my computer is slow, what can i do?

Answer 1

you can uninstall any programs you do not use, delete software and documents you dont want, defrag the computer generally tidy it up. from jamie.

Answer 2

The best way is to download Ccleaner here http://bitly.com/UrALrK

Or you can go on Windows operating system locate the command prompt and go there to do the following:
Create a Recovery file of system and date it today.

Then begin by;
delete the 'Temp' folders..they have hidden subfolders so you need to set the attributes in order to bypass this. For each subfolder delete all cookies and rubbish left behnd after install-uninstalled programs. Do a 'dir' command to check your progress. Make sure the 'Temp' file is empty.

goto c:\windows\prefetch and delete everything in there..no exceptions

goto c:\windows folder and delete all the '$' files that have been installed by updates. They can all be succesfully deleted and just take up disk space.

Locate the Internet Temporary Files..Check to see how high the saving level is..some have it set at 30 days..but that stores faaaar tooo much data..though it slows down the system overal. Keep this to a minimum..suggest 2 or 5 at most.

Delete all 'cookies' all those you don't need.

Locate the windows directory and go through the folders you know and those you don't need. Check this once a week at least. Some programs will install under XP as NT and older systems where there is no check of systems weight.

Check to see that system files have not changed since last booting. Things like .ini files or .bat are important items.


Check for 'Hidden Directories' all over the disk...do this at the command prompt:

dir *.* /ah wil show these hidden directories

Check the 'dir' command for all parameters

Answer 3

1) If your computer is really old (5+ years), tough luck. Replace computer.
2) If it seems to sit and access your hard drive for a long time every time you do something, try defragmenting your hard drive.
3) Add more RAM. This often helps, especially if you run many programs at once, but is an expensive option.
4) If your computer was once fast but is now slow, it is probably due to one of more of the following:
-too many programs running in the background (quit these from your taskbar or your list of processes)
-a messed up/full registry (you can try to clean this with registry editors, but the best is a clean OS install)

Your best bet is to back up all your personal data and docs, then perform a clean install of your OS (Windows, LINUX, etc).

Answer 4

Maybe you need more RAM. For Windows 98 and Windows ME, you should have 128MB. For Windows 2000 and Windows XP, you should have 512MB.

Consider upgrading your RAM for speed. Visit http://www.coastmemory.com and see what came with your computer and how much it will take. Their prices are awesome, and they accept returns if you get something that won't work.

Keep your own Anti-virus up to date, and check the status regularly.

Get and update several Anti-spyware solutions. I use AD-AWARE and SpyBot Search & Destroy. I use the free versions from http://www.download.com Update and run these regularly. Especially IMMEDIATELY after an upexpected pop-up.

Download and install FireFox free from http://www.mozilla.com This is a browser that is safer to use than IE. Use this for general surfing and google searching. Only use IE when you MUST have IE, such as Windows Updates.

If you have Windows XP with SP2, activate the Windows firewall and check the status. If you don't, get Zone Alarm the free version from http://www.zonelabs.com

I use these steps to keep my computer ALIVE.

Answer 5

Possible Solutions:
1. Get a new one
2. Uninstall unnecessary programs
3. Defrag your partition(s) frequently
4. Delete temp folders.
5. Add more Physical Memory (DDR, SDRAM, RAMBUS, etc...)
6. Upgrade to a faster processor (preferably with Hyper-Threading or a Dual-Core)
7. Disable some services you do not need.

Answer 6

Uninstall any software that you don't use.
Delete any files you don't need, move others to external storage.
Defragment the hard drive from start - programs - accessories - sytem tools - disc defragmenter. If you've never done it, it could take up to 4 hours; just be patient and leave the pc whil it runs.
Install more RAM, Windows XP can recognise up to 2 gigs.

Run a complete system scan with some good anti malware programs. You need a firewall, an anti virus, an anti trojan, anti adware and anti spyware.
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.grisoft.com/doc/30863/lng/uk/tpl/tpl01

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 7

you should always and always remember that you need to have a lot of patience when you sit in front of a computer, even the fastest one. let things load in its own time and let processes happen. if you wait, everything will be alright. and don't over-download anything or do not open too many windows or high memory taking programmes or big websites. try settling everthing on desktop and control panel and then restart it. it should probably work fine. if not, seek a professional advice. regret what someone or perhaps you have done and forget the problem. don't do it again. please!!

Answer 8

if u have too many softwares running at start up
{
then open run and type "msconfig" and click on ok
System configuration utility window opens
there click on "start up" tab u can un check the unwanted softwares or softwares that u dont want to run at start up there by reducing the system start up time
then click on "apply" and then "ok" then restart ur computer when asked
}
otherwise if the programs run slower right click on "my computer"
select "properties" from the menu that appears
"System properties Window" opens
there choose "Advanced" tab
in the performance menu click on settings
in the "performance options" Window select "Visual efficts" tab and enable the radio button "Adjust for best performance" then click on "apply" and "ok"
then u'll find ur system working a little bit faster

Answer 9

1.) See if you have any spyware/viruses
2.) Free up some space on your hard disk (around 4 gigs or so)
3.) Upgrade your hardware (RAM, etc.)
4.) Buy a new computer

Answer 10

Hi it would be worth going into you local computer store and have a word, there are loads of things you can do, to make your pc faster, you can get stuff to put inside it.

Answer 11

my computer was slow 2. wat i did was i emptied files that i didnt need cause ur computer might be carrieng extra weight which makes it run slower. so if you have a dell click start then control panel then add or remove programs and delete extra files u never use or not important. but be careful dont delete important files that might make your computer slower.