Why is my computer performing slowly?

Question

The problem started some time ago, originally I thought I didn't have enough ram or I needed a faster graphics card but that didn't fix it. Here are my computer specs:

1) Pentium 4 2.0 Ghz
2) 1.5 Gig Ram
3) 80 Gig HD
4) Windows XP Sp2
5) Nvidia GeForce 6600 GT

I suspect the problem is due to some program I installed. The symptoms are that programs and processes on the computer signficantly slow down WITHOUT a reduction in Ram usage but the CPU is running at nearly 100% usage... this is exemplified when I try to run any video media file where the video is choppy. I usually do a lot of 3d animation, using Blender in particular... but I've tried uninstalling it but it doesn't make any difference. I have done the following in summary:

1) Virus and spyware check
2) Registry clean and defragmentation (used several programs that not only clean the registry but clean up all the junk files lying around the hardrive)
3) Defragmented the HD

None of these have worked.

Just a few more details...

I have done pretty much everything that has been suggested thus far... i don't have any games installed so it won't be from that and I also don't have a screensaver.

FYI - System Restore does fix the problem (that's how I used to fix it) but unfortunately I don't have any restore points to go back to, where the computer was running normally... so now I have to fix the problem.

My last resort option is to reinstall XP and that will probably fix the problem... but if I can do anything to avoid that it would be awesome.

Answer 1

follow this link

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/topic44693.html

it is from of my favorite websites. Register if you think you can benefit. I particularly like the forums on computer security, including firewalls, anti spyware programs, etc. check it out...good luck.

Answer 2

Also, run the application wizard and uninstall:
- everything you don't need
- everything you can easily re-install later

Then, manually remove any junk left on the hard drive - you can use Windows Search to find all the *.tmp, ~*.* kind of stuff.
Especially look in the program folders for each of your applications and make sure none of them have vast hoards of temp files.

Also, run IE, click Tools, then Internet Options, click Delete Files, click Delete All Offline Content, and click OK. Also, on the Programs tab, click Manage Add-Ons and delete anything which isn't proper Microsoft software.

Then defrag, and also do error-checking (with both boxes ticked) and reboot the PC.

Answer 3

When you use the task manager, what process is eating up all the CPU? My computers run at 100% CPU all the time, but I am running Community TSC, a program to find a cure for Tuberous Sclerosis, and it eats all the leftover CPU.

If you are doing video animation and such, you probably need to invest in a high performance disk drive. Not for the space, but for the bandwidth. Try one or two (if you have hardware RAID) of those 10,000 RPM SATA (if you have SATA ) disk drives with 16 MB of cache. Put your video files on the fastest disk you have.

Also, 1.5 Gig Ram is probably not too much for video editing, you might want to go higher if you can.

Answer 4

Antispywares do not usually detect all the spywares. Try using antispywares like lavasoft antispyware or spybot search and destroy.

Antiviruses that are most effective in my experience is the AVG antivirus. It's free!!

Some viruses and spywares still stay hidden and some even identify themselves as system files that cannot be deleted by any antiviruses because the system or kernel itself does not allow it.

One way after all this is done is to backup your documents and saved games and important files into a usb drive or a cd or a dvd... Then format the drive and reinstall windows and all program files...

Precautions to be aware of: Don't click on suspicious ads. Auto installer should be avoided unless it is a program that you really want and not just as a need...

I'll refer you to a downloading site for free softwares... lavasoft personal edition and avg free edition...

Answer 5

PC Running Slow, Hangs, Freezes:

- Are you using a complex screensaver - it runs in the background and eats memory. I had fun with mine, then changed it to blank.
- How many programs do you load at startup? Maybe you should check it out and ensure you are running just what you need.

1.From IE, click Tools, Internet Options
delete cookies
delete files (offline files)
clear history (set days to save to 0 if you want)
click o.k., and Restart

2.click Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools – run Disk Cleanup

3.Temporarily close Quick Launch:
Right-click on the Taskbar, click Toolbars, deselect Quick Launch

4.Open My Computer
right-click on C:
click Properties
click Tools, select Error Check (check all and fix), when finished click defrag & run.

5.click Start, Run ipconfig renew (type ipconfig space renew)

6.Restart. Right-click on Taskbar, click Toolbars, select Quick Launch to restore

All these things should be done regularly. The more frequently they are run, the less time they take.

Answer 6

Looks like you have tried all the obvious. You might want to delete temp files if you haven't done that yet. You must have some program running in the back ground with that much CPU usage. I would check the add/remove programs in control panel and see if you have a program that might have downloaded with something else. Sorry I wasn't much help. Good luck.

Answer 7

Don't defrag as often. It messes up the system. Try system restore. If that doesn't work, you may have a time-delay virus that doesn't show up but messes up your folders. If it still doesn't work, maybe you need to back up your files and reboot the entire thing once more. If you have games, I suggest you take them out as well.

Answer 8

you have a good pc now you have done a virus check some anit soyware check ok try this

do make sure you call your (isp) or this will happen
people in the vicinity is on your network

GET THIS SET TO DISABLED

(GAMES & APPLICATION SHARING )
it dont matter what router you have you need to get
(GAMES & APPLICATION SHARING ) set to disable

is your router safe?
you need to call your (isp) server
they have to get you in to your router home page
then from there ..copy & paste the router home page
into a notepad then save that to a back up cd

now from there they have to take you to the part
where (GAMES & APPLICATION SHARING ) is
then you click on ( GAMES & APPLICATION SHARING) icon
then at the top on the right your see
configure.. you click on configure
then you .. UN-TICK .. the box ( GAMES & APPLICATION SHARING)
that is ticked there ...
then you click on
apply

if you have a wireless router
and then ask there where you set up a wpa-security key dont use a 128bit wep key ask to use a wpa- security that is your router security key and you pick the wpa-security key not your (isp)server . just ask them where you set one up they will say use a wep-key ..ignore them you say your going to use a wpa.key and whant to know how to set one up and remember you pick the wpa-key not your (isp)server or they will use your network

now you close off the page
and clean out your internet address bar

then go get

this will fix it
XoftSpy 4.22 is the Latest and Most Advanced Spyware Detection and

pop up spyware
Spyware
W32/Spybot
Browser Hijackers
Adware
Malware
Keyloggers
trojans
worms
back door trojans
Malicious mobile code
MALICIOUS SCRIPTS
toolbar trojans that dont show up
hacking trojans to take your email accout/passwords
trojans screen name account passwords hack files

download xoftspy422 and install it then run it stop the scan and click on scan settings tick every box and click on where it says >> click here to select a folder then tick the (c) thats your hard drive if you have 2 hard drives tick the 2 of them then click ok
then click start when the scan is done click on remove tab

http://www.paretologic.com/products.aspx


ewido anti-spyware 4.0
http://www.grisoft.com/doc/10/lng/us/tpl/tpl01?prd=ews


free
Windows Defender
http://www.microsoft.com

free
anti spyware firewall<<<<<<< http://www.download.com/spyware-firewall...


ad-aware professional 6.0 /ad-watch 3.0
http://www.lavasoft.de/
ad-watch 3.0 block's all pop ups

spy doctor
http://www.pctools.com

anti spyware blocker
spybot search & destory
spyware blaster
http://www.download.com
clean out your system then it will not be slow

Answer 9

No idea. Maybe it is time for a new motherboard. I have heard good things about the 3GHz dual intel processors or try AMD.

Answer 10

defragmenting is crap it is not the all great fix people think it is look up spybots&d download it!!!! it is FREE if you crappy *** kazaa get it off of there pronto spybots&d will fix it it sounds like you have spyware or mallware