why is my computer sooo slowww?

Question

ever since the day before yesterday, my computer has just been REALLY slow. Every time i turn the computer on and log on to my account(becacuse i have WindowsXP) it takes about 3 minutes for my screen to pop up. and everytime i want the computer to do something like log on to check my e-mail or play a game, the hourglass on the mouse just keeps spinning for about 2 minutes before the screen can come on. and the computer isn't telling me that i have an error or nothing. i am soo confused! am i maybe logging on something that will make my computer slow or is that normal? because it used to be really fast.

Answer 1

From what you say, it could be one of several things that have slowed it down.

First, did you change any settings just before this started? Even if you don't think the setting "should" affect the speed of your computer, try changing it back. Or if you installed a new program, it may have altered your system and slowed it down. If you installed a new program, try increasing the cache size. (Start Menu, Control Panel, System, Advanced tab, Performance & click Settings, Advanced tab again, Virtual Memory & click Change, then increase the Maximum Size of the "Paging File" for your hard drive)

Second, try defragmenting your hard drive. (Start Menu, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter) See if that works. If the files on your hard drive have become very fragmented, that would slow down your system.

If the first two ideas don't work, you may have picked up spyware somewhere. A very slow startup or shutdown is one of the possible symptoms. Go to www.safer-networking.org, and download Spybot Search & Destroy. Run it, and follow the instructions. If you are not a "power user" (and I assume you aren't, or you wouldn't have asked this question), use the simpler mode and just follow the recommendations.

Answer 2

You have spyware, if you are missing some of these give them a try.

Antiviral. (free)

AVG free. Excellent protection available from: http://www.Grisoft.com

Don't use two antiviral products together as they may be incompatible. If your Antiviral trial has run out, then remove product from your computer and get the AVG installed.

Anti-spyware (all free)

Essential products are: Adaware SE from: http://www.lavasoft.com

Spybot SD http://www.safer-networking.org/en/spybotsd/index.html

Spywareblaster http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

Windows Defender - from Microsoft downloads.

PC starter kit at download.com 20 of the best recommended programes for people new or less advanced in computers. Check all three pages, at bottom see Security/Tools/Fun

http://www.download.com/PC-Starter-Kit/2001-12350_4-0.html?tag=dir

C Cleaner.http://www.ccleaner.com/

This will tell you a lot about what is on your computer, such as running programmes,cookies, History, settings etc. and will help you clean up and remove unwanted items. Be careful how you use it as it is a very powerful programme and you should read the help index before you do anything with it.

Hope this information is of help to you and others.

Answer 3

It can be a number of things....

1) Spyware (use SPYbot or other program)

2) A virus, scan your PC with HOUSECALL a free online virus scan incase the virus disabled yours.

3) You need to delete your Temp. Internet files, and TEMP files

4) Your hard drive is nearing capacity.

5) You need to "Defragment" your hard drive.

6) Spyware installed a "rogue" program that is running in the "background". Check your Add/Remove programs for any programs that you didn't authorize to install.

7) It could just be that your hard drive is getting ready to crash.

I hoped these helped some !

Answer 4

Maybe something you installed recently. Go to system restore and restore computer back to the day before yesterday when it was working okay. It's in the accessories, system tools tab.

Boot into safe mode, hit f8 a few times when starting. Run a good antivirus and spywire program. Reboot and see if faster.

Try Ccleaner too works good at clearing cache, history, etc. It's free.

Answer 5

Do you have virus or spyware software? Scanning for unwanted bugs is a first step. It is also possible that there is a hardware problem, like a failing hard drive. If you have any diagnostic software, run it. Otherwise, it may be time to call in an expert.

Answer 6

sounds like you have a lot of progs in StartUp that are slowing down your pc
Go to your Start button then go to Run then type in msconfig then go to StartUp and uncheck everything then re start your pc if that makes a difference then go back into the StartUp and start re adding everthing back in one at a time...long process but will help you to identify what it is that is slowing down your pc.

You may also have lots of spyware on your pc so run some decent spyware removal progs like Lavasoft's Adaware SE Personal and Spybot Search & Destroy (both you can get from www.download.com)

Answer 7

There can be a ton of causes yet listed decrease than are 4 steps for extra acceptable performance. a million) purchase extra RAM. 2) De-fragment your disks or perhaps extra acceptable, format them. 3) Get reliable anti-virus registry mechanic and ad-conscious application. 4) sparkling up the courses that load on commence-up that you do not choose.

Answer 8

You should do a spyware and a virus scan. Clean your cache and delete your cookies. This is a minimum and might help.

Also, when was the last time you defragmented your hard drive?

Answer 9

Sounds like a good dose of spyware has boarded your ship! Run a spyware program at all times,,a software firewall,such as Zonealarm doesn't hurt either... Go to download.com to get these for free! :-)=

Answer 10

maybe u downloaded a program that make Ur computer slow or maybe u stored lots of files and programs on it , try to clean up your disks and delete unused files and programs or u can also format Ur computer .