Computer is slow.

Castor · #1 11-17-2006, 09:09 PM

I need some help. My desktop is running in slow motion or atleast it seems that way. It is not just the internet, it is all of my programs. I havent changed any settings or installed any new programs other than PC Tools - Spyware Doctor. It didn't detect any viruses or spyware. I delete all of my cookies and temp. internet files regularly. If anybody can help I would really appriciate it.

System:

Compaq Presario
XP Home Edition SP 2
AMD x86 family 6 model 10 processor

I was looking at the physical and virtual memory and all of that crap, but it might as well have been in Chinese. If there are any questions I will do my best to help.

Thank you in advance.

snowmonkey · #2 11-17-2006, 09:19 PM

Hi There,

This is just a suggestion....check and see if your IDE controller are running in PIO mode or DMA mode.....usually PIO mode runs in slower speed and changing it to DMA mode has great effect on OS speed.

http://www.onthegosoft.com/dma_setting_nt.htm

http://www.microsoft.com/whdc/device...e/IDE-DMA.mspx

Cheers

Castor · #3 11-17-2006, 10:44 PM

DMA is enabled. The computer ran great when I first bought it, but over the past two or three months it has been getting slower and slower. Thanks for the suggestion.

Castor · #4 11-17-2006, 10:47 PM

I bought Spyware Doctor a couple of weeks ago. Any suggestions on what the best virus and spyware removal program is and where I can get it. The free ones that are avaliable on the net aren't that great from what I understand.

snowmonkey · #5 11-18-2006, 08:05 AM

Hey Castor,

personally I use McAfee 8.0i corporate Edition and Spy Remover as I haven't had any problem at all (keep my finger crossed)

http://www.itcompany.com/remover.htm

Have you checked the registry and see how many program run on start-up...or you could do that through msconfig.....try to clean up the start up application so it does not bog down the system.

Cheers

Castor · #6 11-18-2006, 05:00 PM

Thats a lot better. Still slow for hi-speed internet and the computer functions are a little slower then they should be, but it is way better. Thank Snowmonkey. I spent half the day tweakin things on msconfig. I messed it up worse at first, but after a while I got it better. If anything else comes to mind give me a shout. Thanks again

Castor · #7 11-18-2006, 05:31 PM

I don't believe any of the original settings have been changed, but other people use this computer as well. I have heard that there isn't much use in defrag on newer systems. Is there any truth to this?

d2x_caleb@yahoo · #8 12-06-2006, 08:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Castor

I don't believe any of the original settings have been changed, but other people use this computer as well. I have heard that there isn't much use in defrag on newer systems. Is there any truth to this?

As long as we're using any modern hd formats, defrag will be important. It would make sense for the computer to defrag itself, but it doesn't. I just bought a new Dell in August, and I still defrag and virus scan and run spybot on regular occasion.

As for the speed problem, you've covered the software aspects, but did you think to check the physical aspects that could be causing a problem? Nerd's best friend, grab a can of duster and go at it, if you don't have one or that's too expensive, it's alright to use an air compressor that you'd usually use for airing up tires, just be careful as to not dislodge anything from its place. =p Make sure your fans are all clear and that your connectors are completely connected and clean. Also, keep in mind that Windows gradually deteriorates anyways, and it may just be time to reinstall XP. It's a good practice to format at least anually or bianually. Back up your software and documents, and go through the format process. Reinstall whatever you need and use most often, and gradually put back the less often used programs. Good luck with your pc problem =p

Castor · #9 12-25-2006, 11:51 AM

I was wondering about that. I haven't messed with the hardware of a computer since high school and I don't want to mess anything up. My computer came with all of the software installed. Can I reinstall windows without a disk? I will open it up and try to mess with the hardware and see if I can accomplish something without doing anything stupi. I also made a set of recovery disks when I first got the copmuter. Would these be able to help in any way? I also have some questions about my laptop. I can't access the internet on it. One night everything was fine and the next day I couldn't get online. I didn't change any settings..