Problem with a slow computer?

Question

i have resently started to have problems with my machine! it is running very slow and i am experiencing problems while on the internet with it responing in an unaxpected manor! i use norton antivirus and ad aware professional and have repeatedly scaned the machine however the performance is still slow to the point where at times the amchine is almost unusable! what could be the problem i am trying to aviod formating it if possible! i do have data backed up but it w running perfectly till a few days ago!
and if at all possible would like to resolve the problem have tryed using sysem restore to no avail!

Answer 1

111111

Answer 2

You have an anti virus and an anti adware, but don't have an anti spyware; you should switch off system restore and run an anti spyware in safe mode.

To get into Safe Mode repeatedly press the F8 key after the bios screen loads but before Windows loads. You'll know if you made it because the screen will be at 800 x 600 and your pc will be slow.



You need all these anti spyware programs, they won't conflict;

http://www.ewido.net - AVG(Ewido) anti trojan.

http://www.safer-networking.org - Spybot Search and Destroy anti spyware. Use the Teatimer settings to protect Internet Explorer, and the Immuniser to stop malware getting on your pc.

Spywareblaster works with Internet Explorer and Firefox. It won't uninstall spyware that is already on your pc, but it will prevent hijacks and other malicious changes to your browser.

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com



Next install Winpatrol and use it to cut down the programs that load on startup. Leave Windows and your security software, stop stuff like your office suite.

http://www.winpatrol.com

Then run Ccleaner, use the Issues tool and then the Cleaner.

http://www.ccleaner.com

Finally defragment your hard drive from Start - programs - accessories - system tools - disc defragmenter. Leave the pc while it runs.

Answer 3

Let me give you a list of maintenance helpers which was given to me:



- Many users are not aware of how much RAM is used by wallpaper and/or a screensaver full of graphics. They run in the background and consume memory. (I have only 512mb RAM, run multiple programs simultaneously, and have set my wallpaper and screensaver to blank.)



I don’t do games, but I do know they are primarily graphics which need and use a lot of memory.



- How many programs do you load at startup? Maybe you should check it out and ensure you are running just what you need.

To do this: cl Start, cl Settings, cl Taskbar and Start Menu.

cl Start Menu, cl Customize, cl Remove.

cl the icon for the program you wish to remove

then cl Remove.

There is also a “Disable All” button.

This will prevent the program from loading at startup, but will not remove the program from the hard disk.



When you are working in a large file, save frequently to restore full memory access. (Your work remains in memory until you “save” it to disk.)



Did you run an error check? Open My Computer,

Right-cl on C:, Select Properties, Tools – Run an Error Check ( checkmark “check all and fix); then run a Defrag



Are you using Yahoo Toolbar? Run a full Norton Antispy.



From IE, click Tools, Internet Options

delete cookies

delete files (offline files)

clear history (set days to save to 0 if you want)

click o.k.

click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools – run Disk Cleanup



click Start, Run ipconfig renew (type ipconfig space renew)



All these things should be done regularly. The more frequently they are run, the less time they take.

Note: Games and videos are mostly graphics. Graphics create large files. If this doesn’t help, you should consider getting more memory.

Good web sites to visit: http://www.theonlinefamily.net/organize/spring_clean_computer/index.html

http://wehow.ehow.com/how_2007317_keep-computer-running-fast-smooth.html

Answer 4

There are several primary areas that could be causing your computer to run slow. The most likely reason is that Corruption within your registry keys, registry classes, and registry settings,you have too many programs running behind the scenes and your system is essentially running in circles with its internal processing.

To determine if your system is in fact running slow because of problems in your registry and temp files and then speed up your computer, you will need to run a self diagnostic program called regsitry cleaner.This program is very very useful,it can fix regsitry errors,clean registry remnant,corrupt files and temp files in a few minutes.Then give you a bran-new and high-speed computer.There are collection and comparison of top rated registry cleaner:

http://www.speed-up-computer.info/index.php?t=speedup ,From there you can download and scan totall FREE.



The second most common problem is that you have spyware/adware in your computer.Spyware/adware not only pop up ads,collect personal info,but also can hamper your computer's performance.It use system resources and slow your computer down. Detecting and removing the programs will improve system performance.

check out http://www.speed-up-computer.info/index.php?t=antispy to Learn more about spyware and how to help protect your computer and improve computer performance.



Hope that help you.

Answer 5

I'm not very clued up about these chip filled boxes, but just recently i had the same problem. After many many days of my best efforts a friend asked if i was running more than 1 anti virus. I was as it happened! I wiped the free antivirus from yahoo and now the chip filled box runs fine. Good luck1!

Answer 6

okay hears a simple solution:



1 download a startup mechanic ( www.download.com ), and disable the stuff you dont need to start up. this can also be done by deleting the stuff in the startup menu by clicking start-all programs-startup.



2 go to www.download.com and download ghost wash.



you might want to uninstall norton and ad aware professional because the professional version has lots of featurs which means lots of memory and processor consumption. and norton just sucks! get avast or avg from www.download.com there free and work better. and the free edition of adaware.

Answer 7

Any new hardware or software recently? If it happened suddenly a few days ago, most likely you've had a hardware failure or some malware. If it just slows down but doesn't crash, I suspect malware.



Download the following five programs:



1) CCleaner does an excellent job cleaning up temporary internet files, cookies, temp files, recycle bin, and prefetch folder.



2) If you don't have an antivirus program, EITHER AVG and Avast -- only install ONE.



3) Hitman Pro will let you automatically install, update, and run in Safe Mode many of the best free and free-to-try antispyware programs all with one click, including Spybot Search & Destroy, Lavasoft Ad-Aware SE, SpywareBlaster, Ewido, and free trials of Webroot Spysweeper and PCTools SpywareDoctor. The free version of Spybot Search & Destroy allows autoupdates, but Hitman Pro helps in keeping the others up to date with one click.



4) Winsockfix which is used to fix your internet connectivity if cleaning up malware breaks your internet connection.



5) Hijackthis which catalogs the places programs (both legitimate and malicious) are usually found, so that an expert can tell you if there's anything nasty remaining.



First, run CCleaner to clean out temporary files. In the Advanced section only check off "Old Prefetch data". Then click on Issues and scan for issues. Have it fix them all and make backups in case something gets erased that shouldn't (although I've never had problems with CCleaner's issue fixes). Then Scan for issues again until you get "No issues found". Then click on Tools and uninstall programs you don't want, and while in Tools click on Startup to remove things you don't want starting automatically. If you're unsure what you need to keep you can google for advice or email me with your questions.



Then update your antivirus program and then reboot into Safe Mode to run a full scan, then reboot after cleaning up what it found.



Then run Hitman Pro with the Safe Mode box checked. Reboot after cleaning up what it found.



Now run Hijackthis with the "Scan and Save Logfile" button, and email me the hijackthis.log, and I can advise you if there's any malware still there.



If your internet connection isn't working after removing malware, run Winsockfix.



You should also run chkdsk and memtest86, and may want to try F-Secure Blacklight and/or AVG Anti-rootkit to check for rootkits.

Answer 8

Bit hard to say on the info given and without seeing it but, if was running OK and you haven't made any major changes (i.e. installed any new software), it could be a sign that some piece of hardware is on the way out, such as your RAM or mobo. And that's hard to check yourself. It might be best to find good computer shop and get them to check it only and let you decide what you want to do before they go any further.

Answer 9

Hi,

The first thing to do to speed up pc and get rid of malwares and viruses is cleaning the registry with a program like CCLeaner http://bitly.com/UrARPS

It's a really nice software.

Regards

Answer 10

If recently then Norton hasn't caused the problem unless you did it. Sadly only Norton Internet security detects root kits. These are devices that make it nearly impossible to detect viruses or Malware. Google search root kit detecters and hopefully it'll help most viruses use root kits to hide themselfs.

Answer 11

I recommend to clean up the register in order to improve your pc performances and get rid of malwares. A good program you can use is CCleaner http://bit.ly/UrApkP

I have been using it for years

Cheers.

Answer 12

Your computer might be getting old, so you might want to get a new one. You might be downloading something that has a virus. All those virus scans don't cover every single virus. You might be doing things too fast, so the computer might be doing so many things at once that it has to do it slowly.

Answer 13

could be ram is too low. my pc has same problem.it got worse after i installed norton. how many programs i install it gets more slower. avoid putting to many in pc and clean the desktop

Answer 14

Have you tried disabling your Windows Firewall temporarily? Sometimes it will bog down your computer. Just a guess, might work.

Answer 15

go to the site below and follow if your computer runs slow also norton is a resource hog

Answer 16

might need to delete your cookies under tools than internet options and go in their and delete the cookies from the computer than after that go to search on your comp and put in cookies and delete them from their as well

Answer 17

you have virus to fix this problem you need to go to http://propcaid.com/ than go to computer help and ask them this question they will send you a solution with no cost you don't have to $pend any $ for programs they will tell you free programs

Answer 18

I WOULD FORMAT, ALTHOUGH SOFTWARE SAYS IT REMOVES THESE SPYWARES AND ADWARES. IT DOESNT 100%.



TO HAVE A NICE SPEEDY PC AGAIN, BACKUP AND FORMAT.



TRUST ME, I HAD TO.

Answer 19

*try using agv anti spyware instead.

Answer 20

Go to: Start, Run, type in PREFETCH and hit enter. . . . delete ALL files in that folder.



10+ things you should know about troubleshooting a slow PC = http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/download.aspx?docid=172694



Registry tweaks to accelerate Windows XP = http://downloads.techrepublic.com.com/abstract.aspx?docid=173620&tag=nl.e138



http://www.xtremesystems.org/forums/showthread.php?t=122339



23 Ways To Speed WinXP = http://www.techbuilder.org/showArticle.jhtml?articleID=59201471

Game XP = http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=game+xp&spell=1

http://www.pcnineoneone.com/training_videos

Windows Powertools (exe) = http://software.techrepublic.com.com/download.aspx?docid=276277&tag=nl.e138



Adding more ram may help. Go to and put in your system specs at = http://www.crucial.com/support/install.asp = "Eliminate the hassle and risk of getting the wrong memory — guaranteed or your money back! In just 3 easy steps our Memory Advisor™ tool will show you exactly the right upgrade for your computer."

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner = " The Crucial System Scanner automatically detects your computer's information and gives you the details you need to purchase a compatible upgrade. To run the Crucial System Scanner, you need Microsoft Windows 95 or higher. " +

For a good price see: = http://www.newegg.com and/or



http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp - http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp

http://www.memoryx.com/

http://www.4allmemory.com

Test your ram with these: Memtest86L= http://www.memtest.org +



RAM Reliability Test = http://hcidesign.com/memtest



Ram Idle = http://www.freewareweb.com/cgi-bin/archive.cgi?ID=1423

Adding more ram may help.

Also Control/reduce what loads at startup with = Codestuff Starter = http://www.webattack.com/get/starter.shtml .

Clear your cache and go to your local settings folder and empty your "temp" folder.

http://www.tweakhound.com/xp/WindowsXP.htm

Speed tweaks = tweaks and downloads to optimize PC speed without overclocking = http://www.setiathomescreensaverspeed.co.uk/index.html

http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/sgp-tweaks.ars

http://www.tweakxp.com/performance_tweaks.aspx



Windows XP Tweaking – Startup and General Performance Tweaks = http://arstechnica.com/guides/tweaks/sgp-tweaks.ars

= "A guide for tweaking your system."



For desktop pc better performance, I suggest you set your desktop background/wallpaper and screensaver to "none", then right click on desktop, click properties, click 'appearance', choose ' windows classic style'.

Then Start/Settings/Control Panel/Display/display properties/screensaver/monitor power/power schemes/settings/turn off monitor after 10 minutes, and set the next 2 drop down boxes ( 1. Turn off Hard Disks, and 2. System Standby) to "never"/apply/ok/ok.



Go to Start/Settings/Control Panel/System/Advanced tab /under Performance click on Settings / Visual Effects tab/

Adjust for best performance / Ok / Apply / Ok

Then Start/Control Panel/Display/display properties/screensaver/monitor power/hibernate/take check mark out of "Enable hibernation"/apply/ok/ok. Do not to use hibernate on desktop

If I'm going to be away from the pc for more than an hour, or whenever there is lightning in the area, then after shutting it down properly, I unplug the UPS (which all the computer stuff is plugged into) and disconnect the cable.\



To manage your startup programs, use

http://www.snapfiles.com/get/starter.html = CodeStuff Starter



or

http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml



http://www.pcreview.co.uk/startup



also see = Autoruns = http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/Autoruns.html =

This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys. You can configure Autoruns to show other locations, including Explorer shell extensions, toolbars, browser helper objects, Winlogon notifications, auto-start services, and much more. Autoruns goes way beyond the MSConfig utility bundled with Windows Me and XP.

Autoruns' Hide Signed Microsoft Entries option helps you to zoom in on third-party auto-starting images that have been added to your system and it has support for looking at the auto-starting images configured for other accounts configured on a system. Also included in the download package is a command-line equivalent that can output in CSV format, Autorunsc.

You'll probably be surprised at how many executables are launched automatically!

Autoruns works on all versions of Windows including Windows XP 64-bit Edition (for x64) and Windows Server 2003 64-bit Edition (for x64).





http://www.silentrunners.org/sr_scriptuse.html = Silent Runners Revision 49.



http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm



Paul Collins START-UP = http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_index.htm

http://sysinfo.org/startuplist.php



Process Explorer = http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html



http://www.processlibrary.com/freetools/



Startup List 2.02 = http://www.techspot.com/downloads/3552-startup-list.html



http://www.netsquirrel.com/articles/index.html



What's Running is a product that gives you an inside look into your Windows 2000/XP/2003 system. Explore processes, services, modules, IP-connections, drivers and much more through a simple to use application. Find out important information such as what modules are involved in a specific process. Control your system by starting and stopping services and processes. Configure your startup programs easily. = http://www.whatsrunning.net/whatsrunning/main.aspx

Version 2.2 of What's Running = http://www.whatsrunning.net/whatsrunning/main.aspx



http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/ProcessExplorer.html



http://www.processlibrary.com/freetools



http://www.indiahowto.com/how-to-clean-up-windows-xp.html



http://pcpitstop.com/pcpitstop/default.asp



Clean your cache, = http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup and/or

Disk Cleaner = http://www.diskcleaner.nl ,or

Open up IE and go to Tools/Internet Options/General tab and Delete Temp files and History, then Boot into safe mode, = http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406 , then enable CHKDSK, = Click your "My Computer" in the start menu, R-Click the C: Drive, go down and click on properties in the drop menu. When the properties folder opens, click on the Tools Tab, The first item in the list is to do CHKDSK. Put a check mark in all the boxes/start/yes/apply/ok . The PC should be rebooted in safe mode to do the scan. To view the results of a CHKDSK go to Administrative Tools > Event Viewer > Application, look for the most recent Winlogon event and double-click on it.



Then reboot into safe mode = http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2001052409420406?OpenDocument&src=sec_doc_nam , or Start/run/msconfig/Boot.ini tab/check /safeboot - reboot. Afterwards uncheck it and reboot., then go to Start/all programs/accessories/system tools/disk cleanup , and run disk cleanup: Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disc Cleanup and put a check in ALL the boxes(Note: Only check the "compress old files" box if you are running very short of disk space, as those files which haven't been accessed recently will be compressed to save disk space, but at the cost of slightly slower access times to those files. Nothing will be deleted or "cleaned up" as a result of checking "Compress Old Files."). Click OK then Yes in the next little window. Let it finish.



Then run Disk Defrag from safe mode. After booting into safe mode go to Start/all programs/accessories/system tools/Disk Defragmenter. When you open "Defrag", click on "analyze", and it will tell you if you need to defrag or not. (or see = http://www.dirms.com ).



http://www.microsoft.com/technet/treeview/default.asp?url=/technet/prodtechnol/winxppro/proddocs/chkdsk.asp