My custom built computer is 5 years old, and giving me a lot of problems lately. Could a computer guru help?

Question

I need to know if it would help to reinstall Windows to correct the problems: 1, Everything is very slow, but I can't scan the hard discs or defragment. Also, I can't copy and paste into a Word document. 2. Another problem is when I try to watch a web site video, it only runs for a few seconds, then stops until it downloads another few seconds. 3. The computer keeps freezing and I have to soft-boot.

If reinstalling Windows will help, will I lose my files and documents already saved into folders. Will I lose software downloads that I bought?

If not, and I do reinstall Windows 98, which I have now, should I do the download first and then delete the old one, or vice versa?

If I download Windows 2000 instead, will all my documents, etc., work all right?

I hope someone can help, as I'm sure that if I can use the computer maintenance programs, I could speed it up.
Also, my computer repairman doesn't like Norton and said to take it off. Does anyone have an alternative?

Answer 1

Using registry cleaner can fix your pc and then make your pc faster,Why?the reason is that there are some regsitry errors in your PC to cause "Computer slowwwwwwwwww".
Every time you install and uninstall software on your computer and surfing online you create junk in the pc registry.You need to scan and clean your PC with registry cleaner to make it fater.Good Regisry Cleaner will improve your PC and Internet performance dramatically.It even can speed up your PC by 300% or moreeeeee!
There are some comparisons and reviews of TOP 5 registry cleaners.
http://www.registry-Cleaners.info

You can download and scan your PC for free.

Answer 2

Reinstalling will help. You will lose all files, unless your drive is partitioned or you have two separate drives. in which case you can just reinstall on the system drive. I'd honestly recommend wiping everything in your case. If you've never reinstalled before, you're definitely due - reinstalling will get rid of crap that system maintenance and anti spyware programs miss. Just back up your files first.

What type of comp are you running? Win 2000 is not even sold anymore, why not get XP (5 yr old comp won't handle vista)

I'd burn all your important files to CD or DVD, download the drivers for your motherboard, video card, sound card, and network card (some of these may or may not be included in motherboard drivers) You can find out your system info by running "msinfo32" (start - Run) I THINK it is the same in 98 as XP but I havent used 98 in so long I'm not too sure. If you don't get your drivers first, you will not be able to use the internet, hear sound or have proper screen display after reinstalling.

After you reinstall, virus scan ALL of the discs you burned to make sure you don't get any viruses back. Norton is fine. Some like McAffee better, but they're both good. Most of the free AV programs aren't too great. The only problem with Norton is it tens to use more resources than others - it's no less safe to use.

Answer 3

Norm is on the correct path! I would add AVG Free from Grisoft to his list and scan for viruses also. Take Norton off of your computer, it uses way too much of you systems resources and misses way too many trojans. AVG is superior Make sure that you update all of these suggested programs BEFORE you run them! Don't get Windows 2000, it stinks! Have you ever run a defrag on your HDD?? I suggest that you delete ALL of your temporary internet files and "cookies". Get rid of any programs that you don't need or use. Then try a "Defragmentation" as long as your HDD has 20% free. If you have less than 20% of free space on the HDD it could take days to defrag it! Keep Windows 98 as long as you can it is a good O.S. If you want to upgrade the O.S, get Windows XP Home edition. How much RAM do you have? That will slow things down too! HDD space may also be your problem, if you replace the HDD with something larger, you may as well upgrade to WinXP Home. Increase the RAM to the max that your motherboard will support. Don't get "Vista" yet!!

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16832116169

http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-virus-free/lng/us/tpl/v5

Answer 4

Cyberpower uses cheap parts and poor assembly. Their computers often perform below the specs or even not at all because of this. Try checking to make sure they plugged everything in correctly. They often leave something unplugged or plugged in incorrectly. Also try disabling any overclocks if you selected any. If it still doesn't work, you're just another unlucky person who discovered why Cyberpower prices look too good to be true. So yes, if you knew what you were doing and built one correctly it shouldn't BSOD. The blue screens are, by definition, an error. So if there is nothing wrong there is no blue screen.

Answer 5

Edie,

It sounds like you are bogged down by spyware. Don't be too quick to reinstall Windows. That is a big job.

Do this -

Two free programs you should get & run about once a week are Spybot and Adaware. You can get them both here - http://www.download.com/

You should also get and install Windows Defender - It is free from Microsoft and watches your system prevents programs from taking over your home page etc.

Go here to read about and get it - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security...

Between those three you are doing a pretty good job of protecting your system.

Get the first two and run them both. If you are really loaded you may have to run them a couple times.

Now once you have the junk cleaned up just run them about once a week.

Now install and run Windows Defender.

I think that will fix you up.

Good Luck,

Norm

Answer 6

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