Why is my computer so sluggish?

Question

I have not deliberately opened any program, yet my Free System Memory is only 7% and the number of Running Programs is 39. Is this normal?

Answer 1

System Managed Size. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Virtual_memory


How to set performance options in Windows XP = http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417

Virtual Memory in Windows XP = http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php = Pagefile in Windows XP = http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php

Also see = MS Support Knowledge Base (KB) = http://support.microsoft.com/search/default.aspx?spid=global&query=virtual+memory&catalog=LCID%3D1033&pwt=false&title=false&kt=ALL&mdt=0&comm=1&ast=1&ast=2&ast=3&ast=8&ast=9&mode=a&x=18&y=13

+ http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308417 = How to set performance options in Windows XP
+ To change it: computer/propertes/advanced/performance/advanced/at the bottom change it.
Memory = shsc.info/WindowsMemoryManagement = http://shsc.info/WindowsMemoryManagement

I found that it's best to have windows set to manage virtual memory, and defragment at least once a week to keep free space on the hard drive. = ( "system managed size"). To change it: computer/propertes/advanced/performance/advanced/at the bottom change it.

Start/Control Panel/Performance and Maintenance/System/Advanced tab/Performance, Settings button/Advanced tab/Virtual Memory, Change button/bullet
Virtual Memory and Pagefile in Windows XP = http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php

Also it is possible that you could use more ram. How much ram do you have?

Test your ram with these: = Memtest86+ here: http://www.memtest.org


Go to and put in your system specs at = http://www.crucial.com/support/install.asp = "Memory Advisor™ tool will show you exactly the right upgrade for your computer." + http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner

For a good price see: = http://www.newegg.com and/or

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp - http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp


[L=Virtual Memory and Pagefile in Windows XP = aumha.org ]http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php[/L]

[L=Virtual Memory in Windows XP = aumha.org]http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.php[/L]


Also it is possible that you could use more ram. How much ram do you have?


Test your ram with these: = Memtest86+ here: http://www.memtest.org

[L=memtest.org]http://www.memtest.org/[/L]


Go to and put in your system specs at = [L=crucial.com ]crucial.com [/L] + [L=Crucial.com - Memory Module Installation Guides]http://www.crucial.com/support/install.asp[/L] = "Eliminate the hassle and risk of getting the wrong memory — guaranteed or your money back! In just 3 easy steps our Memory Advisor™ tool will show you exactly the right upgrade for your computer."

[L=The Crucial System Scanner]http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/[/L] = " The Crucial System Scanner automatically detects your computer's information and gives you the details you need to purchase a compatible upgrade. To run the Crucial System Scanner, you need Microsoft Windows 95 or higher. "








I found that it's best to have windows set to manage virtual memory.
( "system managed size").

Start/Control Panel/Performance and Maintenance/System/Advanced tab/Performance, Settings button/Advanced tab/Virtual Memory, Change button/bullet System Managed Size.



Adjusting Virtual Memory Settings in Windows XP = http://www.avid.com/onlinesupport/supportcontent.asp?productID=0&contentID=6999&typeID=2


To change it: computer/propertes/advanced/performance/advanced/at the bottom change it.



Also it is possible that you could use more ram. How much ram do you have?


Test your ram with these: = Memtest86+ here: http://www.memtest.org

[L=memtest.org]http://www.memtest.org/[/L]


Go to and put in your system specs at = [L=crucial.com ]crucial.com [/L] + [L=Crucial.com - Memory Module Installation Guides]http://www.crucial.com/support/install.asp[/L] = "Eliminate the hassle and risk of getting the wrong memory — guaranteed or your money back! In just 3 easy steps our Memory Advisor™ tool will show you exactly the right upgrade for your computer."

[L=The Crucial System Scanner]http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/[/L] = " The Crucial System Scanner automatically detects your computer's information and gives you the details you need to purchase a compatible upgrade. To run the Crucial System Scanner, you need Microsoft Windows 95 or higher. "





For a good price see: = [L=newegg]http://www.newegg.com[/L] and/or

http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp - [L=http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp]http://www.zipzoomfly.com/jsp/Home.jsp[/L]




I found that it's best to have windows set to manage virtual memory.
( "system managed size").

Start/Control Panel/Performance and Maintenance/System/Advanced tab/Performance, Settings button/Advanced tab/Virtual Memory, Change button/bullet System Managed Size.




Check to be sure you don't have un-needed/too many programs running at start-up by using either
= CodeStuff Starter = http://www.snapfiles.com/get/starter.html +
or
Mike Lin - Startup Control Panel = http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml

Answer 2

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Answer 3

if you justed started up yes the programs should be ok but if memory stays like that long after powered on then could be adaware,spyware,trojan,virus etc

Answer 4

try going into your maintence program and getting rid of temporary internet files and get rid of any programs you are not using

Answer 5

Maybe, you should see what brand ?