why is my windows xp pro so slow?

Answer 1

Run Disk Defragmenter
Scan your computer for Antiviruses, spywares, trojans, adwares, malwares, etc.
If this still doesn't work add some more RAM.

Answer 2

Hi,
There are many reasons why XP Pro or XP Home can run slow

Today the most common culprit is adware and spyware.

These rogue programs put files on your computer without you knowing about it and the result is hidden services that run in the background

there are a bunch of free programs that can help

a good one is startup guard
http://www.acelogix.com/freeware.html

Here's another good one from lavasoft
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

Startup Inspector
http://www.windowsstartup.com/

The startup inspector will show all of the programs that are set to starup when you start your computer.

It's a little tedius but worth the effort; just google the exe or the dll and see if it is something that you should not start.

Do is after you have run the ad aware programs (they will get rid of stuff too)

also last but not least is microsofts anti spyware.

It used to be in beta and was free , it name have evolved into either a pay program or a newer version

There could also be a hardware issue
what processor and how much memory you have can have significant effects

I hope this helps

Answer 3

You can download ccleaner for free here: http://bit.ly/1Bk5V5C

First open CCleaner
Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.
To make this brief, below is my recommended setup:
Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.
Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.
afterward it will present you with a list of the files deleted, you really don't need to go through it as it will be several pages long.
The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users. Use it after uninstalling programs as they will often leave behind incorrect registry entries.
If you decide to run Registry cleaner then review the items detected and always back up the registry (I keep a folder aside for this)
The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).
Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.
Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files. I leave this alone.

Answer 4

there are many factors that can slow down your operating system
to run xp pro you should have at least 512mb ram,but to run it smoothly 1gb is recommended
virus and spyware checks will rule out infection,updates are important on non-updatable programs like spy-bot,and adaware
sometimes a windows re-installation is the best plan-of-action as this will give your p.c a optimal boost,and will give you the excuse to install up-to-date drivers,which will also give you a speed boost
hard drives can also cause speed issues on your p.c,firstly try a defrag ,and if your hard drive is making whiring or scraping noises ,it may be your drive thats causing the slowing of your system and a new drive would be the best bet
personally i would upgrade your memory if vius and spyware infections are ruled out
good luck

Answer 5

You need to do regular housekeeping on your pc, like servicing your car and changing the oil.
Uninstall any software you're not using.
Clean out any files you don't need.
Back up old files to an external hard drive/cd.
Then install and run anti spyware, anti adware and an anti trojan.
Then defragment the hard drive by going to start - programs - accessories - system tools - disc defragmeter.
Leave the pc while it defrags, don't try to use it.
Check that you haven't got all your programs loading on startup.

The Windows firewall doesn't stop malware on your pc from dialling out. Either of these firewalls are free for personal use and stop unwanted incoming and outgoing traffic. You choose which programs are allowed to access the internet. They are both fairly easy to use and updated regularly.
http://www.zonelabs.com Zone Alarm firewall
http://www.kerio.com Kerio firewall

Shields Up security site, check your firewall works
https://www.grc.com/x/ne.dll?bh0bkyd2

http://www.mozilla.com/ Firefox web browser
http://www.opera.com/ Opera web browser
Instal both these web browsers, turn off javascript on one and use that browser for vising unknown websites. They don't support Active X so thats one less way for problems to get on your pc.

Winpatrol is a handy utility that tracks cookies on your pc and stops unwanted changes to your startup folder.
http://www.winpatrol.com

Spywareblaster works with Internet Explorer. It won't uninstall spyware that is already on your pc, but it will prevent hijacks and other malicious changes to
I.E.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

The best antispyware is Spyware Doctor
http://www.pctools.com The free version will give you the file name and location so you can get help removing them without having to pay.

http://www.download.com/HijackThis/3000-8022_4-10379544.html

http://www.ewido.net Ewido anti trojan

Ad-Aware SE Personal anti adware
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/

Spybot Search and Destroy anti spyware
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

http://www.avast.com Avast Antivirus

http://www.bitdefender.com -BitDefender can be used as a second, on demand anti virus.

http://www.ccleaner.com Cr*pcleaner Registry cleaner and privacy tool

Microsoft have two free online scanners that look for malware.
http://safety.live.com/site/en-US/default.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.mspx
You can also download Microsofts free Windows Defender from the official Microsoft site, and the Malicious Software Removal Tool.

Remember to update and run all of you anti malware programs at least once a week.

Answer 6

See the system requirements in Windows Xp Professional at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/evaluation/sysreqs.mspx
then check the compatibility on My Computer then Properties then on general tab you see the information about the operating system,processor and ram size installed. the higher the ram size and processor speed the faster as it can gets.Use system tools in Start-Program-Accessories-System Tools if you met the requirements.

Answer 7

First issues first, homestead windows XP demands greater components than previous variations. 256 memory isn't plenty. Upgrading to a minimum of 512MB could particularly teach speed boost. additionally, over the years, archives on your computer grow to be fragmented (broken down into separate products) and could be defragmented (rejoined) each so often. i am going with to advise as quickly as each 2 months. Fragmented archives reason the perplexing rigidity to ought to artwork tougher to come across what you go with. To defragment your perplexing rigidity, flow to the initiating menu and All courses>upload-ons>gadget procedures> Disk Defragmentor. Then, go with your C: rigidity and click Defragment. this could take a number of hours and additionally you mustn't use your computer in this technique. whilst that's finished, you should restart the computer and additionally you will see a speed boost. it may desire to be mild or substantial finding on the scale of your perplexing rigidity and the quantity of archives on it. those 2 steps ought to boost the cost of your computing device plenty.

Answer 8

Because it was designed by Microsoft.....

no seriously, do a disk de-frag, disk cleanup, get a LEGITIMATE cleaning programe such as 'Advanced Uninstaller 7' (free 20 day trial) and run all of the functions - selecting ALL of the items.

Answer 9

Try cleaing the disc and defrag the disc, then run spysweeper, (Found at www.spysweeper.com for a free 30 day trial), then go to google and search for stinger, a free anti-virus that works really good too.

Answer 10

Defragment you hard drive, remove unessary files, scandisk the hard drive, install more memory and check your graphics card is installed with the manufactorors ones not Microsofts.