My PC is real slow when i turn it on....?

Question

The problem isnt because of programs loading up at startup, because ive done msconfig and have got whats needed loading up. The problem occurs when windows first loads up, the desktop i can use perfectly, but the start menu and the taskbar seem to freeze. Also even if i was to open up a program using a desktop icon (of which i have 3, My docs, my comp and recycle bin) the program doesnt load until the taskbar and the start menu unfreezes. In some cases it can remain frozen for 5 mins or so.

I have noticed that if i press ctrl+alt+del then it seems to unfreeze it quicker. I also have norton antvirus + internet security installed, which when i turn the pc on it seems to be doing someting, then as ive said it all freezes bar the desktop.

Sorry for being so in depth its just this problem is a pain and id like to know if anyone else is having the problem and could rectify it.

Many Thanks

Just to note, its not a ram problem i have 1.5gb, its also not a virus, ive virus checked and lastly i do defrag and disk cleanup on a weekly basis, thats partly why im so stumped

Answer 1

It sounds as if it could be a driver problem. Have you installed any hardware recently, including any USB devices such as printers? Go to Windows help and find out how to update drivers. You may also want to visit the website of your hardware manufacturers to see if there is a driver update. Also have you installed or updated any software recently, e.g. IE7? Some software, by default, loads itself into memory at start up so that it starts quicker when you need it. The disadvantage is that it adds to the boot time. Uncheck any quick-start options that may be available on your software. Always do a custom install and never accept quick start options. I'd be very weary about installing any more antispyware: Norton should be adequate. Actually try disabling Norton and see if it starts quicker.

Your best bet, probably, is to reformat the hard drive and install everything from scratch. Make sure that you have backed up all your data (possibly on an external hard drive) but reinstall all the programs you need, make sure that you have any registration codes.

Good luck

Answer 2

See if you have updated the Norton antivirus and internet security to the latest available update. Another thing that you could do is to check online for viruses from the symantec website or from housecall.trendmicro.com. Do not install two antiviruses at the same time as it could cause more issues with your computer. The antispyware idea is good as in the previous answer. You could also check out www.lavasoftusa.com. I have also read from somewhere ( Not sure where now) that it is better if the firewall and the antivirus are from two different sources since if there was a loophole in one, the other would be in a better position to not have overlooked it.

Answer 3

Well my friend, it sounds like you have fiddled with your computer and done something wrong with it, you can try system restore, to restore the computer to a time when everything was working correctly, if that does not work then you might have to do a system recovery,

THE SYSTEM RECOVERY PROGRAM WILL DELETE ANY DATA OR PROGRAMS THAT YOU HAVE INSTALLED AFTER PURCHASE, BE SURE TO BACK UP ANY DATA THAT YOU WANT TO KEEP ONTO A REMOVABLE DISK (cd-rom)

To start system recovery
1 Disconnect all peripheral devices from the PC except the monitor,keyboard,and mouse
2 Do one of the following
* if the computer responds: click start on the taskbar, choose All programs, choose accessories, system tools, system recovery
* If you computer does not respond , press and hold the ON button until the computer turns off,
3 wait a few seconds and then press the ON button to turn the computer on,
4 during start up, do the following to enter the system recovery program:
When the blue screen appears press F10 key on the keyboard, (you only have a few seconds to press F10 key before the normal start up process continues)
5 wait until the system recovery box appears asking, do you realy want to start PC system recovery ?
6 click yes to continue with the recovery process.
7 follow the on screen instructions
8 complete the start up, and finish the registration process, then reconnect all peripheral devices.

Answer 4

try these :
1- If you have system restore point , Restore your computer to an earlier time .
2- Install a fresh windows
3- Install new anti-virus such as Kaspersky or Norton or McAfee
and update then search your PC completely.
4- Scan your Hard disk drive . maybe you have some bad sectors on your HDD .

Answer 5

You probably have too much stuff loading up at the same time when windows boots up.

Try using TuneUp Utilities 2006 (http://www.tune-up.com)

There is a startup manager utility that will help you decide what you can discard from startup...it will actually remove it from startup completely if you tell it to.

Other Great Utilities included are Registry Cleaner, RegistryDefrag, MemOptimizer, Winstyler 2

Try It ...you'll like it!!!

Answer 6

Have you installed software or hardware recently? It could be that you need more memory. It could be that your system is running too hot. Or it could be that you have a bunch of adware and spyware that is slowing you down. Try spybot. It's free, just google it. It may help you. But for preventing this again use some good firewall or antyspyware. Also try ditching some programs of software that you just don't use any more. Good luck

Answer 7

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 8

Hi there

http://www.mlin.net/

You could try many things have you done the usual??? defrag, disk clean up and deleted any old programs on there??

There is a great free piece of sotware that is used to speed pc up on start up, try it its free and really good.

Also try and run ad-aware or spybot to clear out some junk....

try formatting the hardrive also with the restore discs that you had with your pc... i do mine every 6 months runs so sweet!!!.....

Answer 9

try doing a registry clean. best bet is to back up important files and reformat. you probably have an older computer w/ lil ram, but have newer programs that rely on more ram than u have. so maybe u can get more ram. or get a new computer all together. i like newegg.com alot. i built mine for 700 dollars and its awesome. Hope this helps!!!

Answer 10

this could sound like it doesnt rely however the recent equipment fix for vista is termed "Shadow reproduction" It makes an entire reproduction of everthing you do on your computing gadget, no longer basically the adjustments. It quite boggs down your computing gadget. pass to equipment properties, then equipment protection. whilst the equipment fix GUI comes up uncheck the C:/ force. Hit stick to and ok. then pass back and recheck the container to set a fix factor. it works. by utilising the way you upward thrust as much as fifteen% of your no longer ordinary force area it makes use of for copies. (a hundred and sixty gig force at 15% = 38.4 gigs)