Why is my computer running so slowly when I only have a couple programs open?

Question

Specification of my computer
- 2.66GHz
- 512MB RAM
- Intel Pentium(R) 4 CPU
- 127GB Hard Drive (104GB Free)

* I have already tried running Disk Clean Up and Disk Defragmenter

* If I need to buy a bigger RAM, how do I know how many GB RAM to buy? Aren't there several types of 2GB RAM (DDR, etc...) How do I know which type of RAM to buy? How do I know what the biggest capacity of RAM my computer can run?

* My computer doesn't have a brand, because my dad's friend built it for us.

How do i know what type of RAM to buy?

Answer 1

You need more RAM, 1 gig for windows XP and 2 gigs for Vista.

Otherwise, get rid of some of the program that run in the background for no reason (such as the quicktimne tool bar, messenger programs you dont use, etc.)

Answer 2

http://www.tech-faq.com/upgrade-memory.shtml

They should have all your answers. Also if a pc is running too slow, check what's loading at startup go to Start-Run type in msconfig and press enter go to the start up tab and I'll bet there is alot there you neither need nor use any more. Be Careful some are needed by the system. Also when your on the pc bring up the Task Manager and click on the Processes tab and see how many are being run by the owner.
Run Adware and Spyware on a bi-monthly basis along with anti virus. Always update before you run.

Answer 3

Several things can cause a computer to run slow. Microsoft automatic updates, anti-virus updates, adware/spyware updates. I have seen a system be very slow for up to 5 minutes while these are being updated. If you use your computer on the internet, you must turn on microsoft updates and have working anti-virus software or you system will become infected. Click start/run and type in ncpa.cpl. This will bring up the network control panel. Double click on your adapter and look at the sent and received numbers. If you system is not doing anything, but you see the sent way outnumbering the received, your system is probably infected with something.

GL.

Answer 4

Question # 1, did the system used to run much faster? If so, then you may be infected with spyware, adware or oter malicious code. Run at least two good anti-spyware ad anti-adware programs to get rid of the junk.

If this is happening over a longer period of time, it could just be that you need to fix up your system registry. I don't think it is a good idea for you to just go into the registry ad start to fiddle around! Instead get a program like "System Mechanic Pro" and allow it to perform some automated optimizations for you.

Answer 5

Either you save too many stuff, are u got a virus on your computer it can also be you put too much icon on your desktop Or it can also be your computer old and you need to update your window and bits. You might need to buy a new computer.

Answer 6

first off run this online scanner in safe mode: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html This will get rid of any viruses.

Then go to http://www.ccleaner.com and DL and Run it. this will speed up the computer abit and get rid of junk.

Then download spybot search and destory to get rid of spyware: google it to download it.

THEN GO GET SOME RAM! make sure it matches your probably running Hyper Threading so you will need to either get 2 matching sticks of 1GB or2 X 512MB. you probly have 2 sticks of 256 in it already. sell them on ebay or keep for keep sake.

Answer 7

If you have dial-up,they are slow. I know AOL is. My friends computer should be faster its not.Changed her to DSL lot faster.
I switched 3 months ago .You should run a virus scan in safe mode. I use Spy-bot S&D.And AVG.You can get both for free.AVG
is at www.grissoft.com.

Answer 8

Add more ram, this site will check your computer and let you know what kind of ram to buy.
http://www.4allmemory.com/index.cfm?pid=309&kwd=cheap%20ram

Answer 9

you need to download spybot. then do a serch and destroy it will go through your computer and then do a fix. it will find any bugs you have. it is the best and it is free.

Answer 10

maybe it has a virus in it..... even if you have anti-virus program, new viruses could not be recognized and be quarentined by un updated anti-virus program....