   ==================
   Error: (08/08/2013 08:26:22 PM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (08/06/2013 07:57:24 PM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (08/06/2013 07:56:49 PM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (08/06/2013 07:48:07 PM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (08/05/2013 03:00:25 AM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (08/02/2013 06:35:45 AM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (08/02/2013 06:35:12 AM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (07/30/2013 08:14:42 AM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (07/27/2013 07:23:00 AM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   Error: (07/27/2013 07:22:45 AM) (Source: SideBySide) (User: )
   Description: Activation context generation failed for "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest1".Error in manifest or policy file "C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest2" on line C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest3.
   A component version required by the application conflicts with another component version already active.
   Conflicting components are:.
   Component 1: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifest.
   Component 2: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifest.
   
   
   System errors:
   =============
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:22:07 PM) (Source: Microsoft-Windows-Kernel-General) (User: NT AUTHORITY)
   Description: 0xc000014d0
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:21:52 PM) (Source: DCOM) (User: idea-PC)
   Description: 1084ShellHWDetectionUnavailable{DD522ACC-F821-461A-A407-50B198B896DC}
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:21:39 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: )
   Description: The Computer Browser service depends on the Server service which failed to start because of the following error:
   %%1068
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:21:39 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: )
   Description: The Computer Browser service depends on the Server service which failed to start because of the following error:
   %%1068
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:21:39 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: )
   Description: The Computer Browser service depends on the Server service which failed to start because of the following error:
   %%1068
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:21:30 PM) (Source: DCOM) (User: idea-PC)
   Description: 1084ShellHWDetectionUnavailable{DD522ACC-F821-461A-A407-50B198B896DC}
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:21:17 PM) (Source: DCOM) (User: idea-PC)
   Description: 1084ShellHWDetectionUnavailable{DD522ACC-F821-461A-A407-50B198B896DC}
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:20:00 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: )
   Description: The Computer Browser service depends on the Server service which failed to start because of the following error:
   %%1068
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:20:00 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: )
   Description: The Computer Browser service depends on the Server service which failed to start because of the following error:
   %%1068
   
   Error: (08/11/2013 02:20:00 PM) (Source: Service Control Manager) (User: )
   Description: The Computer Browser service depends on the Server service which failed to start because of the following error:
   %%1068
   
   
   Microsoft Office Sessions:
   =========================
   Error: (08/08/2013 08:26:22 PM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (08/06/2013 07:57:24 PM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (08/06/2013 07:56:49 PM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (08/06/2013 07:48:07 PM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (08/05/2013 03:00:25 AM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (08/02/2013 06:35:45 AM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (08/02/2013 06:35:12 AM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (07/30/2013 08:14:42 AM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (07/27/2013 07:23:00 AM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   Error: (07/27/2013 07:22:45 AM) (Source: SideBySide)(User: )
   Description: C:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\amd64_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_418ab7ef718b27ef.manifestC:\windows\WinSxS\manifests\x86_microsoft.windows.common-controls_6595b64144ccf1df_6.0.9200.16579_none_8937eec6860750f5.manifestC:\Program Files (x86)\ESET\ESET Online Scanner\ESETSmartInstaller.exe
   
   
   CodeIntegrity Errors:
   ===================================
   Date: 2013-07-21 14:54:29.581
   Description: Windows is unable to verify the image integrity of the file \Device\HarddiskVolume5\ComboFix\catchme.sys because file hash could not be found on the system. A recent hardware or software change might have installed a file that is signed incorrectly or damaged, or that might be malicious software from an unknown source.
   
   
   ==================== Memory info ===========================
   
   Percentage of memory in use: 38%
   Total physical RAM: 3526.25 MB
   Available physical RAM: 2155.82 MB
   Total Pagefile: 7110.25 MB
   Available Pagefile: 5590.2 MB
   Total Virtual: 8192 MB
   Available Virtual: 8191.77 MB
   
   ==================== Drives ================================
   
   Drive c: (Windows8_OS) (Fixed) (Total:418.43 GB) (Free:383.4 GB) NTFS ==>[System with boot components (obtained from reading drive)]
   Drive d: (LENOVO) (Fixed) (Total:25 GB) (Free:24.87 GB) NTFS
   
   ==================== MBR & Partition Table ==================
   
   ========================================================
   Disk: 0 (Size: 466 GB) (Disk ID: 015AD997)
   
   Partition: GPT Partition Type
   ==================== End Of Log ============================​

 

[St1ckM4n]

Post specs of computer. I have no idea what the first application errors are, but a "marked deterioration in picture and video quality" points to a GPU. Also, explain this further.

 

[Khansahb]

What specs do you need? I'm sorry, I'm pretty new at this.

As far as the deterioration in picture and video quality, all I can really say is that pretty much any image that my computer shows comes up blurrier now than it would have in the past. At one point all pictures on my computer seemed sharp and my computer was able to play high quality videos (meaning at least 480p), but now it can't seem to do that.

 

[Khansahb]

Component Details Subscore Base score
Processor AMD A6-4455M APU with Radeon(tm) HD Graphics 4.7
[CENTER]4.4[/CENTER]
Determined by lowest subscore
Memory (RAM) 4.00 GB 5.9
Graphics AMD Radeon HD 7500G 4.4
Gaming graphics 2019 MB Total available graphics memory 6.1
Primary hard disk 383GB Free (418GB Total) 5.9
Windows 8

System
Manufacturer LENOVO
Model 20196
Total amount of system memory 4.00 GB RAM
System type 64-bit operating system
Number of processor cores 2
Storage
Total size of hard disk(s) 443 GB
Disk partition (C 383 GB Free (418 GB Total)
Disk partition (D 25 GB Free (25 GB Total)
Graphics
Display adapter type AMD Radeon HD 7500G
Total available graphics memory 2019 MB
Dedicated graphics memory 512 MB
Dedicated system memory 0 MB
Shared system memory 1507 MB
Display adapter driver version 8.982.7.1000
Primary monitor resolution 1366x768
DirectX version DirectX 11 or better
Network
Network Adapter Realtek PCIe FE Family Controller
Network Adapter Ralink RT3090 802.11n WiFi Adapter
Network Adapter Microsoft Wi-Fi Direct Virtual Adapter
Notes
The gaming graphics score is based on the primary graphics adapter. If this system has linked or multiple graphics adapters, some software applications may see additional performance benefits.







Does this help?

 

[St1ckM4n]

Yes it does.

Update your graphics drivers from here, using the below settings:

1. APU
2. Mobile APU
3. A-series APU
4. Windows 7 64 bit (you have win7, right?)

Make sure to 'clean install' when it prompts you.


With regards to the slowdowns: -

1. Download Ccleaner and Defraggler.
2. On Ccleaner, use the Tools tab to uninstall useless program you don't use.
3. Use Cleaner tab to wipe junk files from your computer.
4. Finally, use Registry tab to clean it up. You may want to back this up before proceeding (it prompts you).
5. Using defraggler, defragment your HDD.
6. Set your Windows power plan to high performance.

If you still experience slowdowns, come back with a screenshot of your Processes and Performance tab on Task Manager. Also reply back with regards to the screen.

 

[Khansahb]

I'm getting a prompt that asks me whether I want to install or uninstall. Am I supposed to click uninstall first and then install or should I just go with install.

 

[St1ckM4n]

What are you referring to?

 

[Khansahb]

The AMD installer. You said check clean install when it prompted me, but I didn't get that prompt. The prompt I got was asking either to install or uninstall

 

[mailpup]

You are correct. You don't get an option to clean install with AMD graphics drivers. That comes with Nvidia graphics drivers so it doesn't apply to you here. Uninstall the AMD driver from the Programs and Features in the Control Panel.

 

[Khansahb]

Ok, I uninstalled and reinstalled the AMD drivers but I can't notice any improvement in picture quality.

 

[mailpup]

What about the lagging?

 

[Khansahb]

When I'm looking at my computer's performance index, it says my desktop graphics performance subscore has gone down from 4.4 to 4.3. How would that have happened?

The lagging also seems no different although I haven't run defraggler yet.

 

[Khansahb]

Just out of curiosity, how long does defraggler take to do a full defragmentation?

 

[mike1959]

Hi Khansahb, Defraggler FULL defrag can take well over an hour on my 160GB C drive, so I tend to use the Quick defrag option, still can take 30 mins, or so.
But if it is taking more than an hour, then it is because it needs to be done.
I also would have said to uninstall and reinstall the graphic card driver.
It might not be the real problem, but it rules that one out if you see no improvement.
It could be a fault with the graphic card hardware, only way to know is to swap the card for another, even if it's older or lower spec.
* When installing the graphic card driver, be sure you D/L and install the 64bit version.

 

[St1ckM4n]

4.4 to 4.3 is nothing to be worried about. The rest of your scores look okay. Perhaps it's time for a photo of your screen, as it may be your laptop screen that's dying.

Btw, you have a laptop, correct?

 

[Khansahb]

Mike, thanks, I was only worried that it would take several hours (I have heard some horror stories about defragmentation from people I know). Is swapping out the graphics card something I can do myself or do I need to take it to a shop for that?

St1ckM4n,Yes I have a laptop, I can give you screenshots from my computer but I'm not sure if it's the screen since this problem seems to only affect images or videos and is not extremely noticeable for other things. Like text still appears sharp and clear.

 

[mike1959]

Hi Khansahb, I just realised you had a laptop.... normally you cannot change the graphics chip, so the best you can do is to check that all the drivers are correct.
If your Lenovo laptop is using the Windows type that it was installed with from new, then the Lenovo site will have the correct drivers and any updates that you need.
Their website has a 'Diagnose and fix' scan in the 'Support' section, so you might try that.
http://support.lenovo.com/en_GB/diagnose-and-fix/default.page?

 

[Khansahb]

Hi mike, I think I already tried installing the drivers and unfortunately the diagnostic tools on the website aren't compatible with my laptop. It's hard to tell with certainty, but I think the lagging has actually gotten worse. Since nothing else seems to be working at the moment, would reformatting the hard drive and reinstalling windows restore it to the original condition?

 

[mike1959]

Hi Khansahb, Yes if you reinstall Windows you will be starting again, but do you have a 'restore' partiton on your laptop? I know Lenovo do provide a way of 'resetting' Windows back to 'as-new'.
If you do that you may lose all your work, photos, music etc, and all the updates you had. But it may be the best idea if your Windows system is so badly damaged.
Before you do anything, save any photos, videos and music, plus any other files you value to a flash drive or other hard drive, just in case they are lost when you 'restore' Windows.

 

[Khansahb]

Yes I will try using the "one click restore." But in case the restore partition is corrupted, how do I properly reformat the computer?

 

[mike1959]

Hi, I think you have to assume the restore partition is fine, it will most likely have a copy of the original Windows system there, when you press the one-click button, it will copy that version over to replace the corrupted one, (I think it works like that.)
I don't think you need to format anything, it's all automatic.
This video shows it being done;

But first be sure to save any photos, music, files or anything you value as they will be lost after the restore.
If you have the paperwork that came supplied with the laptop, best to read about this first, (or online if you can) and afterwards when it's working again, to save a backup of the system onto another hard drive, if you have one.

 

[Khansahb]

Ok, I did that. The problem decreased but didn't go away. Pictures are clearer now than before I did the system restore but they're still not as good as original. I'm completely confused now.

 

[mike1959]

Hi Kansahb, So if your system is now restored to original, but the picture isn't up to what you had, you could have a problem with your graphics chip, or a fault with your screen, or the ribbon cable that joins the board to the screen.
If you have another screen you could plug into the blue socket on the side of your laptop, you might see a difference, but if the graphics chip is faulty you will see exactly the same problem.
Can you post a screenshot of the problems you are seeing?

 

[Khansahb]

Ok, I'm attaching screenshots. One is a screenshot of a picture, the other is a fullscreen of a video. I don't have another screen to connect to the laptop.

 

[mike1959]

Hi, Your screenshots both look ok to me.
But of course I'm not seeing your screen, so you could be seeing some problems I can't, but from these, I can't see anything wrong.