My computer is running slow, any suggestions?

Question

It is a Dell desktop, about 4 years old, with a 2Ghz processor and 256k of RAM. I ran a virus scan, didn't find anything, I don't need to defragment my hard drive. Any other ideas?

Sorry, I meant 256mb, not kb! It's still pretty low, though.

Answer 1

You should do the following simple steps:

1. Run Disk clean-up. Then delete unused files. (start>program>accessories>sys... tools> disk clean-up)
2. Check for disk errors. (right click on a disk-drive>properties>tools >error checking, then restart)
3. Run disk defragmenter, don't care what it says, just run it.
4. Delete cookies. (you can do it from your browser options: tools>internet options)
5. Delete cache or temporary files. (you can do it from your browser options) or, click on 'start", 'run', type 'temp' then click ok. Whatever shows up, just delete.
6. Delete all history files. (you can do it from your browser options, or, CTRL + H, then delete)
7. Empty recycle bin.
8. Delete unused icons & short-cuts from anywhere including desktop.
9. Uninstall any software or game that you use only once or twice in a week.
10. Delete temporary internet files. (you can do it from your browser options: tools>internet options)
11. Delete all recent files. (click on start, click run, then type "recent", delete all the files which show up)
12. Run a full virus scan. If any threat found, eliminate that completely.
13. Run a software which can remove any spyware or adware.
Like: Ad Aware, Windows defender etc.

If you did these all at the same time, restart your computer. All these to be done once in a week if possible, depending on the frequency of use of your PC.

■ Updating: (Needed only when updates are available)
14. Update your Windows by installing latest updates.
15. Update your audio & video drivers.
16. Update softwares, browsers, games that you use.


■ It is, however, highly recommended to upgrade your system RAM upto 1024 mb. 256 mb (it's not kb) is not enough for these days.
A 512 mb of RAM module should cost no more than $50.

Answer 2

Add more ram. You are pretty low in that aspect. If that is not an option you can limit the amount of programs that startup when your computer does.

To do so go to the start menu and to run and type MSCONFIG. Click on the startup tab and uncheck the programs that you do not require to start with the PC. Keep in mind that none of these programs are vital for the operating system. You can remove them all and not harm your PC. Some programs may not operate as normal though so keep that in mind. This is for Windows XP.

Answer 3

Run task manager (ctrl-alt-del, or right-click task bar and select), "processes" and look at the bottom where is says "CPU usage". Anything consistently over 10-15% and something is pegging the CPU. Scroll through till you find it. Also click the "performance" tab and ensure that available memory is at least 100mb

Answer 4

one thing you can add more RAM which will help

and go to start all programs > Accessories > system tools> Disk cleanup make sure you delete all temp files.
will help some but adding more RAM is good
try to get it form
http://www.crucial.com

Answer 5

256KB of ram is way too low and windows cannot run with that kind of memory I suggest get 1GB of ram if your machine can handle it but only having 256KB of ram I doubt it can. good luck

Answer 6

my computer is like the same exact thing and mine is really slow too...more RAM would probaly be better...you might also have a virus that your anti virus didn't catch it...also computers are geting faster so our computers might seem slower..

Answer 7

Hi there,

Try this:

-- Step 1.
My computer >> Right click C: >> properties >> Uncheck "Allow indexing service to index this disk for fast file searching
" Click apply , apply to all folders and subfolders,you might get a Error message(Click ignore all). wait for it to apply the attributes.....This might take 5 min This option may not be available if there are two Hard.disks,then skip to step 2.
Restart or shutdown the system(is a must)

-- Step 2.
Clear NVRAM,Set Factory Defaults, If one page Bios scroll down to CPU information, if the speed is Compatable,change it to Normal,save shanges and exit.


-- Step 3.
Start-Run-Regedit Click the plus (+) sign next to the following folder names:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE//SYSTEM//Cu... //Click on "Control". on the right screen Right click on "WaitToKillServiceTimeout" and select Modify. Set it a value lower than 2000 (For example: 200) Close the registry editor window and Restart the system(is a must)

-- Step 4.
Start-Run-Regedit Click the plus (+) sign next to the following folder names:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER // CONTROL PANEL// DESKTOP on the right hand side right Click on AutoEndTasks and Select Modify default value is 0. Change it to 1. Click OK WITHOUT RESTARTING (on the same page) on the right side Look for WaitToKillAppTimeout and right click and Select Modify and change the value to 3000 and then click OK
Restart the system(is a must)

-- Step 5.
Navigate to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE//System//Cu...
Double click on the folder named FileSystem.On the right pane, look for key by the name "NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation"... then Right Click on it and Select Modify and set its value to 1 and then click OK . On the left screen Click on the plus Sign (+) next to each of the Folders, Software//Microsoft//Dfrg ...C... on the folder named BootOptimizeFunction. On the right pane look for Enable. Right click on it and select Modify and set it to 'Y' for enable. (IF you Already have 'Y' erase it and put 'N'...then erase it and put 'Y' again) and then click OK, close the registry and restart the system.

" IF STILL NOGO "
" THE LAST STEP "OF COURCE" IS RESEATING THE "PROCESSOR AND THE MEMORY" .....

.... IT WORKS "

-- Also Disable "THIRD PARTY BROWSER EXTENSIONS" from IE Advanced settings. (Internet Explorer > Tools > Internet Options > Advanced TAB > Remove check mark from Enable Third Party browser extensions.)


Hope this works for you also...

Arash Shirali....

Answer 8

Definitlly upgrade your RAM. GO to http://www.crucial.com they will be able to tell you exactly what kind of ram you need, and how much your PC will take.

Answer 9

Run your restore cd's, if all else failed. You will loose everything you added to it though. So, make sure you do a backup.

Answer 10

If the computer runs slow it could be that u downloaded to many things on it...