Can anybody help me? My computer is extremely slow. I get a message that my virtual memory is low?

Question

In my "control panel /add or delete" folder I appear to have a program that's so big no data shows up for me to delete it. All I see is a huge gap in the middle of the list of programs, I can highlight this area but nothing legible show up. Also, when I do a shutdown i.e. power off, the only way I can start up is in the "Safe Mode" because the cursor is locked up. I've done virus and spyware scans and they appear to be alright. I 'd really appreciate any help or ideas anybody might have.

Answer 1

Be patient, and do all the following simple steps, no matter even you did few of them already:

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.
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.
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=lst-0-1
http://www.download.com/Microsoft-Windows-Defender/3000-12771_4-10598014.html?tag=lst-0-1

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.

Use CCleaner to get rid of unnecessary junks:
http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10592746.html?tag=lst-0-1)

Use this Registry Cleaner:
http://www.download.com/TweakNow-RegCleaner/3000-2094_4-10553321.html?tag=lst-0-1

Answer 2

Press control alt delete and delete all the programs running that you don't need. Virtual memory is temp memory that a computer uses by using free space on the computer's hard drive. The best way to solve this to add more memory to your computer. To get rid of safe mode restart your computer and when it is booting up press and hold down F8 and start it in "normal mode."

Answer 3

Download CleanUp---http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/

Free disk space, make your computer run better/faster and protect your privacy - all in one easy solution. All for free!


Download RegScrubXP--http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2048

Safely cleans junk out of the Windows 2000/XP system registry. All changes made to the registry are fully restorable to it's original condition. You can make an exclusion list of registry entries that RegScrubXP will not display as problems. You can sift through a list of file extensions, company names, run upon startup programs, Internet Explorer history, and uninstall programs to delete what you think is junk.




Do a disk cleanup and disk defrag...

Start>all programs>accessories>system tools>Disk Cleanup

Follow the same path and click on Disk Defrag.

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

I'm no computer expert, so I'd haul the CPU to a computer repair shop and have a trained computer expert take a look at what's going on with your hard drive. It may be something minor, or a virus / trojan that's taken over, or it could be that your computer is just obsolete.

Answer 6

Please DON"T reformat :)

Your computer is running out of memory so to go around that XP goes directly to your hard drive and use some of it space to compensate its lack of memory.

Don't try adjust your virtual memory!! Chances are that a recent
program that you installed is eating up all your memory ressources. Investigate the latest programs installed and
remove them if not in need.

If that does not fix the issue go and by yourself a memory stick.

Fred.

Answer 7

Change your digital reminiscence allocation. Start - manipulate panel - method - complex - efficiency - complex - Change for Virtual reminiscence - click on Custom - difference the minimal and highest values to two instances your RAM. Apply and good enough all of the method out. Restart your laptop.

Answer 8

Sounds like you need more memory for your computer.
Try deleting some programs you don't need to free up space on the hard drive.
If this doesn't make much of a difference, you'll need to purchase memory.

Answer 9

Sounds like it's time for a new PC. They're pretty cheap now, you know...could be worth it by the sound of your problems.

Answer 10

Check for spyware.