My computer is sooooooo s..l...o...w !!!!

@dragon54u (31636)
United States
January 8, 2009 9:35pm CST
I start up my computer in the morning and it takes forever to get to the stupid screen that wants my password--which I didn't choose, I'd really rather it just skip that. It's just me here, nobody else, why should I need to enter a password--will my dogs do some secret shopping on the dog treat site?! So then I get past that and it's another five minutes before everything loads up and I can access the net or email or whatever. This is driving me nuts! I've cleared out my start menu of everything but my ZoneAlarm firewall, it has nothing else that needs to load so why does it take so long? Can anyone make a suggestion to solve this problem? Yes, I do regular virus scans and my computer is clean as a whistle! I also have adware/spyware protection.
7 people like this
27 responses
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Try installing free 'spybot' or 'spyware blaster' (you can download them) Also, "AVG" Anti virus by Grisoft has a free trial version that's great. I am a firm believer in MAX memory also. Do you know how fast your CPU is? Ghz or is your computer older? I am a computer tech and find that uninstalling unneeded software helps also. If your hard-drive is full it can take longer too. There are so many different things that cause your PC to slow up. Removing the programs from the startup was a smart first move also. Without being there and knowing nothing about your system, it's hard to say what's going on with it. If you have downloaded a bunch of stuff in the past, all these things could be running in the background using all your system resources also. Regular maintenance is very important too. I have an awesome superfast computer that I built, fast CPU (3.2 Ghz) and 2 Ghz memory, it runs really good and smooth, HOWEVER when my virus protection is running, it takes so much system resource that it actaully slows my system up too. It's smart to keep your tower blown out with compressed air so your system doesn't overheat and the fans don't get clogged with dust and fail, burning up your CPU (which is costly to replace). Hope this helped somewhat.
3 people like this
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
From what you described (CPU speed), your system sounds like it just needs some tuning up and memory upgrade, buying a new system is drastic. I work on people's who are running as low as a 900 Mhz CPU and thier computer runs great (however, I work on those particular ones- so I know how to keep it running 'up to speed').
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Thank you! I'm due for a new computer, I think. Mine is about ten years old and I've been thinking about replacing it eventually.
1 person likes this
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Geeze, all these suggestions! What to do!!!??? I am in Tahoe, if you were up here, I would just come help you for FREE! I tend to help my friends and work on their computers for free, hard to take money from friends! You're my friend on here!SO, Are you in Tahoe? He he! Even if you were in Carson City or Reno, I would come help! Kim :)
2 people like this
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
OMG! I can't email you, your address hasn't worked for months, I saw your mom last week! I need to talk to you, I still have the same email, your cell phone number changed or something. I KNOW you are going to be here in Feb. EMAIL ME!!! Are you going to keep doing mylot? I know you are busy with school. I have only made about 4 cents off you (he he). Kim
2 people like this
• United States
9 Jan 09
I wish I hadn't moved from Tahoe! I need your help, Darin downloaded a toolbar for games and I can't get it to go away! The last time anyone worked on my computer was when you did right before we moved! I miss you Kimmy!
2 people like this
• United States
9 Jan 09
I just emailed you with my new cell. Re: Mylot. School is crazy 1 year left, I came on here over break for a few minutes. I will try to get a job in Tahoe when I am done, but how many Psychologists do they need?
2 people like this
@uautkarsh (414)
• India
9 Jan 09
Try to boot up in Safe Mode if you are in Windows, i guess Windows usually Nourish Viruses,etc.. Arrange for Norton or Kaspersky Antivirus. get rid of few viruses, etc. Backup your data.. Reinstall Operating System.. And then enjoy Viruses again... So, please install OS once a month... You can't get rid of viruses, rather viruses can't get rid of you.. And the method above may help you get rid of the virus.. Please reply about my suggestion if you like!!!!
2 people like this
• India
9 Jan 09
You are welcome!
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I'm sorry, I am not agreeing with this form of solving the problem. Unless there is nothing you really want to keep on your computer, then I would say re-install the OS. Once a month is really very unneccasry also. Not to mention, Microsoft will question it too.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I think I'll probably have to reload the system, thanks for your suggestions! It's such a long process, though, I've been trying to put it off for as long as possible!
@UK_Shree (3603)
9 Jan 09
Hi there, I would suggest that you try to re-format your computer. I had a similar problem a while ago, and re-formatting sorted it for me. In addition, do you have many icons on your desktop as they will add to the amount of time that it takes for it to load up. Lastly. check for how many processes you are running at any one time - you might be running unnecessary processes without even meaning to. I'm no computer expert, but hope I have helped? Good Luck!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
You have helped, thank you! I have a huge amount of icons on my desktop, all things that I use frequently. I wonder if putting them all in a folder would help?
• India
9 Jan 09
I think you have too many applications running see in the task manager how many process are running and delete some then your computer may run fast. Do you how to unselect the startup programs do it then you will not find more time to see your desktop.
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Formatting the drive should be a last resort, especially if you do not have special things like pictures, documents and music you want to keep backed up on disk or an external drive.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
When I first log on, there are no applications running. That's what puzzles me, for it to be that slow there must be something taking up the bandwidth and space! Any more suggestions?
• India
9 Jan 09
If possible format you operating system drive and install the operating system again.
1 person likes this
• United States
10 Jan 09
Your computer momery is probapy low. You will have to buy a new one, check on ebay they have cheap com memory. Or maybe u have a virus on there without reaziling it. I hope this helps.
1 person likes this
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
10 Jan 09
If you want to increase your memory. Go to memorygiant.com, it will do an auto check of your computer and tell you the exact memory stick that you need and suggest to you which is best. I use it all the time for my customers when they need a memory ugrade.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
10 Jan 09
Thanks, a lot of people are suggesting more memory. I'm not sure how to put the stuff in there but my son can probably talk me through it. Thank you!
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
10 Jan 09
To me, it sounds like your Computer is bogged down, and you might need to do a System Restore, or do a major defrag, etc. to see if this works for you. Sometimes I find even myself when you are doing a lot of extra things online and saving a lot of extra stuff, there are fragments of programs and such that get stuck in your Computer and can really slow down your abilities to do something. I know there are many times when I have to remember to do these type of things myself when online as well. All I can say is I hope you are able to solve these issues, and wishing you the Best.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
10 Jan 09
Thank you for the suggestions, I plan to clean up my pc this weekend and do some of the things that others have suggested. Everyone has been so helpful!
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I think that there are still traces like cookies and such and temporary files that bog down the computer. I'm not sure why it takes so long, but I guess that's my two cents... what did it get ya? Diddley squat because I am sure my rambling probably ain't helping ya.. scratching your head yet? lol have a wonderful day.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
You are funny! I didn't think to clean out my temporary files, thank you!
1 person likes this
@SomeCowgirl (32191)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I hope it works for you, I know it's crazy how many temporary files can be in a computer that you just don't know are there. I had played a series of trial games that ended up in temporary folders and wow, I kept thinking "that was a nice game, but didn't it get deleted forever?" The temporary files have been deleted I am sure (I'm not that tech savvy but my fiance's cousin is).
• Philippines
9 Jan 09
Maybe your virtual memory has low memory. Try upgrading your video and RAM. I hope this helps a little bit.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Is 512 MB of RAM and 1.75 GHz enough? Seems to me it should be, but my computer is a creature that my ex husband and my son built about five years ago. What do you think?
@jheiem (142)
• Philippines
9 Jan 09
Maybe the Pc you bought have a low mem0ry or ram thats why the command is so slow.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I have 512 MB of RAM. That seems to me to be a lot. It's 5 years old, though, so I'm wondering if I should replace it. I wouldn't want to replace the hard drive, though, because I don't want Windows Vista. I want to keep XP. What do you think?
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Just increase the memory :). It's amazing what more memory can do in performance, and the person below also, how many processes do you have running?
• China
9 Jan 09
I advise you to check the disposition of the computer.Perhaps it is a certain part that has worn out. And perhaps it is to need to reset the system.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Yes, it's probably time to reload it--thanks!
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
Should you decide to re-install your Operating system, You really need to make sure that you get all of the Windows automatic updates that have come out in the past years, you can go to Microsoft.com and get your service pack 3 and then just the past 2 weeks Microsoft has come out with even more new updates. Make sure your Java and symatic is also up to date too. With the auto updates, it's very time consuming but very necassary too. These windows updates are very important and have important security updates to them. BTW, have you made sure that your automatic updates are up to date? I'm writing this assuming yopu are running XP.
1 person likes this
@Sunmano (36)
• China
9 Jan 09
Ha, you said you earn lots of money online, and the hacker in mylot was interested in your money and so on in your computer. Security software is not the best way to prevent the newest trojan viruses but the newest system patches and stronger password of your system.
1 person likes this
@KaMlBob (786)
• United States
9 Jan 09
You may have too many protection programs running which can use up your resources, so, alas, this just may be the issue! I'm sorry I keep posting, but I keep reading new posts and finding out more!
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
It's possible I got something nasty, but this has been going on for awhile now. I have so much protection on this computer,though!
@inuceres (341)
• Philippines
10 Jan 09
maybe you have a worm virus,.. worm virus never seen in hardware/spyware proctection try to download a anti worm virus for that i think you get that in a malicious downloading sites.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
10 Jan 09
I don't download anything. I think the last time I downloaded something was a couple years ago and the problem just surfaced a month ago. But thanks for the suggestion--I'll check and see if my son downloaded anything while he was here!
@sins1984 (32)
• Sweden
10 Jan 09
i think you just need to use the system restore function of windows... nothing else... just start your computer in safe mode, and from system tools select the system restore application.. and restore it to the nearest backup date.. it will hopefully solve your problem... good luck
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
10 Jan 09
If all else fails, I will try that. Thank you!
• United States
10 Jan 09
Well if all else fails just do what I usually end up doing, which is a system restore. Sucks but sometimes it for the best and definitely speeds up the computer.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
10 Jan 09
I may end up doing a system restore, but it's such a pain. Thanks for the suggestion!
@salonga (27775)
• Philippines
10 Jan 09
Do you have spybot search and destroy software? You can download it free if you don't. You can use this to detect adware problems that slow down computer. For the meantime, try going to internet option and clear your private data, the cookies, the history, etc. This process is helping me when my computer is slowing down.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
10 Jan 09
I do have SpyBot, it's a great tool! It keeps all the bad stuff away as long as I remember to update and run it every few days. Thanks for the reply!
@zackyo7 (301)
• United States
9 Jan 09
It looks like you have some serious virus infections. My computer was exactly like that. At one time it got so bad that it would not even start. And that's exactly where your computer is heading as well. The viruses delete important registry keys and startup files. You have to reprogram your computer. Scan all your files and then save them to a dvd or something. Carry it to a computer tech. or anyone that knows how to build computers or you could do it yourself. Reprogram the computer. It's the only way out. The software has been damaged badly and would continue showing missing registry keys and files.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
My antivirus programs say I'm not infected, but I think I do need to reload it. I hate that, it takes so long to do! Thanks for your suggestions!
• United States
9 Jan 09
Delete everything you do not use. Old music files, upload your photos on to photobucket and maybe even a back up site or burn them to a cd and delete them. Look through everything. Delete temp. files, cookies... DO you use firefox? It has settings to automatically delete stuff you don't need. Get Norton Antivirus, it catches things other antivirus don't.
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I do have to do a serious cleanup, I have so many photos and stuff on the computer. I'm sure it bogs it down quite a bit. I do use Firefox, I love it! Thanks for the suggestion!
@royce22 (303)
• Philippines
9 Jan 09
try to defrag it and clean it.
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
My goodness, it's been years since I've defrag'd! I'll try that, thanks.
• Philippines
9 Jan 09
maybe your computer is loaded with a lot of programs that you install and you'll never anticipated,or you might not updated your anti-virus that's why your computer runs slow because the virus enters to your system... i suggest to call your technician to check what is wrong with your computer he/she might have the right answer to your problem it could be the BIG help for you. we'll good luck to you and i hope that i help you with it ...c",)
1 person likes this
@dragon54u (31636)
• United States
9 Jan 09
I'm going to try a few things that people have suggested and if those don't work I will call a technician. I dread reloading the thing, it takes so much time!