Why does my PC take forever to load?

Have you got a lot of programs, music, data on it as this maybe what is slowing it down.

Some computers you can buy extra memory and SOMETIMES this speeds things up but i don't know if this is the same with Macs.

Also it might be because the Firefox is taking it's time checking the web pages and slowing the process down.

The issues could be a combo of the following... and you can clean it up.. (and your computer is still good to use)

[ALL FREE]

1) Tons of junk files filling your computer (there are files stored on the computer are only needed temporarily, the more of these files that are out there, the slower your computer will load things) Download CCLeaner http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/?tag=mncol , install and run.. [this may be a small impact but it will still help since you still have 24gb left]

2) Hard drive may be fragged [English: Your files are split up all over the hard drive, loading a single program might make the hadr drive jump all around, You may need to defrag Download, install and run Smart Defrag from IOBIT [free] , http://download.cnet.com/Smart-Defrag/3000-2094_4-... and then click on start, it also has an auto defrag for later on] I would defrag once in a week also...

3) Viruses/Spyware on your computer can slow you down significantly...

- Typically you should have only one Anti-Virus program and it should be updated periodically (if it is not updated new viruses come out won't be cleaned) I recommend you download and install Avira AntVir http://www.free-av.com/ (Free version) it was rated the best detection in 2009 by consumer reports .. Computer World has said good things about it http://blogs.computerworld.com/people_keep_saying_... . Please Note: You have to run it and update it manually, it does not run automatically daily. (Simply clicking on the buttons to update then scan will do it)

- For Anti-Spyware/Malware Download, install, and run

MalwareBytes http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware...

Super Anti-spyware http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edi...

Both are free but just like avira antivir, you will manually have to click on update and to scan.

4) Windows has a thing called the Registry (a place where Windows and Programs store settings, defaults, etc..) over time the registry can have errors left over from uninstalled programs, viruses/spyware, incorrect entries.. These can all lead to slowing down of your computer.. Comodo has a good free registry/system cleaner http://www.comodo.com/home/support-maintenance/sys...

5) Too many startup programs on Windows.. Be careful, disabling the wrong programs can cause problems http://teamtutorials.com/windows-tutorials/remove-... I usually do it myself but if you are unsure don't do it, instead try some of these programs (I have not used them) http://download.cnet.com/1770-20_4-0.html?query=st...

IF ABOVE DOES NOT WORK.. HERE IS ANOTHER OPTION

Backup all your personal files (not programs, but instead your documents, spreadsheet files, pictures, music, etc...) to either a cd/dvd or usb stick.. It is easy to copy and paste them.. reinstall windows to factory default (if you have a restore cd or restore partition - To restore from a partition after turning on computer, hit F11 or CTRL+F11 and walk through the process) OR Reinstall Windows.. http://www.cyberwalker.com/topic/36

PLEASE NOTE: You will loose the programs you had installed on the computer and any Security Updates, then reinstall the programs you use.. Your computer will be much faster (then install the antivirus, antispyware, cleaners, etc..)

1. you need more RAM - go to www.crucial.com, download their widget to scan your PC for compatible RAM upgrades.

2. you need (probably) to do some serious house-keeping to get rid of junk files and redundant registry entries. Start with CCleaner, then visit www.pcpitstop.com and run their full system scan to see where the problems lie.

have u done a disk clean up and defrag if not do so then type in run or seach msnconfig look for start up click on it and choose the programes u don't want at start up this will make it fast again

I had an old computer like yours which was taking ages to load. I upgraded to Vista, and problem solved. Also, you could reinstall the operational system (XP used to work well for me too).

its your spec

i recommend

160 GB Hard Drive

Processor is fine

1GB RAM

but if you cant afford and new spec i recommend 1GB Ram and that should boost the preference

hit start,run,type in msconfig,go to the start-up tab.stop programs that you dont need working.if you dont know what they are,leave them be