Why is my computer slow?

Question

Why is my computer slow? I have removed all unnecessary programs, compressed files and defraged. but it has become extreamly slow, even opening the second row of addresses on my mail list. I still have 66% free space.

Answer 1

Uncheck startup items that you don't need
Click start
Click on Run
Type msconfig
Click on OK
System COnfiguration Utility will open
Go to Startup (Upper right Conrer)
Try unchecking all of them
Press Apply
Press CLose
Restart the computer
Login
CLick on Don't show this message again
Click OK

See if the computer is much faster. For startup items you can leave your Antivirus checked. Most of the programs are not needed during startup

Then you can try

Try optimizing Internet Exlorer Browser
a. Check first the version
Click Help
Click About Internet Explorer

If you are using IE7 or version 7
a. Close IE
b. Click on Start
c. Click on Control Panel
d. Open Network and Internet Connections
e. Open Internet Options
NOTE: If Network and Internet Connections is separated just try to look for Internet Options
f. At Internet Options
Click on Advanced on the upper right
Click on Reset at the bottom portion
Click on Close
Click on Apply and OK


If you are using version 6
Click on Tools on the upper verions
Click on Internet Options
Under General Tab Delete Files, Delete Cookies
Then Go to Security Tab, Click on Default Level
Then Go to Privacy, Click on Default
Then Go to Programs Tab, Click on Reset Web Settings
Then Go to Advanced Click on Restore Defaults
Click on Apply and OK

Use the following tools

then do an Online ewido scan
http://www.ewido.net/en/onlinescan/...
Just remove all those infections
Run also
http://safety.live.com
Do a full service scan

Answer 2

Most computers I see that are unusually slow are running to much unnecessary software. Since you did not tell us what operating system you are running I will have to guess, so let's assume Windows XP. Click Start, then Run. In the box type MSCONFIG and then click OK. Click on the Startup tab. I have 10 things checked on that list on my PC. If you have 12 or less you are OK. If you have 20 or more you need to get it looked at. Someone that knows what those programs are can turn of the ones you don't really need. Adobe Acrobat Reader, Quicktime and Java are all good programs to have, but when those programs, and a dozen others, all start at boot to check for updates it will slow your PC down.

As others have said, it could be a virus. Make sure you have a good antivirus program and it is updated. Make sure you do not have more then one antivirus, that can cripple a machine.

It can be a lot of other things as well, but without much to go on I will leave it at that.

Answer 3

There are several primary areas that could be causing your computer to run slow. The most likely reason is that Corruption within your registry keys, registry classes, and registry settings,you have too many programs running behind the scenes and your system is essentially running in circles with its internal processing.
To determine if your system is in fact running slow because of problems in your registry and temp files and then speed up your computer, you will need to run a self diagnostic program called regsitry cleaner.This program is very very useful,it can fix regsitry errors,clean registry remnant,corrupt files and temp files in a few minutes.Then give you a bran-new and high-speed computer.There are collection and comparison of top rated registry cleaner:
http://www.fix-slow-computer.info ,From there you can download and scan totall free.

The second most common problem is that you have spyware/adware in your computer.Spyware/adware not only pop up ads,collect personal info,but also can hamper your computer's performance.It use system resources and slow your computer down. Detecting and removing the programs will improve system performance.

Hope that can help you.

Answer 4

Hopefully, it is just a case of RAM overload. Here is a checklist.

- set wallpaper and screensavers to blank or none — they run continuously in the background and use memory.
- review your start menu – remove anything you don’t need on a daily basis — load games, etc. on an as-needed basis.
- from Internet Explorer, Tools, Internet Options: delete cookies, delete files (offline), and clear history.
- run Disk Cleanup, Scandisk, Defrag at least every two weeks (the more frequently they are run, the less time they take).
- periodically, click Start, Programs, Run — they type ipconfig renew
(that’s ipconfig space renew).
These things should increase speed and free up memory as much as possible.
It will also help if you download two free programs: Ad-aware and Spybot .

Good web sites to visit: http://www.theonlinefamily.net/organize/spring_clean_computer/index.html
http://wehow.ehow.com/how_2007317_keep-computer-running-fast-smooth.html
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Another cause might be your PC is running hot and the fans need to be cleaned, or worse - replaced.

Answer 5

Compressed files?

What did you do to compress files? All compressing files does is makes opening them take longer.



What are the specs of your computer? What brand and model #?

What operating system?

Did you scan for viruses, Spyware and adware? these are the things that will always slow computers down.

Answer 6

Well in nearly all groups, your web is actually plugged into a few field on or close your avenue. When all people plugged into that field attempt to max out their web connections you may also revel in a few slower web. As on your pc, it does have whatever to do with it. Your internet browser has to load, and your pc runs it. Viruses too can gradual down your pc and absorb plenty of your web connection, making it look gradual

Answer 7

older computers have alot of items booting up on startup and run in the background.
Windows has "msconfig" witch will list all programs booting on start up. you can select to turn certain ones off, By removing the checks. But you should only remove the ones you know what they do. to run msconfig just hit start run and type it in your run.

Answer 8

you probably have to many things saved to your ram. You may also have a virus. Viruses tend to slow down ur pc. Remove them with AVG FREE~an anti virus program

Answer 9

Try turning windows automatic updates off. There is something going on with that lately. Use the third option where it does nothing but notify you. Sometimes it can just freeze your system.

Answer 10

If your using Windows and it's been longer than a year. Try reinstalling it. Defrag/ uninstalling usually doesn't work.