My computer is running slow!!!

twopu · 08-22-06, 08:03

Lately my computer seems to be running slower. It takes just a couple more seconds to load a page. When I x out of Explorer it takes almost 10 seconds for the desktop icons to come up. I ran Ad aware, Spy Sweeper, Spybot, and Trend PC Chillin but that didn't seem to improve anything. Help!?!?!?!

TigerMike · 08-22-06, 08:37

How much memory does your computer have? Sounds like a memory or memory management issue, but it's hard to say really.

Do you delete temp internet files from Explorer occassionally? This can cause a memory overload sometimes.

Also, how much free harddrive space do you have? Having low HD space can also be a cause...

Sherman8r44 · 08-22-06, 08:39

Have you tried an anti-virus like AVG Free yet?

My guess, like Mike's, is that you have a memory management problem. Like maybe there is some infection in your computer that has screwed up processes and causing way too much to be stored on RAM?

02ZTSfocus · 08-22-06, 08:40

Have you defragmented the hard drive lately? You can use the windows defragmenter under the System Tools Menu in the Start Menu. I would recommend getting a program like Diskeeper though, thats what I use. It allows you to auto-defragment your hard drive like during your screen-saver or late at night.

Other than that, I would recommend Ad-Aware and cCleaner for cleaning up your computer.

Of course adding more memory to your computer would always speed it up

ifoam · 08-22-06, 01:30

it does sound like a memory problem, but it might also be that you have too many programs starting up. check your task manager; is there a long list?

gnahc79 · 08-22-06, 02:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by ifoam

it does sound like a memory problem, but it might also be that you have too many programs starting up. check your task manager; is there a long list?

+1 Take a peek at task manager and see which process(es) are taking up the most memory. If there's any processes with strange names, could be a virus/spyware. You can google any questionable process name to see if it's legit.

hydro101 · 08-22-06, 05:22

delete all offline content and cookies....from internet optins

Scottwax · 08-23-06, 07:57

Sounds like a lack of memory, lack of hard drive space or maybe even your hard drive is going bad. When my HD was going bad, my computer really slowed down.

kpounds · 08-23-06, 08:12

Great suggestions already in this thread. The top performance upgrade you can give your computer is enough memory. For Win 9x- 128mb min, WinME- 128-256mb min, WinXP- 256mb+. Check your computer docs to see what's the maximum memory it can use. A few more ideas.

Disk Cleaner - Free program that cleans temp files, recycle bin and other things easily, much easier than 'disk cleanup' in Windows.

Fast Defrag Freeware - Memory management program that frees memory gently, nothing forced.

As mentioned before you may have uneeded programs starting up and using memory and resources.

Disabling Unneeded Startup items
Start, run, type msconfig, Startup Tab. Google each item you're unfamiliar with in the 'Startup item' list to see if its a necessary item by the Operating System. Then uncheck the items you don't want or not required by the OS, then restart computer. The best way to adjust programs is thru each program's startup options, but msconfig works also.

If your computer is still slow after trying these, many people say to reformat once yearly to give the computer a fresh start. With XP that's fairly easy if you have the original OS disk and are ready to backup EVERYTHING you want to save (emails, favorites, programs, etc, etc). But another options with XP is :
XP's No-Reformat, Nondestructive Total-Rebuild Option

With the above method I had no luck making a Slipstream XP CD (probably user error - me). Another Slipstream method from a real Tech Guru.
Slipstreaming Windows XP with Service Pack 2

ifoam · 08-23-06, 08:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by kpounds

Great suggestions already in this thread. The top performance upgrade you can give your computer is enough memory. For Win 9x- 128mb min, WinME- 128-256mb min, WinXP- 256mb+.

lol, you and i both know, windows xp+ needs 512+ minimum to run well

kpounds · 08-23-06, 09:30

Quote:

Originally Posted by ifoam

lol, you and i both know, windows xp+ needs 512+ minimum to run well

That may be right but I ran XP on 256mb for quite awhile and it ran well. Sometimes it was using 75% of the memory but no crashes or anything. Now up to 384mb and its a fair amount peppier. But I agree 512mb is probably an ideal amount for XP and even more if you're a gamer or running memory intensive programs.