Speed variable quick to very very slow!

Thought malware but not. System runs really slowly, if left overnight is very slow next morning. A reboot usually helps but speed also varies during the day. ISP says will vary with load but 8mb promise should be better the bad dial up speeds! It's not just internet connected software, other local software as well. :bangheadI've recently added an external hard drive [usb] for data, i.e. photos, videos, archive docs., etc but really don't think it's this.
Help would be much appreciated. scrumhalf.:-o

 

We really need MUCH more info before we can offer any specifics, but for starters, read this guide about basic system maintenance, follow the steps listed there, then post again with some more specific info about your system (like what Windows version, hardware specs, etc) and some more descriptive info about exactly what the problem is....
:-D

 

I've used ccleaner to clean up the disks and the registry. I left the machine running last night and this morning it took over 5 minute to launch my Outlook and download 11 emails [all without attachments]. I restarted the machine and had outlook open within 4/5 seconds. This delay also happens with programs such as MWword/excel. There also seems to be an increased occurrance of programs 'hanging' and producing the box 'this program is not responding' . I attach a file of a recent Belarc Advisor scan of my system. My thanks in advance for any help you can give me.
scrumhalf.:confused

 

open the task manager (ctrl-alt-del) , click on processes tab and see if any of them are using lots of cpu (disregard the one that say System Idle Process, as this is just telling you how much is not being used)

 

No signifiant change in cpu usage, but the MEM usage changes much more. Also just lately the Firewall does not come on immediately after booting, but a little while after clicking the bubble [but doing nothing else!]. Re AVG8 I use the free home only version - can you do a custom install with this version? If so can you give me details? [I have used AVG7 before this latest version for some time.]
scrumhalf.

 

Thank you for this latest information. I will try what you suggest and report back.
scrumhalf.