I installed, then uninstalled a few programs and....everything has slowed

Everything was working fine until I installed, then uninstalled various software (web creation & music file) …….and my computer has become noticeable slowed down. Audio (various .wav files that play when the computer starts {not Msft Windows} and video (played through Hauppauge PVR 350/WinTV2000) are very choppy. Prior to this week nothing could even slow down my Hauppauge 350. The problem seems limited to audio and video – don’t notice it any other time. The WinTV2000 seems to be gobbling up CPU power at 75-85% when on….but oddly, one .wav file is choppy at startup –before Hauppauge/WinTV2000 are started. Unfortunately, I don’t know how much CPU Hauppauge was before – it was never an issue.

I’ve defragmented, run virus, diagnostic checks, reinstalled Hauppauge software and no improvement. I’m running Microsoft XP SP2, have almost 1gig of memory, on a Dell Dimension 4550 (2.66Ghz), no network, no gaming…..

Any ideas on what need changing? Otherwise, reinstall XP, programs and copy files.
Thanks

 

Have you tried cleaning the registry? Won't greatly improve speed but maybe something is there mucking everything up