I am computer stupid so you will have to spell it out. I have defragged and cleaned disks but it is still super slow. Help me please to clean up my computer so I can use it properly .
2006-09-20 03:41:26 · 9 answers · asked by linda w 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
the best way to get your computer back up to running speed is to reformat your hard drive and reload windows. it will run brand new. make sure you save all your files on a disk before you reformat or you will loose all your files you want.
2006-09-20 03:45:57 · answer #1 · answered by levi_noel2005 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Change the startup options in the software that runs as soon as the pc is rebooted. That is the problem with 95% of slow running pc's. Set it so that they will not startup when Windows is restarted. You can also use the run option and bring up msconfig. You do this by clicking start, then run. Tyep in MSCONFIG. Choose selective start up. But you have to be really careful when using that because sometimes people don't know what they are unchecking, so if you're not sure, don't fool with it! Also, try this: Select start, and then run... When it comes up, type this- chkdsk /f That is a command that tells the computer to do a diskcheck the next time the pc is restarted. That helps out too as it fixes any errors on the drive.
2006-09-20 10:53:48 · answer #2 · answered by smartestassofthemall 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Remove any unnecessary shortcuts from your desktop (deleting them from here does not delete the program.
Save any documents to My documents or a folder on C Drive and not on the desktop.
Stop any programs, you don't need, that are running in the background, either from the task manager or if they appear on the taskbar then exit or close the ones you don't need.
Buy more RAM (256 or less for XP is not really sufficient)
Run a spyware program such as Windows Defender from microsoft.com.
I presume you have a virus killer? Free one from Grisoft.com (search for AVG 7 free edition) if you haven't.
2006-09-20 10:49:09 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
what you've done is correct....
next thing your should do....
1. HDD available space must not be less than 1GB, better if more than 5GB... do some clean up...
2. Download Ad-aware and scan to remove cookies...
http://www.lavasoft.com this is free for personal use...(remember to update the signature file after installation)
This should normally work
otherwise...
3. Anti-Virus chk, if you suspect virus attack...
4. remove unwanted programs, this will reduce the load for the OS...
if above doesn't help, problem may be a bit more complex, then post again for further help....
regards
2006-09-20 10:50:43 · answer #4 · answered by Chris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sometimes you have to start over. About once a year I reformat my hard drive and reload everything. Be sure you make a back up disk of any files you want to keep as they will be lost when you do it. Also be sure you have the disks for windows and any other software you will want to reload.
2006-09-20 10:44:59 · answer #5 · answered by Wilson Wilson 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
You need to check for viruses and spyware as well.
If you do not have the maximum amount of ram memory, or a fairly small amount:
http://www.crucial.com
can help you select the right kind. I doubled my ram for $30 and it is like I bought a new computer!
They will show you how to install it yourself. Save $$$.
"PCs for Dummies" is the most popular book for novices and is actually a fun read, at any library.
It will have more suggestions, or:
http://www.cnet.com
2006-09-20 10:56:40 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what Yoi 55 said, then right click on my computer (either on your desktop or start menu) and select Properties.
Check how much RAM you have (measured in MB). If it is low (like 32mb) thats your problem. But, if it is higher (like 256mb) then there could be a virus.
Download a Firewall:
http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/catalog/products/sku_list_za.jsp;jsessionid=FRVnNFYvLzjAaMVZCV1RaCfJcoon0t2fm8b3nR88JWwUZr72kJcs!-2046482805!-1062696903!7551!7552!NONE?dc=12bms&ctry=US&lang=en&lid=dbtopnav_zass
Install it and it will stop virus' from getting in to your pc.
2006-09-20 10:51:00 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try scanning for spyware and viruses...if you already have an antivirus, just do a scan for that:
Spyware Tools:
http://www.lavasoft.nu/software/adaware/
http://www.safer-networking.org
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsdefender
http://www.merijn.org/programs.php
Anti-Virus:
http://free.grisoft.com
Cleanup:
http://www.ccleaner.com
2006-09-20 10:44:05 · answer #8 · answered by Yoi_55 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try to upgrade your memory and get bigger hard disk size. If it is destop, try also to upgrade for Processor.
2006-09-20 10:47:07 · answer #9 · answered by Whizkidonboard 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋