Slow PC...HELP!!

[matt]

Can anyone help me out?

My PC has a 200GB hard drive, which is 86% free, 2MB RAM and runs Windows XP. Just lately, I have started to notice that applications are slow to shut down and sometimes freeze.

I have defragmented the drive, ran disk clean-up, run a system check and used PC Doctor diagnostic, but all is reported as fine.

Do I need a registry cleaner and if so, does anyone know of a free download or a reasonable one to buy?

Thanks for your time

Matt :)

[kevin]

Can anyone help me out?

My PC has a 200GB hard drive, which is 86% free, 2MB RAM and runs Windows XP. Just lately, I have started to notice that applications are slow to shut down and sometimes freeze.

I have defragmented the drive, run a system check and used PC Doctor diagnostic, but all is reported as fine.

Do I need a registry cleaner and if so, does anyone know of a free download or a reasonable one to buy?

Thanks for your time

Matt :)

What virus software do you have - does it update itself online everytime you boot up? I had a version that downloaded so much that everything slowed down - not because of the amount of memory it took but because it was constantly looking for demons and putting the brakes on everything else.
I dumped the commercial virus software and loaded the free AVG version and the problem was solved.

http://free.grisoft.com/

[quincyg]

I used to use the dreaded Norton which slowed my machine terribly.
I'm now on Avast which like AVG is free.
try clearing your temp cache and running summat like AdAware, that ususally helps mine when it gets sluggish.

[matt]

I've got Norton 2008. Always used it and never had any problems :rolleyes:

[matt]

I used to used the dreaded Norton which slowed my machine terribly.
I'm now on Avast which like AVG is free.
try clearing your temp cache and running summat like AdAware, that ususally helps mine when it gets sluggish.

Cheers, I'll try clearing and see what happens!

[quincyg]

I've got Norton 2008. Always used it and never had any problems :rolleyes:

everyone I've ever known with a PC has always told me to avoid Norton as it uses way too much memory. I only stuck with it as it came with my broadband, but I've had less problems with freezes since I got rid.

[quincyg]

Cheers, I'll try clearing and see what happens!

you could also try changing the amount of days sites are kept. I only keep mine for 3 days at most.
good luck.

[kevin]

I've got Norton 2008. Always used it and never had any problems :rolleyes:

I've got Norton 2008 on my new laptop as it came free. Hasn't caused me any problems but I'll still be going back to AVG once my free year of Norton runs out.

[GingerTheCat]

applications are slow to shut down and sometimes freeze.


Hi Matt, Some good advice here (http://users.telenet.be/bluepatchy/miekiemoes/slowcomputer.html) including a link to what typically slows windows pcs down.

Mike

[matt]

Thanks all! Mike, I had a look at the link you posted and that's a great help. I'll definitely try some of those suggestions when I get home.

Thanks again folks!

Matt :handclap:

[lindylou]

Good link. Handy to keep for future reference.

I've never tried Norton. We aways used AVG for years with no problems but currently using McAfee. which is ok.

[John(Zappa)]

Good link. Handy to keep for future reference.

I've never tried Norton. We aways used AVG for years with no problems but currently using McAfee. which is ok.

Well too many virus checkers etc can cause your machine to slow dowm considerably.
The problem with using Norton,Macfee and any "big brand" is that they put out their own virus so you have to pay for an update.
AVG is perfect if you keep it updated along with a spyware removing tool.
Spybot is free and easy to use.
I would recomend before you do anything is clean out all cookies,useless pictures,temp files and then disk clean up.
After that,defrag it and see if there's any difference.

[PhilipG]

I've just uninstalled Norton, and it's made mine much faster.
Thanks so much.

Now to get this AVG.

[Kev]

1) Uninstall all Google, Yahoo, Microsoft Toolbars, Search Bar, Desktop Tools to begin with.

Download CCleaner (Free)

http://www.ccleaner.com/

1)Install with optional settings (do not install Yahoo Toolbar bollocks)
2)Open CCleaner
3)Click On Cleaner Option
4)Play around with the check boxes
5)Click Run Cleaner
6)Click On Registry
7)Click Scan For Issues

NEXT

1)Open 'My Computer'
2)Right Click on C: Drive and select 'Properties'
3)Click 'Disk Cleanup'
4)Wait and when available check all the options
5)Continue

THEN

1) Defragment your machine

ALSO

Download Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 (http://www.filehippo.com/download_spybot_search_destroy/) ITS FREE

[lindylou]

Well too many virus checkers etc can cause your machine to slow dowm considerably.
The problem with using Norton,Macfee and any "big brand" is that they put out their own virus so you have to pay for an update.
AVG is perfect if you keep it updated along with a spyware removing tool.
Spybot is free and easy to use.
I would recomend before you do anything is clean out all cookies,useless pictures,temp files and then disk clean up.
After that,defrag it and see if there's any difference.

aahh yes, good advice there - - I never thought before about big brands putting out their own virus :ninja: - Might go back to AVG eventually, it was always good, and recommended to us by a computer tech.

[macateb]

There isn't a shred of evidence that a big brand has deliberately put out a virus onto the web.

The big brands write viruses to test their own anti-virus software, but they are never put on machines that have a link to the outside world.

If one did and was caught then the programmers & management would be put in jail and sued by Microsoft and every other firm that has lost money because of it.

[matt]

1) Uninstall all Google, Yahoo, Microsoft Toolbars, Search Bar, Desktop Tools to begin with.

Download CCleaner (Free)

http://www.ccleaner.com/

1)Install with optional settings (do not install Yahoo Toolbar bollocks)
2)Open CCleaner
3)Click On Cleaner Option
4)Play around with the check boxes
5)Click Run Cleaner
6)Click On Registry
7)Click Scan For Issues

NEXT

1)Open 'My Computer'
2)Right Click on C: Drive and select 'Properties'
3)Click 'Disk Cleanup'
4)Wait and when available check all the options
5)Continue

THEN

1) Defragment your machine

ALSO

Download Spybot Search & Destroy 1.5.2 (http://www.filehippo.com/download_spybot_search_destroy/) ITS FREE

Don't have any of those toolbars...they get on my nerves!

I've done disk clean up and a defrag. Have you used that sortware Kev? Any good?

[Kev]

c cleaner? yes, its great! adware is another i use plus spybot search and destroy.

[matt]

Hi all!

Just to update you, I used C.CLeaner (as recommended by Kev) and Startup lite (cheers Mike AKA Ginger The Cat).

My 'puter is now running like a well oiled machine.

Thanks again y'all, i could hug ya!:unibrow:

[Kev]

Keep a screens length away from me mate, I might catch something! :PDT10

[matt]

Don't worry fella, my virus protections are up to date LOL!! :handclap: