Go back to Computer Help Menu

Problem: My computer is running too slow

Operating System: Windows XP Home/Professional
Program: Any
Solution:

There are many reasons why your computer may be running slow. Follow this list of recommendations to try to fix this problem:

1- Verify how much free space you have on your main hard drive and delete any files you don’t need or uninstall any programs you don’t use.

2- Delete temporary files in your browser:
In Internet Explorer 7:
Click on “Tools”, select “Internet Options”, Under the “General” tab, click on “Delete” under the “Browsing history” section, Click “Delete Files” next to the Temporary Internet Files section. Click on “Yes” to confirm.

In Firefox:
Click on “Tools”, select “Options”, select the “Privacy” tab, and under the Private Data section, click on the “Clear Now” button. Make sure the “Cache” option is selected. Click the “Clear Private Data Now” button.

3- Run Disk Defragmenter: Click the “Start” button, select “Accessories”, select “System Tools” and click on “Disk Defragmenter”. On the list of volume, select your main drive (normally is drive C) and click the “Defragment” button. Go and do something else, this process may take a while to complete.

4- Run a good anti-Spyware program. You can download a free Anti-Spyware program here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-spyware/us/frt/0
Make sure it is up-to-date before you run it.

5- Make sure you have an anti-virus program installed in your computer. If you have one, confirm it is up-to-date and scan your complete system. If you don’t have one, you can find one 1-for free here: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/us/frt/0

6- Disable any startup applications you don’t need to free up memory resources. You can use the free “Startup Inspector” program to accomplish this task: http://www.windowsstartup.com/

7- If you are running less than 1GB of main system memory (RAM), upgrade your system to at least 1GB to improve the performance. Go to this site to scan your system and determine the type of memory you need: http://www.crucial.com/

8- Clean your registry and your application temporary files. You can use CCleaner, a free program to accomplish both of these tasks: http://www.ccleaner.com