My computer is running very slowly .How do I fix it?

Question

My computer is running very slowly. Even my screen saver takes a long time to shut down. How do I fix this?

Answer 1

First thing is when a computer goes slow too many programs and not enough RAM. Upgrade the RAM or un-install the programs. Run a disk defrag and get things organized. Just on the safe side of things do a chkdsk and virus scan/Malware...

Answer 2

Try restarting your Computer in SafeMode (F8) and then running a anti-virus scan. I suggest Norton Anti-Virus. From there see if there are any dangerous files on your pc or any strange programs that's come from an unknown source.

Also do you surf a lot of traffic heavy websites? If so you may have had spyware installed on your PC. If you're using Windows XP, then perhaps try restoring from an earlier restore date before you started seeing the problem. Make sure you have your data backed up just in case.

Also if you are using Windows XP, then it's best if you have a RAM size of 512MB as this is what Microsoft suggests. However you can get by with 256MB.

I suggest trying another web browser such as Mozilla Firefox. If you surf alot of websites that are heavy on the ads, then this may be the reason your PC is slow due to spyware.

Also if all else fails, then reformat your PC. If it's more then 3-4 years old, I would suggest a major upgrade or buy a new one!

Answer 3

u dont say how big the drive is, what o/s u have, how much ram or cpu.
the obvious: clear cashe, history, and cookies. then run anti-spy and adaware to eliminate the spy/adware that might be filling up the drive. after that, do a scan disk if on win98, or run disk clean-up and disk defragmenter.
if u have xp, the system restore also takes up drive space.
if the hard drive is getting close to full, it's gonna start running slower. if it isnt close to being full, do the above steps. that should help it.
if it helps some, but still isnt quite up to speed, the inside of the computer is most likely gettin choked to death with dust. dust acts like an insulator, and traps heat. heat is a cpu's biggest enemy. open up the case and look inside..remember to turn the power off first tho. if the fans are caked with dust, then it needs to be thoughly cleaned. its about a 35 min job to do it fully.
screen saver's are worthless resource hogs. they're not needed.

Answer 4

Sounds like your PC has a program that is using too much CPU time or perhaps it's infected by a virus. Check the task manager to see if any programs are monopolizing the CPU.

If so, kill those programs and see if your PC runs faster. Then find out why those programs were running.

If not, install an anti-virus program to see if your system is infected. If not, then it could be due to several other reasons like insufficient swap space or insufficient memory.

Answer 5

1. Reduce the number of programs that load on startup. you can use the "msconfig" run command (start menu > run > type "msconfig" > [Enter] > startup tab > uncheck any program you don't need to load on startup > Reboot)

2. Delete obsolete and useless files using Disk Cleanup (start menu > all programs > accessories > system tools > disk cleanup)

3. Defrag your hard drive (start menu > all programs > accessories > system tools > disk defragmenter).

4. Turn off visual effects you don't want. (right click "My Computer" icon > Properties > Advanced tab > under Performance, click [Setting] > under Visual effects, uncheck any visual effects you don't absolutely need > [Apply] > [O.K.] > reboot.)

5. Disable Windows Indexing and any other Windows service you don't need (start menu > control panel > administrative tools > services icon > disable any service you don't need). Use Majorgeeks' Black Viper guide to determine which services you can safely disable (http://www.majorgeeks.com/page.php?id=12...

6. Optimize your memory usage. Read "Boost Windows XP Performance by Optimizing Memory Use" (http://winston-blog.blogspot.com/2006/09...

7. Turn off System Restore. Personally, i keep system restore enabled but many computer experts suggest turning it off for improve performance and increase security.

8. Be sure to scan your computer with a antivirus and anti spyware programs. Quarantine any suspicious files. If you want some recommendation on some free antivirus or anti spyware programs, drop me an e-mail.

Answer 6

Well, first you could do all of this.
Defragment your Hard drive. It could make your programs go faster.
If you are in low in ram you should buy more. At least 1GB for Longterm user. (I have 1.4 GB)
You should use a Regestry Cleaner. It could boost up your computer.
Free up space in your harddrive. That could work.
Scan your pc for Viruses. They could Slow down your computer.

Well, if your computer is really old. Well, You could update your hardware. If its not upgradable, well, you should buy a new computer.

Also, if its really old, you could disable accleration to your graphics, sound, and other add ons.

Well, Hopes this help!

Answer 7

Clear out temporary files & folders. Run virus scan for possible virus issue & chk spy ware programs.

Answer 8

First, run a virus/spyware scan (you can download ZoneAlarm for free), then, upgrade your memory (256 mb to 512 mb, 512 mb to 1 gb, etc.), also, if your computer's old, you may want to consider a newer, faster processer.

Answer 9

Heya,
This could be a vast array of things, what is your computer specs, what OS are you running. Have you tried scanning for spyware/adware/viruses etc?
A few more details will really assist to help troubleshoot.
Regards
Stuart
http://www.follomwyfitness.com

Answer 10

clear cache, temp and temporary files.

dont use screen saver..lol.. but u can increase the refresh rate of monitor from display properties.