I have windows XP with Panda security and I swear it takes five minutes to fire this thing up. What can I do?
2006-07-11 11:54:16 · 11 answers · asked by Infamous Francis 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Yeah, clearing up my start-up programs helped tons. Thanks.
2006-07-12 07:32:20 · update #1
Don't install programs to speed it up, like everyone else on here says - that'll be just patchwork, if you don't check the simple things first.
You should run msconfig by pressing, Start, Run, then typing msconfig and pressing enter. See the tab for startup programs and services (last tab usually) and uncheck the ones that you don't need running in the background. Apart from your firewall and antivirus, that means most anything in there.
Next, check the 'Startup' category in your start menu (Start, Programs - Startup) and delete stuff from there. Then go into your Configuration Screen, and at Add/Remove Programs, delete the big heavy programs that you don't really use that often. Delete the temporary internet files in Internet Explorer next, and lastly right-click your hard-drive in Explorer (My Computer icon) and use the option to clean it, throwing away temporary files and all, and then defragment it. The latter is an option that will run for over an hour maybe, but all in all this should make your laptop much quicker.
If the increase in speed is not sufficient, then do install programs other answerers here commented about - they can have an effect. Spyware does throw sand in your software, and there are ways to 'tweak' your BIOS settings and all, in order to startup quicker. It's nice then to have programs that do the cleaning tweaking for you, but be careful about what you download - often promises are broken and spyware could be included even in anti-spyware programs. Ad-Aware, SpyDoctor and WinPatrol are recommendable.
Lastly, Windows XP needs 350+ mb of RAM to run, so like the guy before me I advise checking how much memory is in your PC. The more you have, the merrier you will be.
2006-07-11 21:05:57 · answer #1 · answered by McAtterie 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
anti virus stuff doesnt protect you from ALL viruses. i have 3 anti virus systems and viruses still manage to get past. also, things in your temporary internet files and cookies can cause ur computer to run slower. what i usually do is clear it all out by going to the Start Menu > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Clean Up. then you should restart it and see if it runs any better. hope that helps! =)
2006-07-11 19:00:54 · answer #2 · answered by Lila 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You have four potential choke points.
1. Your processor. If it's just too lightweight, it's just too lightweight. Check your processor speed to see if it's competent. If not... sorry. If so, go to step 2.
2. Check your RAM. If you're carrying less than 256 meg, RAM is cheap. Buy more. If you're at 512 or more... go to step 3.
3. Application programs. If you have too many programs loading at boot, it can take for frigging ever. Check your system for startup programs (go to start--run and type "msconfig". check your startup programs and kill every one you don't absolutely need.) Failing that, go to step 4.
4. Check your hard drive. Delete all unnecessary files/programs, then do a defrag.
2006-07-11 19:03:34 · answer #3 · answered by antirion 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove Panda, the later version is becoming very bulky, you shodl also use another Antivirus to scan for nastys, as well as using something like Spybot-SD to scan for spywares that may slow it down also,
2006-07-11 18:59:38 · answer #4 · answered by Cupcake 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Spyware
Do this & it will speed you up -
You should have Windows Defender. It is free from Microsoft and watches your system prevents programs from taking over your home page etc.
Go here to read about and get it - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security...
Two other free programs you should get & run about once a week are Spybot and Adaware. They also are free and you can get them both here - http://www.download.com/
Keep up with spyware & your computer will keep up with you.
2006-07-11 18:59:21 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Clean out your temporary files and defragment your hard drive. Use your tools option>Internet options to clean out your files. Then go to Start>programs>accessories>system tools>disk defragmenter.
2006-07-11 19:02:11 · answer #6 · answered by lainey lain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Many reasons.
Spyware,
Not enough memory (512 MB + recommendable)
Defragmentation needed ( go to Control Panel), etc.
2006-07-11 19:06:24 · answer #7 · answered by crazy_conquistador 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Reformat your hard drive, if you are up to the task.
2006-07-11 18:57:51 · answer #8 · answered by lessthanadam 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
just like mine,uninstall antiviruses & spywares
2006-07-11 19:03:41 · answer #9 · answered by Ashton 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
well, for one thing, it's a PC. there's your main problem. get a mac, and be happy!. YAY!
2006-07-12 01:26:24 · answer #10 · answered by csalm87 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋