PC Running Very Slow

[argie_wizard]

Hi there,

 

I'm new to the boards and have been directed here by a friend. the problem is my PC is running unbelievably slow at the moment. It used to run OK, but has slowed down dramatically over the past couple of weeks.

 

My OS is Microsoft XP. My PC is a Dell, 2.0gHz (Probably more actually, not 100% sure) and 512kb Mem. The only thing I have installed recently is a Linksys wireless router, that shouldn't impact on my PC's performance should it?

 

Basically about 2 months ago my PC would run fine, I play Football Manager 2008 (last years) infrequently and decided to remove it. Now I have installed it but my PC is running too slow even for that game. Everytime I load up my PC it take at least 5 mins to get up and running properly.

 

What can I do to improve my PC's performance? I am also without any anti virus/anti spyware stuff at the moment, can anybody recommend anything?

 

Cheers

argie_wizard

[Tootech]

I'd say the best thing to do is run a full disinfection to make sure you PC is clean, then run a hard drive defrag and a check of your startup programs.

 

Follow these instructions to clean up your PC, and then have a look at the link for security products we recommend.

 

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

 

 

 

Malware Scan & Removal Process

 

 

 

 

 

It is in your best interest to note the following:

1. Please disable your resident security applications (such as AVG, Spybot, WinPatrol, etc.) before performing the below procedure so that they do not interfere with the process.

   
   

2. Perform all the steps in the order listed to avoid any conflicts.

   
   

3. If unsure, please stop and voice your doubts.

   
   

4. You might be required to go offline during the disinfection process. Therefore, it is recommended to print off the instructions below for ease of reference.

   
   

If you stick to the above guidelines, all should go smoothly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

================================================

 

STEP 1

1. Download ATF-Cleaner by Atribune.
   

2. Save the file to your Desktop.

   
   

3. Double-click on the file to run the program.

   
   

4. On the Main tab, check the Select All button.

   
   

5. Next, click on the Firefox tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.

   
    
    
   

   
   

   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Firefox, then click No at the corresponding prompt.

   
   

6. Now, click on the Opera tab (if applicable) and check the Select All button.

   
    
    
   

   
   

   Note: If you would like to preserve your saved passwords in Opera, then click No at the corresponding prompt.

   
   

7. Press the Empty Selected button and click OK to acknowledge the corresponding prompt.

   
   

8. Click on the Exit button to quit the program.

   
   

================================================

STEP 2

1. Please click here to download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware.
   

Save the file to your Desktop.

Double-click mbam-setup.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.

At the end, make sure a check mark is placed next to:

1. Update Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

   
   

2. Launch Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware

   
   

Click Finish.

The program will download and update itself if it finds the necessity to do so. Please allow this.

Once the program has loaded, select Perform full scan, then click Scan.

1. 
   

1. 
    
    
   

Note: Depending on your computer specifications, the scan may take some time to complete. Please wait patiently and do not interrupt the process.

When the scan is complete, click OK, and then Show Results to view the results.

Make sure that every entry is selected, and click Remove Selected.

Restart your computer.

 

1. 
   

================================================

 

STEP 3

1. Please click here to download SUPERAntiSpyware (Free Version).
   
2. Save the file to your Desktop.
   
3. Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and follow the prompts to install the program.
   
4. Open SUPERAntiSpyware.
   
5. Under Configuration and Preferences, click the Preferences button.
   
6. Click the Scanning Control tab.
   
7. Under Scanner Options make sure the following fields checked:
   

[*]Click the Close button to leave the control center screen.

[*]On the main screen, under Scan for Harmful Software click Scan your computer.

[*]On the left, make sure you check mark All the Fixed Drives.

[*]On the right, under Complete Scan, choose Perform Complete Scan.

[*]Click Next to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.

[*]After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click OK.

[*]Make sure every entry has a check mark next to it and click Next.

[*]A notification will appear that Quarantine and Removal is Complete. Click OK and then Finish to return to the main menu.

[*]Restart your computer.

================================================

 

STEP 4

1. Please visit the ESET Online Scanner, using Internet Explorer to initiate the scan.
   

1. 
    
   

   Note: If you are running Windows Vista, then you will need Administrative privileges to complete the latter part of the procedure. To do so, right-click on the Internet Explorer icon in the Start Menu and select the Run As Administrator option in the shell context menu.

   
   

Check mark the YES, I accept the Terms of Use box.

Click the Start button.

Click the Install button on the following screen.

Click Start. This will will initialize and update the scanner engine.

Check mark the box beside Remove found threats.

Click the Scan button. This will start the scan. Please be patient while it is in progress.

Restart your computer.

1. 
   

================================================

 

STEP 5

1. Click on Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and select System Restore.
   
2. Choose the radio button marked Create a Restore Point on the first screen and click Next. Give the restore point a name then click Create. The new point will be stamped with the current date and time. Keep a note of this so you can find it easily should you need to use System Restore.
   
3. Next, click on Start > Run, type Cleanmgr and click on OK.
   
4. Click on the More Options tab.
   
5. Click the Clean Up button in the System Restore section to remove all previous restore points except the most recent one.
   

This will remove any infected files that have been backed up by Windows. The files in "System Restore" are protected to prevent any programs changing those files. This is the only foolproof way to ensure the deletion of those files.

 

 

Note: Do not clear restore points on a regular basis as doing so will clear all previous restore points even those that you may need. System Restore is a useful tool to revert your computer back to a working condition if something goes wrong.

 

 

 

When all that is complete follow this link and download/install O & O defrag. Run it as a trial - it is fully functionall and do a full Space defrag.

 

O&O Software - O&O Defrag 11 Pro

 

Come back and let us know how your PC is running.

 

Close browsers before scanning
Scan for tracking cookies
Terminate memory threats before quarantining

[KenB]

Hi,

 

You may want to consider upgrading your RAM to 1GB. ( assuming your Motherboard will support this ).

512MB ( assuming your kb is in error ) is not a great deal to run XP with. It does, however, depend what you use your machine for. You would notice the difference with the extra RAM.

[argie_wizard]

Hi,

 

You may want to consider upgrading your RAM to 1GB. ( assuming your Motherboard will support this ).

512MB ( assuming your kb is in error ) is not a great deal to run XP with. It does, however, depend what you use your machine for. You would notice the difference with the extra RAM.

 

Cheers Ken, I would update the memory. I can put in two 1 gig sticks apparently. It's easy to do isn't it? How much should i be looking to pay for 2 1gb sticks? (The kb was in error, sorry). Done nearly all of the stuff that was said above by TooTech, which has helped. Can anybody recommend a good free anti-virus software please. I can't do step four because I'm using Firefox can i?

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Just load IE up temporarily Argie to run it.

 

Also look here.

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

[argie_wizard]

Just load IE up temporarily Argie to run it.

 

Also look here.

 

http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/malware-removal-av-firewalls-etc/3597-free-pc-help-recommended-security-products.html

 

 

Cheers Wolfey, awesome stuff. I have to download IE to run Step 4 though.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Internet Explorer will already be on the computer Argie as Microsofts browser, you don't need to download it.

 

If it's not already on the desktop it will be in the Start Menu.

 

When it asks if you want to make it the default browser tell it to bugger off, load it and then go to the Eset link.

[KenB]

Hi Argie,

 

How much should i be looking to pay for 2 1gb sticks?

I would advise that you scan your system from here:

Crucial.com

 

 

The scan will tell you the maximum supported by your board and make recommendations.

 

Crucial is a "good" make as is Kingston and Corsair.

 

It is false economy to buy cheap RAM.

Edited June 21, 2009 by KenB

[KenB]

It's easy to do isn't it?

Yes. You just release the locking levers at either end and carefully replace with the new modules.

You may find it easier to locate one end first holding the module at a slight angle.

[argie_wizard]

Thank you all very much for your help. The Crucial.com website has told me to get 2 1gb sticks, £62.08 is the damage, bring on pay day :D

[KenB]

You should see a big difference - let us know how you get on :)

[danzil]

be very carefull how you handle your new and old memory.

static will cause all sorts of problems,

best of to power off the pc,but with the power cable still connect hold the psu casing for a few secs to remove some static from yourself....

regards

danzil.