For the past few months my desktop has been performing very poorly. It’s slow and unresponsive in all aspects of computing: Browsing files and folders, surfing the internet, playing all types of media. I’ve tried everything and my patience is running out.
Here’s what I’ve tried so far:
1. AVG Anti-Virus - Comes up clean every time
2. Ad-Aware - Comes up clean every time
3. CCleaner - The program ‘fixed’ all problems
4. Search and Destory - Cleaned
5. Spyware Doctor - Cleaned
6. Disk Frament - Didn’t help
7. Disk Clean Up - Didn’t help
8. Hijack This - Log looks clean
My computer is outdated by today’s standards, but it’s not a total piece, not yet: HP, 1.2 Ghz Celeron, 512 MB RAM, 350 GB HD, Windows XP. I’ve even adjusted for “best performance”.
If anyone has any advice, please, I’m all ears. If I must format, would someone be so kind as to guide me through the process?
My computer came pre-installed with XP, so I don't have a setup disk. My school does offer the XP OS as a download, will this work?
Memory has been completely expanded, and I used CCleaner to disable all unnecessary startup applications. Yea, I have a Dual Core on my laptop, the HP is the family computer.
Thanks asero, but as I previously mentioned, my RAM is completely expanded and I do not consider a 'cracked' OS a solution to my problem. Yes, my computer is outdated, but it's running only the basic programs needed to function and nothing more.
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7 responses so far ↓
1 Perfectest // Nov 20, 2008
Everyone knows that Windows computers can sometimes slow down over time. While not an exhaustive list of solutions to problems, this collection presents some ways to speed up a computer.
1. De-Fragmenting
Over time, the data on your hard drive gets scattered. Defragmenting your hard drive puts your data back into sequential order, making it easier for Windows to access it. As a result, the performance of your computer will improve.
a) Right click of C Disk.
b) Click properties.
c) Click tools tab.
d) Click “Defragment now”.
e) Click Defragment.
2. Uninstall Unneeded Programs
Removing programs that you no longer use can free up space on your computer and speed up your system’s performance. However, you need to uninstall the programs properly to see much improvement; deleting them is not enough.
3. Stop Programs from starting on Windows boot
One way you can speed up your computer is to prevent programs from launching themselves at start-up. Not only do the unwanted programs delay the start of Windows, they also continue to slow down your computer since they use system resources.
a) Open your Start menu.
b) Click Run
c) In the command screen type “msconfig.exe”
d) In the “system configuration utility”, click either “service” or “startup” tab
e) Uncheck all programs that you are no longer using.
f) Click “OK”
4. Check for Spyware and Adware
Spyware is software that allows companies to monitor what websites you visit or even access your computer. Adware is software that displays advertisements. Both use system resources and slow your computer down. Detecting and removing the programs will improve system performance.
Get the best one from: http://toptenantispyware.com to scan your pc
5. Clean your Registry
Microsoft Registry Problems = Slow Computer!
Use the tool: http://toptenantispyware.com/Tune_Up_Center.htm
Learn more information “why is my computer running so slow”:http://toptenantispyware.com/RegComputerSlow_why.htm
2 ►黄人◄ // Nov 20, 2008
I think its time to change that 1.2 Ghz into a 2.4 Ghz dual core. And no, don't make it "Best performance" It usually just makes the resolution prettier causing more lag. Make your background lower resolution. You might have to change your motherboard though if you want a dual core.
*get a new processor*
3 asero // Nov 20, 2008
hmmm ur computer is really outdated… have u tried tweaking a little bit of your computer… ill teach you how you can do that
go to run then type msconfig
then click the startup tab then
you will see the process that you boot when you load ur boot strap
try to un-check the unnecessary try to search the name of the process to google or yahoo and look for the site elder geek they will tell you the meaning of it and they will suggest if you can disable it or it is important blah blah blah.. and the services to you should try unchecking some services to so that your computer will not load all ur unnecessary files.. you know what you really need… and if this not work try install a new RAM try to upgrade it to 1 gb because it really makes ur pc fast… but your processor i think is really outdated 1.2 but its hp so its a waste to junk it.. try selling your pc so the value will not depreciate more..
hmmm if this does not work where are you from.. we here have many pirated Operating system that is crack so that we can unlock its full potential.. because that Microsoft is hugging all of our money so try it too..
hehe on how to format first if you have your bootable cd os then insert it on your cd rom
then go to your bios then change the boot to cd rom
then restart then insert ur cd then wait for it to load
something like press to boot from cd will show click any button
then it will load wait for it. it takes some time.. then you should read the instructions there it is easy to follow as long as your good in reading english hehe.. and if this does not work go to youtube and then type your problem and it will show you how to but be careful i suggest that you should only pick the ones who has a good comment on their videos hahaha ok tenx man hope that helps.. and if that doesnt help hmmm try to uninstall ur antivirus because antivirus hug all your ram.. but you will have problem to virus if your not using internet then you can to this. if you use usb try to scan it first on other computer that has antivirus before you insert it into your pc
4 RA // Nov 20, 2008
why do not you consider upgrade your memory?do not keep too much files on system partition,and remove the fragments
5 Traveler // Nov 20, 2008
I would first suggest to use “msconfig”
(by doing Start -> Run and then enter “msconfig”)
On the General tab, choose “Selective startup”
On the Startup tab, select the minimal startup items that you think you need rather than having them all run on startup of the PC. You can do some research on google on the names to see what they’re responsible for.
Click OK
It will then prompt you to restart the PC. You can always go back into msconfig and set Normal Startup on the General tab later on if you want.
6 AK47 // Dec 12, 2008
this works for Windows XP SP2
click Start
click Control Panel
click Security Center
click on the left “Change the way Security Center alerts me”
untick the 3 boxes
7 antz // Feb 27, 2009
well… buy a new hard drive? get more ram? or get the windows installation cd and re-install windows?
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