Help with slow pc

[Thor Von Clemson]

It takes a year to sign on to the internet and open up applications. I am running XP home, I have the most up to date versions of AVG and Microsoft Anti Spyware installed, I run them both every day (somedays in safe mode) and the computer is still very slow. I empty the temporary internet files, offline files, and the cookies every few days. I have 30 gigs left on the hard drive. I guess I am scared that there is a really bad virus/spyware that the scanners are not picking up that is causing the slow pc. One thing to keep in mind is I have not defragmented the pc in a long time, nor have I done the error checking. The pc is a Dell that is only a few years old. What are some things I can do to make this computer run faster and more smoothly? (and better protect it if there is indeed a virus or spyware causing the problem)

[ApeDosMil]

Re: Help with slow pc

What are the specs?

If you have about 256 megs of ram, that could be a semi issue.

Is the harddrive thrashing? (the red light stays on constantly)

When you installed XP pro did you UPGRADE or did a full reformat?

If you did the Upgrade path, this is why it is slow.

[Thor Von Clemson]

Re: Help with slow pc

Oh sorry I forgot to mention something... This is a separate computer from the one I just installed xp on..

[charvelguy]

Re: Help with slow pc

"One thing to keep in mind is I have not defragmented the pc in a long time, nor have I done the error checking"

well, I would start there for sure. Shut down any unnecessary applications, run scan disk thorough, then defrag if it takes all day. I'm sure that will help it some.

[Thor Von Clemson]

Re: Help with slow pc

I am wondering if perhaps running more than one anti virus program will help? For example if I run both AVG and some other program, is it possible that the other program will pick up some things that AVG would not? If I am using AVG and this idea works, what would be a good free second anti virus software program to use?

Thanks,

GMS

[metallicarocks]

Re: Help with slow pc

Nah, the two only fight with each other. Run one at a time, they will more than likely pick things up that the other one missed. I've seen that one happen a lot.

Run the scandisk and defragment. I would run all of the spyware and virus trackers before you do this, and then after again just for shits and giggles.

It may pay to totally reformat. Burn all of your files on a CD if possible. If you don't have a CD burner, I would strongly recommend getting something that can transport your files to another computer, like a flash drive or something. Personally, I loved the Jumpdrive USB disks. you can get these at Walmart for I think $30. They hold 128 megs, but you can get similair disks that hold 256 or maybe even more. I would only recommend using these things on nothing older than ME. With any other system it's a pain in the ass to set up. It can be done, but prepare to fight with it. XP's use them very smoothly. You just stick it in, it reads it, and away you go.

[Thor Von Clemson]

Re: Help with slow pc

Derr... Ya I meant running one at a time. I am hoping if I run one after another the second one will pick up what the first one missed. What would a good program be to follow AVG with?

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: Help with slow pc

Go to Microsoft and get their anti spyware beta program, it is the old Giant Spyware program they bought them out, it works VERY well and caught a lot that Adaware and Spybot misssed.


http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/detai...&displaylang=en


I wouldnt bother validating your windows software...

ARun this and prepare to like the program.

[metallicarocks]

Re: Help with slow pc

Spybot misses a lot for as much as it's cracked out to be.

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: Help with slow pc

YEah, it does. Used to be one of the best really.

I use Winpatrol, webroot Spysweeper, and the Giant/Microsoft Antispyware, they do excellent.

[Manyaxes]

Re: Help with slow pc

I just downloaded the Microsoft and it found nothing. I then used Adaware and it found 9 critical items and 11 others. I run Adaware, Spybot, Norton Windoctor and then defrag every Friday night or Saturday morning. My Defrag is WELL under 15 minutes. In probably 5+yrs. of owning a computer I have only had 2 junk mails and don't ever get popups, plus I'm always flying through the internet (Cable of course). I guess staying away from porn sites and music dowload sites has really paid off! [img]/images/graemlins/laugh.gif[/img]

[IrfaanSE801]

Re: Help with slow pc

I like my porn sites, I won't give them up! NEVER! [img]/images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img]

[Cleveland Metal]

Re: Help with slow pc

Make sure once you download the MS Antispyware, you run the update to to make it current, as it doesnt seem to be fully updated on the initial install download.

I ran Spybot and Adaware all the time, and when I ran the MS Beta software, it found a TON of stuff they missed.

[toejam]

Re: Help with slow pc

Do a search for a free program called CCleaner (Crap Cleaner). It also gets rid of a lot of unwanted crap in your computer.