Slow computer?

Question

What can be some of the causes of a slow computer. Have already scanned for viruses with AVG free, no problems. I do download games, but remove them, when my free time expires.Any ideas please and thanks xx

Answer 1

AVG may not be sufficent. You need to run at least 2 virus scanners and I recommend at least 2 malware scanners

Try ewido from free.grisoft.com
Try Lavasoft from free.lavasoft.com

How much ram does your computer have? Remember the MINIMUM XP need is 256. If you are running graphics or games then you need more.

How fast is your processor speed? How long has it been since youve defragged your hard drive. Good Luck.

Answer 2

try installing the free version of this program.

http://www.lavasoftusa.com

update that program and run it, it should speed up your computer quite a bit if you don't already have a spyware removing program. AVG only helps you with viruses.

After doing that, you should check your system tray. The system tray is the area where your system clock is located. Try to remove as many as you can. A cluttered system tray is one of the easiest way to slow down your computer. Each of those icons are a program that's running. Good luck.

Answer 3

You should run some spy ware programs to search for anything running in the back ground.

Go to the link below, search and download the two programs listed below. You don't have to pay for anything, these are free.

Ad-Aware SE Personal
Spybot Search and Destroy

Install, update and run the two programs. (Run Ad-Aware first then Spybot) This combo will remove the highest level of spyware from your machine and fix other small issues.

I worked for a nation wide property management company and this is the same technique we used on the machines in every office. It is a guaranteed fix.

Answer 4

Have you scanned for spyware? If you're downloading games there will definately be spy ware in there. Antivirus doesn't get rid of it. Do a search for free spyware removal and download one. Also, try defragmenting the main disk, it's in accessories>system tools>disk defragmenter. But be warned, it will take ages if you've never done it before!

Answer 5

You might have trojans, anti virus programs don't touch them. Add Ewido anto trojan, and some anti adware.
Also install Ccleaner and use both the Cleaner and the Issues cleaner, because you install and uninstall regularly your registry will need a clear out.
Then defragment your hard drive by going to Start - programs - accessories - system tools - disc defragmenter. Leave the pc while it runs.

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

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 and Firefox. It won't uninstall spyware that is already on your pc, but it will prevent hijacks and other malicious changes to your browser.
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com

http://www.siteadvisor.com -Site Advisor warns about malware on sites you are about to visit.

http://www.avast.com - Avast Antivirus

http://www.trendmicro.com/vinfo/ - Trend Micro online virus guide
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/ - Trend Micro PCillin online scan

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

Ad-Aware SE Personal anti adware
http://www.lavasoft.com

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

http://spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm - The Spyware Warrior site identifies fake anti spyware programs.

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

Have you cleaned up your temporary internet files and all that. Even if you delete the files and games there is still a small bit left just incase you reinstall it. You should run Disk cleanup to remove and compress all unused files and run disk defragment to clean up all the little bits. U should be faster then.

Answer 7

Ask one of you friends with computer knowlege to reinstall windows ,

the installing of free stuff usually does this , check the free space in C drive , it should be more than 1 GB (ideally)
and try to upgrade your ram (if possible )

Answer 8

i agree with all of the above, there is a great free programme called CCleaner. it will do all of the above for you in one programme, delete history, temp internet files all that jaxzz. Also think about using avast antivirus again its free and is valid for one year, they send you a reg key in your e mail and you register it and your set. just type in CCLeaner in google and it will find it. Do a defrag, and a disk clean up, both can be found in system tools on your PC.

Answer 9

Try Ad-Aware SE Personal from lavasoft. Free, regularly updated and seems to catch more spyware than lots of others.

Answer 10

I have same problem and it gets right up my nose, I think I will have to invest in a new P.C. What makes it a wee bit worse, is that I am a typist, and get so narked when the bloody thing won't shift - P.C. - window - chuck out in rage - tempted - I am. Will be glad to read your answers, thanks xx