why has my computer started running slow?

Question

I upgraded to internet explorer 7.5 and my computer seems slower

Answer 1

very shortly you are gonna have a zillion updates to download, this will help.
also go to system tools and free up some space.

Answer 2

The best way is to download Ccleaner here http://bitly.com/UrALrK

Or you can go on Windows operating system locate the command prompt and go there to do the following:
Create a Recovery file of system and date it today.

Then begin by;
delete the 'Temp' folders..they have hidden subfolders so you need to set the attributes in order to bypass this. For each subfolder delete all cookies and rubbish left behnd after install-uninstalled programs. Do a 'dir' command to check your progress. Make sure the 'Temp' file is empty.

goto c:\windows\prefetch and delete everything in there..no exceptions

goto c:\windows folder and delete all the '$' files that have been installed by updates. They can all be succesfully deleted and just take up disk space.

Locate the Internet Temporary Files..Check to see how high the saving level is..some have it set at 30 days..but that stores faaaar tooo much data..though it slows down the system overal. Keep this to a minimum..suggest 2 or 5 at most.

Delete all 'cookies' all those you don't need.

Locate the windows directory and go through the folders you know and those you don't need. Check this once a week at least. Some programs will install under XP as NT and older systems where there is no check of systems weight.

Check to see that system files have not changed since last booting. Things like .ini files or .bat are important items.


Check for 'Hidden Directories' all over the disk...do this at the command prompt:

dir *.* /ah wil show these hidden directories

Check the 'dir' command for all parameters

Answer 3

Instead of running possibly illegitimate "tune-up" programs, try some of the following steps - You said you virus scanned. Try a malware scan too, if you haven't. Google MalwareBytes if you don't have a program for it. Also, make sure you run full scans with updated databases, not just quick scans. - Google "Free Window Registry Repair". This is a light-weight, useful little utility that can find and eliminate registry errors that could cause these issues. Don't worry if you get results in the 1000s-2000s of errors - this is common for a computer that isn't scanned frequently. - Use Windows' default defrag program or Auslogic's Disk Defrag (which has an optimize feature) to defragment your hard drive. - It may help (maybe) to pop the cover off your computer and blow off the dust with some dust remover (you can buy this at Staples, Wal-mart, etc.). Make sure you spray the can horizontally (do not tilt it), and blow the dust away from your components. Be careful with laptop covers, as they can be a bit tricky to get back on sometimes. I doubt this will make a huge difference, but with older computers a little bit of de-dusting can do a lot. - As for your internet, I'm not sure. First of all, make sure you are getting an accurate reading from your router or modem/router's browser page and not from an online bandwidth meter, as these are only accurate if your line is completely free. If the router displays a sub-standard bandwidth, it could be a wiring problem or maybe your ISP just stopped feeding you as much. ISPs are not required to provide you any bandwidth above the minimum amount guaranteed (for example, if you have a 1 - 2 MBPS plan, you'll have trouble getting them to pick up the slack). If you are supposed to be getting 1.9 at least according to your internet plan, then you may wish to call them. Edit; As a worst-case solution, do a Windows System Restore, setting it to a date before you noticed major slow-downs in your system. This will reset your system to the state it was in on the selected date, though it should preserve your documents, images, etc., not sure about Program Files.

Answer 4

IE 7 and above are not fully compatable with XP as it is designed for VISTA. Did you fully remove IE6 or your previous Software? Failing that I agree with other people who have responded a Virus is a possible cause. Run a virus checker, remove all unwanted files (eg .tmp Internet files etc) the do a system Defrag that should help.

Answer 5

Your Computer can be running slow if tthere is no much space on the hard disk or the memory is now low after the upgrading.

Answer 6

According to your description,there are some regsitry errors in your PC to cause "Computer slow".You need to clean you PC.
Every time you install and uninstall software on your computer and surfing online you create junk in the registry.You need to scan and clean your PC with registry cleaner to make your pc fater.Good Regisry Cleaner will improve your PC and Internet performance dramatically.It even can speed up your PC by 300% or more!
There are some comparison and review of
TOP 5 registry cleaners.
http://www.registry-Cleaners.info

You can download and scan your PC for free.

Answer 7

Sometimes it means that you don't have enough memory on your computer, or when you upgraded there was some sort of low key virus in the program(but I highly doubt it). I would check your Memory.

Answer 8

my computer ran slow also so I just took 7.5 back off

Answer 9

Uninstall IE 7.5. Use Firefox, no more problems.

Answer 10

It needs housekeeping! Basically all the files & programs that are no longer used need to be deleted or removed your memory is getting too full.