Topic: Really slow computer!!!
Tessa02's photo
Tue 05/17/11 05:58 PM
I'm using windows XP. Lately it's been running really slow. I've went in "msconfig" & turned off all programs that doesn't need to be running to free up resources. Ran malwarebytes & CCleaner. Using a netgear wireless adapter for the internet so my connection is slow at best. I've tried using Ubuntu because I've heard it's faster & can't figure out how to get my internet connection so gave up. I reboot often to help it run faster. Any ideas, programs I need to do or use? thx

mightymoe's photo
Tue 05/17/11 06:22 PM
Edited by mightymoe on Tue 05/17/11 06:26 PM

I'm using windows XP. Lately it's been running really slow. I've went in "msconfig" & turned off all programs that doesn't need to be running to free up resources. Ran malwarebytes & CCleaner. Using a netgear wireless adapter for the internet so my connection is slow at best. I've tried using Ubuntu because I've heard it's faster & can't figure out how to get my internet connection so gave up. I reboot often to help it run faster. Any ideas, programs I need to do or use? thx


try a program like advanced systemcare, i use it all the time, and it will help

http://download.cnet.com/Advanced-SystemCare-Free/3000-2086_4-10407614.html?tag=mncol;7


make sure your click the download button on the left, not the top... the one on the top is an ad...



mightymoe's photo
Tue 05/17/11 06:24 PM
that will help fix problems, as well as clean your registry, speed up your internet, and a few other things that will help...

Tessa02's photo
Tue 05/17/11 08:13 PM
Thanks, this is the second time I've attempted to download it. That's how slow my PC is! lol I'll let you know when I get it downloaded if it helps.

mightymoe's photo
Tue 05/17/11 08:37 PM

Thanks, this is the second time I've attempted to download it. That's how slow my PC is! lol I'll let you know when I get it downloaded if it helps.


wow, that is slow... it should help, it does quite a few things... be sure and check out the toolbox features, after you do a full scan

Tessa02's photo
Tue 05/17/11 08:49 PM
I'll try to download it again tomorrow. First it got to 12% & stalled. Second time 57% & I lost connection. PITA

Totage's photo
Tue 05/17/11 08:52 PM
When's the last time you cleaned it physically? There may be dust in there causing your computer to overheat, slowing it down. Get a can of compressed air and open the case and blow out the dust.

Tessa02's photo
Tue 05/17/11 09:20 PM
I've thought about that. It's been a few months. It does seem to be running loudly which is usually a sign it's working too hard through the dust bunnies!!! lol I'll have to pick up a can & take the case apart.

74Drew's photo
Tue 05/17/11 09:33 PM
Edited by 74Drew on Tue 05/17/11 09:34 PM
things to try in order from first to last:

run a defrag

increase your virtual memory size

use a wired internet connection if possible, but it shouldn't matter - even the slowest wireless lan connection should be faster than your wan connection

buy more ram



. . .

fobroth's photo
Thu 05/19/11 06:28 PM
74Drew is probably on the right track. Windows is horrible at memory management and relies on the swap file quite a bit. Make sure your hdd isn't getting full. When I used windows, I would set a fixed swap file size, which kinda would prevent it getting pinched.
Best thing, though, is buy more ram.

Atlantis75's photo
Thu 05/19/11 06:41 PM
Edited by Atlantis75 on Thu 05/19/11 06:42 PM

I'm using windows XP. Lately it's been running really slow. I've went in "msconfig" & turned off all programs that doesn't need to be running to free up resources. Ran malwarebytes & CCleaner. Using a netgear wireless adapter for the internet so my connection is slow at best. I've tried using Ubuntu because I've heard it's faster & can't figure out how to get my internet connection so gave up. I reboot often to help it run faster. Any ideas, programs I need to do or use? thx


Can you give us your system specifications?

how much RAM do you have
your processor,
size of hard drive
size of free space on your hard drive.

You can check that by right clicking on "my computer" and to check your free space, just left click on "my computer" it and hover your mouse over your hard drive to have it shown.

Also, do you have winxp updated with the updates, services packages?