Why is my computer going so slow?

Question

I have run my virus, spybot, and other scans but it is still going excessively slow.
Also, in my add/remove programs thing I just noticed a list of programs called Windows XP Hotfix KBbunch of numbers. Should I remove those? They haven't been there before and I'm worried.

Answer 1

Hi,

There may actually be too many reasons for your computer to go slow. However, taking the most frequent I see around I would give you a checklist:

1. Do you use system utilities such as Scandisk and Disk Defragmenter in a
regular basis? If you install and uninstall programs often I would
suggest for you to run these at least in a weekly basis. Since the graphical
interface
provided by windows could halt when you run it you may do it this way:

a. Start, Run..., cmd
b. Type chkdsk c: /f/r/x/v - This command basically does
scandisk's job thoroughly on the command prompt window.
I'm using "c:" here as a universal reference but you may use
this with any drive you own. If it asks to restart the pc do so.
c. After the scandisk program is done do as described on step
a and then type defrag c: -v-f (This will do the disk
defragmenter's job but will give you more details on
what's going on inside). As chkdsk command does, this
one will also take some time depending on your drive's
capacity.

The previous steps described will basically do the housekeeping
on your computer hard drives. The cleanest you leave it the
quicker you'll be able to see it.

2. Do you frequently burn DVD's on your computer?
If so make sure you delete the temporary images that are stored in
your computer as these are 4.7 or almost 9 Gigs depending on the
type of media you're using to burn. The images i'm talking about
are basically the DVD contents you burn. These are temporary files
that are created on your hard drive as a protective measure to prevent
damaging the blank dvd if the original one is scratched or
something.When left on
the hard drive it will absolutely take its space quickly. Usually
burning software comes up with tweaks where you could tell it not to
keep the images and delete them after the dvd burning is finished.

Regarding the hotfixes, do not delete these as they are windows-oriented updates to errors and malfunctioning features in your OS.

Hope this helps you out.

Answer 2

Hotfixes are patches installed by Microsoft. Deleting them will not inprove your performance, and may open you to certain network attacks.

The usual reason computers run slow is that you have caught a virus or some vicious spyware. There are othere reasons, though.

You might just have too much software running.
Download Mike Lin's Startup Control Panel, it's free and easy to use. Use it to disable everything except your primary antivirus software.

If your computer is overheating, it may run slowly or even shut down. You may wish to carefully clean dust out of your computer (Don't use a vacuum cleaner) and make sure your fans are turning.

Answer 3

Hi,

When you start your computer up there are a bunch of things that launch with it such as Antivirus programs, antispyware programs and all kinds of things.

There is a function in your computer called STARTUP which means its a list of things that load when you start your computer up.

You can download software that will let you UNCHECK a box next to each start up item. Then restart your computer and see if its faster. Also if you accidentally uncheck something that is needed to start up you don't have to worry as you didn't delete that item, you just unchecked it. So if you have problems you can check that box again.

Go to this site and download QUICK START. It's all free software but start with Quick start and I gaurantee you will see the culprit in there somewhere. Also if you have REAL PLAYER get rid of that it really slows things down.

Now if you have things that you downloaded like antivirus or antispyware programs and want to keep them running but not all the time..get the other program at that site called KILL PROCESS.

I am sure you will solve the problem and you are most likely on the right track. Something is being started up when you start your computer. Hope this works for you.

Answer 4

Working with a slow computer can be time consuming as programs/ applications take a long time to start. This problem is more pronounced in computers which have been used for 6 or more months. More information at http://fixit.in/slowcomputer.html

Answer 5

Leave those hotfixes alone, they are Microsoft update files for security. Before you ran your virus and spybot, did you do an update?

Answer 6

No let those stay on your add and remove program. Those make your computer function better. To speed up your computer go to start menu, then click on all program, then click on accessories, then click on system tools, then click on disk defragment. After a window pop up click on defragment. That will make your computer run at its top speed.

Answer 7

KB: Use norton anti virous program because it automacticly
scanns all files completely to see whats needs fixing if any
detected delet only those old ones and make sure you has windowsxp up date software installed http://yahoo.nortonantivirous.com & http://www.windowsxpupdate/microsoftware.com
its required for all new and used monitors ok?

Answer 8

scan with ad-aware. if you download system mechanic 6 trial you can optimize your compter and interent speed. I used it on my computer and i have noticed it runs much more smoothly and faster.

Answer 9

haha. Men. Computer Genui/geniuses.

Don't delete those.

Answer 10

Did you install any new program? Do you have enough ram?