Very slow computer......

My desktop computer (Dell, Windows XP) has become really slow, opening the browser, both IE6 and Firefox5, opening My Documents folder, shutting down, etc. Once they are open, it works fine. I have AVG, changed from McAffee. I have Threatfire, Windows Defender, Ad-Aware and CCleaner installed. I have done disk cleanup, disk defrag, emptied temp files, windows update, Glary Utilities, everything that I have read about, I have tried. Can anyone please help me with a new suggestion? This has started since I deleted McAffee, not sure that has anything to do with it. I'll try anything.
Thanks!

 

Are you positive you completely uninstalled McAfee properly? And, how many of those programs are you running at the same time? It is wholly NOT advisable to run more than one anti-virus/anti-spyware program at the same time. What Service Pack (XP) do you have?


What type of Dell are we talking about, and what are it's system specs, i.e., processor, installed memory?

 

I tried the Mcafee removal tool, thanks for that. Still no help. I have a Dell Dimension 4600 with Windows XP, use IE6, as I don't like 7 and Firefox as browsers. What other info do I need to provide? and where do I find the info that you want me to provide. I have disabled a lot of things in the start up menu. This is frustrating for me.

 

installed memory? CPU?

 

Pentium 4
CPU 2.8 ghz
512MB RAM

 

OK, half a GB is really the minimum I would recommend for XP. At any given time, you should only have one of each Anti-virus, Anti-spyware, and Firewall installed and actively running. In addition, is Windows completely up to date with SP3, and the most recent Malware removal software? I know you said you don't like IE7, but, even though there may be some who disagree with me, I find IE6 to be a vulnerability in your system. Please make sure you choose one of each Anti-Malware program, and that Windows is up to date, if you haven't already, and post back...

 

Can you direct me where I can find the info for Windows please. What do you suggest for anti-virus, anti-malware, etc. They don't run at the same time, only AVG is in the start up, the others, I run myself. I have AVG, Threatfire, and Ad-Aware, is that the right mix? And you think I should increase the memory also? I usually use Firefox not IE as a browser. Thanks for all your advice.

 

To begin, download this scanner tool, and run it:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html

After you get a "clean bill of health",

Here we go:

Start>Contol Panel>Performance and Maintenance>System

When the System window comes up, it will show what Service Pack you have. SP3 is the latest.

Under Start>All Programs you will find Windows Update.

Make sure you are totally up to date before you go any further.

 

I ran the malware, 6 small issues that were removed, did the windows update, I have service pack 3. I think I need to upgrade the RAM from 512, that seems like the only thing left, how about you? It takes so long to open a browser but after that it's acceptable. Opening My Documents folder takes a long time also, but once it's open, it's better. Think I should try the RAM upgrade and then see how things are, your thoughts?
Thanks for all your help too!

 

The minimum to run XP is 128MB. However, unless you are Cecil the turtle, you may find the performance to be frustrating. :mad

The minimum I recommend is 512MB to run decently, especially if you have anti-malware actively running. XP loves a full GB, and hums rightly along with 2GB.

What is your make/model/CPU?

 

It's Dell Dimension 4600, I just ordered a pair of 1gb DDR memory, hopefully that will help. Thanks for all your help, much appreciated.

 

HOLD THE PHONE!!!!! Where did you go for the memory?

I hope you shopped around, 'cause their are some people out there still charging ridiculous prices for PC2100/2700/3200 memory!!!


And I usually run AVG, Spy-bot (make sure you update frequently), and just the Windows firewall. You can upgrade that (the firewall) if you like. Mostly it all depends on your surfing, and AHEM!, your downloading habits what kind of infections you may invite in like Dracula.

 

I have the same computer as yours, and ran into the same problems - slow operation, etc. I signed onto Dell's support center, entered my service code and was able to get a recommendation on exactly how much RAM and what type to buy. I bought from Dell and had it in two days! Now with 1.5 GM of RAM it runs very, very well. I also used WinDirStat and found that a huge amount of space was taken up by audio books. I got rid of them and the computer never was better. Hope this helps and good luck.

 

In my opinion, best piece of 1GB for the price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...-Memory+(Desktop+Memory)-_-Mushkin-_-20146066


Great performance, lifetime warranty!

Damn, I sound like a salesman.

Now, if you'll pardon me, I'm going to get back to my Windows platform emulated classic, Kid Icarus, on the color TV. It looks and plays better than NES ever did!!

I LOVE Nestopia!!