Computer problems

[jacanyardie]

Can someone please help me with a computer speed problem..........about 3 weeks ago my system slowed down to a crawl....I installed Norton, but it still takes forever to open or close a file/browser.

I have a Compaq Presario---224 GB....203GB of that is still free. I am planning to reboot, but I wanted to get a second opinion first. :mad:

[cinderly]

Alright, let's start with the easy stuff. Have you:

- rebooted? (this will clear your virtual memory cache, freeing up more of your hard drive to act as slower, extended RAM)
- run Disk Cleanup and Defrag utilities?
- run a virus scan? (Avast! is good and free)
- run a spyware scan? (Adaware, Spybot Search & Destroy)
- shut down unnecessary processes? (is your task bar - where the clock is in the lower right - full of icons?)

How much RAM do you have installed? Which operating system are you running? Have you backed up your files, lately?!

You may also find this article helpful - the explanations and advice seem sound.

[nj593]

I hate nortons is a resource hog. Open task manager and see what is running and using most of your resources. You can open it by two ways control alt del or right click on the bottom bar by the tabs that are open by start button. If its nortons get rid of it and install a free antivirus like Avg or Kaperkskey i think its called.
Also in the past 3 weeks have you made any other changes?
And last if its a virus dont do a defrag, restore or system check because you spread the virus.
I will see what you say later.
Oh yeah and how much memory do you have in the pc and what is your cpu speed?
takecare

Can someone please help me with a computer speed problem..........about 3 weeks ago my system slowed down to a crawl....I installed Norton, but it still takes forever to open or close a file/browser.

I have a Compact Presario---224 GB....203GB of that is still free. I am planning to reboot, but I wanted to get a second opinion first. :mad:

[nj593]

Avast is another good one like this poster said. And for spyware theres something called malwarebytes. I thought that was a good one. I only had one problem in the past with that program.

Alright, let's start with the easy stuff. Have you:

- rebooted? (this will clear your virtual memory cache, freeing up more of your hard drive to act as slower, extended RAM)
- run Disk Cleanup and Defrag utilities?
- run a virus scan? (Avast! is good and free)
- run a spyware scan? (Adaware, Spybot Search & Destroy)
- shut down unnecessary processes? (is your task bar - where the clock is in the lower right - full of icons?)

How much RAM do you have installed? Which operating system are you running? Have you backed up your files, lately?!

You may also find this article helpful - the explanations and advice seem sound.

[Ruddigore]

In addition to the advice cinderly gave, I would recommend a few things:

• Delete Norton. I spare no fond sentiments for Norton. It caused me numerous problems on my desktop before I finally got rid of it. Norton gave me internet connectivity problems, jammed up my computer, and slowed everything down.
  
• Get rid of extra appearance-related frill (My Computer \ Properties \ Advanced \ Performance). It has helped my XP desktop. My laptop has no problems with this running Windows 7, though.
  
• Clean up temporary files and computer registry. This can be safely and effectively accomplished through CCleaner, a fine program that is quicker and more effective than the Windows cleaning program. It also also you to control which programs open when your computer starts up.
  

Hope all this helps!
R.

[jacanyardie]

Alright, let's start with the easy stuff. Have you:

-1 rebooted? (this will clear your virtual memory cache, freeing up your hard drive to act as slower, extended RAM)
2- run Disk Cleanup and Defrag utilities?
3- run a virus scan? (Avast! is good and free)
4- run a spyware scan? (Adaware, Spybot Search & Destroy)
5- shut down unnecessary processes? (is your task bar - where the clock is the lower right - full of icons?)

How much RAM do you have installed? Which operating system are you running? Have you backed up your files, lately?!

You may also find this article helpful - the explanations and advice seem sound.

I have 960 MB RAM, a AMD 64 Prossor 3800+, running on Windows XP, I did 1-4 of the above......will try 5 and Avast....thanks.

[jacanyardie]

I hate nortons is a resource hog. Open task manager and see what is running and using most of your resources. You can open it by two ways control alt del or right click on the bottom bar by the tabs that are open by start button. If its nortons get rid of it and install a free antivirus like Avg or Kaperkskey i think its called.
Also in the past 3 weeks have you made any other changes?
And last if its a virus dont do a defrag, restore or system check because you spread the virus.
I will see what you say later.
Oh yeah and how much memory do you have in the pc and what is your cpu speed?
takecare

I did all the things you said I shouldn't do.........I have 960 MB RAM....I will try the steps suggested by you,Cinderly. and Ruddigore later (when the little ones are asleep).

[cinderly]

I have 960 MB RAM, a AMD 64 Prossor 3800+, running on Windows XP, I did 1-4 of the above......will try 5 and Avast....thanks.

I humbly recommend you upgrade your RAM - 960 is not a lot, and while XP is less resource-hungry than Vista, more RAM works wonders.

I like Crucial and Corsair for high-quality RAM. Crucial has a tool to help you choose compatible memory and, if you can install batteries, you can install RAM. (Same cautions apply: do not lick, do not submerge in water, do not give to small children as toys.)

[Ruddigore]

...if you can install batteries, you can install RAM. (Same cautions apply: do not lick, do not submerge in water, do not give to small children as toys.)

Haha. Love it! hilarious

Really, computers aren't that bad...once you get used to them. I used this article to help speed up my XP desktop. It contains 23 tips. Take whichever you want (for me, the free ones).

[nj593]

hilarious you said do not lick ! LOL
You really have to think to yourself though all jokes aside. You said this pc worked 3 weeks ago. What have you done in the past 3 weeks?
Is it only Nortons that you started running?
If so just get rid of that and see.
Before making all these changes. Why upgrade a pc now and days and spend that kind of money and headache. Save your money if it works fine and by a simple generic pc down the way. Save in todays economy is my motto.
Take care

I humbly recommend you upgrade your RAM - 960 is not a lot, and while XP is less resource-hungry than Vista, more RAM works wonders.

I like Crucial and Corsair for high-quality RAM. Crucial has a tool to help you choose compatible memory and, if you can install batteries, you can install RAM. (Same cautions apply: do not lick, do not submerge in water, do not give to small children as toys.)