computer speed?

Question

my computer which ive had since 2004 is now starting to go at a snails pace.
1: 40 gb hard drive
2: 56k
3: e machine with intel
4: comcast cable for broadband speed

with the comcast broadband it use to be super fast, now i find it takes 45-60 seconds to go to another window. i have also been hearing the fan motor switch on when im switching windows. i did the speed test to check if my ISP was the problem, but the speed test was within normal limits. ive deleted all temp files and cookies and password settings. ive tried to clean up the hard drive, however i wouldnt touch anything that i wasnt familiar with, just games and such.
so how can i speed this thing up.

Answer 1

You are probably running with low available RAM. Increase RAM and/or disable unnecessary startups in msconfig. You might have too many processes running in the background.

Answer 2

There are a lot of reasons why your computer is slowing up. One would be application build-ups which run during the start-up process of your computer. Try removing start-up items from loading during the initial start-up of your computer. (You may run them at anytime anyway when you need them.) If your using Windows XP, click on the start button and choose Run. On the dialogue box type in msconfig and then click on OK. Go to the tab for Startup then click Disable All. Click OK and then restart your machine. The next time your computer restarts all of those items won't automatically run on the background, giving your system more access to memory.

Memory (RAM) may also be causing the issue. Having more applications running eats up system memory. Upgrading your RAM would improve computer performance.

Even when uninstalling applications, registry and unwanted files may also build up. Try downloading the free to use application CCleaner. The application is easy to use and helps resolve a lot of unwanted files and even fixes errors on your machine. You may download it at www.ccleaner.com.

Answer 3

1. you can delete these files without damaging your system:
files in:C:\System Volume Information (this is really space-cosuming)
files in:history, cookies, temp files(like you said)

2. you can end task some unecessary applicatiions via task manager >ctrl+alt+del>processes tab>endtask applications
3. you can enlarge the capacity of your virtual memory
4. you need to upgrade your hardrive capacity
5. use intel pentium4 or core duo1or 2
6. if you can afford, buy vista and delete your previous win_xp
7. avoid downloading programs that are needed
8. if you already have an antivirus runing, you could stop using windows firewall.
9. virus scanning is just a waste of memory, do it only a week
10. if you already have sluggish pc, stop multi-tasking
11.p2p applications slows down ur internet like limewire, napster
12.take it easy....when ur pc hangs up....don't click and click....it will t8k more time for ur pc to recover....coz it just process all your commands
13.do u know ram? u could upgrade or double up your ram.
14. last, in order for you to speed up your pc, make me your best answer!

Answer 4

well: according to know about "Tower Upgrade is very important with your Computer in which the Windows xp type Home or Office Monitors 3000+Sempron Processor AMD
plus 512 MB PC2700 DDR SDRAM memory also an 120gb
7200 RPM Ultra Dma hard drive must use cd-wr/dvd -rom combo yes 48x32x16x48xmax speed when down loading any
program at 2.00 GHz ,512kb L2 cache 333 MHz only!"
refer towards (Disk Clean-up )

Answer 5

One of the best things you can do for you computer is you upgrade your memory (ram) this is something that usually scares users who are not familiar with the computer but is a fairly easy task, you can find instructions for doing it all over the internet, also I would try and delete any programs that you are not using as any running programs are going to be eating up your processor and memory. You can go in into msconfig and stop anything from starting up you don't want. Go to start- run- type msconfig- go to the start up tab- and deselect anything that is not crucial for windows to operate and anything you wish to keep starting up with windows. This option will not delete your programs only keep them from starting up automatically with windows. You can always start them later through your start menu.

Answer 6

Over time, the data on your hard drive gets scattered. Try to defrag the computer will put your data back into sequential order, making it easier for Windows to access it. As a result, the performance of your computer will improve if you defrag the computer. Here is a good site that will help you with your speed problem http://video.about.com/pcsupport/Defragment-Your-PC-Hard-Drive.htm

Also if you know how to open your PC and clean out all the dust particles in it.

here is another site you can use to defrag the compuer if you dont know how. http://windows.about.com/od/troubleshooting/ss/defrag_2.htm

Answer 7

Try pc booster: http://www.pc-booster.info
It contains all the secrets to speeding up and optimizing your PC, without spending a single $ on hardware. It turbo-charges your PC to make it much more stable by preventing system inefficiencies that cause crashes, lockups and slowdowns of your computer. By running PC Booster's Auto Tune, you'll be left with a faster and more responsive system that is less prone to crashes and fatal error messages. So you have no more troubles running important programs or memory consuming multimedia or Internet applications.
pc booster: http://www.pc-booster.info

Answer 8

Clean it up - defragment your hard drive, delete all the files you don't use, uninstall all the programs you dont use and run disk cleanup (start, programs, system tools, disk cleanup).

Also check for viruses that may be running as processes slowing your system down and adware that may do the same - check with TrendMicro HouseCall online scanner.

And get rid of all those programs that start automatically when you log on - they are unneccessary and slow your box down..

Answer 9

Historically EMachines have had issues with their power supplies, so I would seriously consider buying a new computer or at least upgrading your power supply. Slow downs happen for various reason, it could be a spyware infection or a virus. Go to this website and perform a full system scan of your computer:
http://housecall.trendmicro.com/
There are other things you can do to improve performance, I have a routine maint. guide in my forum, check it out:
http://www.hollandpcservice.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8

Answer 10

Possible cause:

RAM starts to fail.

CPU Overheating due to poor fan cooling.

If you can check the temperature of your CPU using any utility program or just simply entering in BIOS Utility, it will tell you the basic problems.. .. if your cpu heats more than 60ºC, change your cooling fan,