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Help! My computer is waaaay slow.?

I have an e-machines computer running windows xp It is sooooo slow lately. I don't know much about the technical part of computers, but I've deleted all cookies and temporary internet files, run disc cleanup and defragment. I also ran Malwarebytes. It's still crazy slow. What do I do now?

Update:

Thanks to all for your suggestions. Many were helpful. I was gettling a little frustrated though because of all the links that offered free scan, but then you had to pay to actually get it fixed.

8 Answers

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  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    If your virus/spyware free, there are a couple things you can do get your computer working faster. If you using your computer for normal stuff and not gaming. You don't always need more RAM you just need to perform a few maintenance task.

    First, if you haven't cleaned your registry in a while. This is necessary. Your registry holds all the information regarding updates, installs, un-installs etc. Each one of those events produces a key. That key needs your PC's resources and free space. So, if you clean your registry, you make more resources available for speed. Do a registry scan if you got more than 20 errors you should clean it.

    http://www.delete-computer-history.com/what-is-the...

    2. Clear your Windows cache files, this is your temporary file. It can grow up to a large volume and stop your computer from using RAM properly. In a sense slow it down by preventing it from using free space.Here is how:

    1. Quit Internet Explorer, Firefox, or any other web browser

    2. Click Start, click "Control Panel", and then double-click "Internet Options".

    3. On the General tab, click "Delete Files" under Temporary Internet Files.

    4. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the "Delete all offline content" check box , and then click OK.

    5. Click OK.

    3. Manage your startups. Your excess CPU usage is due to too many programs running in the background. You can cut these to barebones by alter your msconfig. Here is how:

    1. Open your Start menu.

    2. Click Run

    3. In the command screen type "msconfig.exe"

    4. In the "system configuration utility",click either "service" or "startup" tab

    5. Uncheck all programs that your are no longer using.

    6. Click "OK"

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    Some folks would recommend you go out and buy upgrades or a completely new system. If you have the money then go for it. If you don’t, then why not try to fully optimize your current system? Often times this will solve the problem and turbo charge your system. Scan your computer for free and get a full diagnosis at:

    http://www.registry-clean-up.net/

  • ?
    Lv 6
    1 decade ago

    Download and run a free anti-virus program from a reputable website (Cnet or tucows).

    Shut down the PC. Disconnect all the cables and open up the case. Blow the dust off the CPU heatsink (fins), the fans, the powersupply and the motherboard.

    Reconnect the cables and boot it up.

    Source(s): PC Tech
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  • Jack M
    Lv 5
    1 decade ago

    Click

    Start

    Run

    then type

    msconfig

    Look for the start up tab at the top and click it. uncheck all the boxes in there. Click ok and restart. It will not hurt any thing. It will just take all those task out of the start sequence it wil speed up your computer.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    How much space have you got left on your hard drive? How many programs are starting up and running together the the computer starts, use msconfig to find out.

  • 1 decade ago

    Just visit www.iolo.com There is Your Solution Download That Trial Software and mail me letscreem@yahoo.co.in i will guide u through out the process. your computer will b much faster as much as it can b.

    Source(s): www.iolo.com
  • 1 decade ago

    so first , be sure your problem is not hardware .. test livecd Ubuntu , run ok? theres no problem? so problem is your software . Install advaced systemcare in your computer.... after this, defragment your computer ... .. windows need unfragment hd... good luck...

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