Computer Getting Slow

Hey guys,

I bought my Room's Desktop and built it about 2-3 years ago. This is my config.

Intel Pentium® 4 3.20Ghz

1GB RAM

HDD 80GB IDE

HDD 160GB SATA

256MB VGA on-Board

Thinking of getting that Seagate FreeAgent Desk (1TB) external HD, because i have an awesome deal on that.

Everything is normal and stock. Nothing fancy. Its getting slow now that I have Vista (2 accounts) and Win7. Computer is used by the family and Mostly for Internet Surfing, Downloads (torrent), and Email.

Other than reformatting and getting XP on board. What can i do to boost up the speed a bit?

#526745

You've not mentioned what's running slow. Just general navigations between windows or booting up?

I've never run Vista so I can't comment, but my first port of call would be a memory upgrade, while 1GB seems fine depending on what version of Vista your running, the minimum for Home is 512, and 1GB for everything else.

Also have you tried to clean up the system, CCleaner is a good place to start. Also making sure your not running you don't need to, again CCleaner will help there too. Also a defrag might help too.

#526747

I second mps69's last suggestions, try running CCleaner, SpyBot Search & Destroy, TuneUp, install Windows Defender, etc...

Machines used for surfing by a whole family, usually tend to get slower and slower because of new apps and viruses being installed.

Also try setting all accounts to limited user and have a separate account with admin rights for installing apps etc...

#526750

i think you shouldn't buy the HD and buy a GeForce 9 series or a good 8 series.

it would make your pc go a lot faster.

#526753

As a rule of thumb, when computers get slower, usually they are infected with malware.

1. Download Malwarebytes and update the signature by clicking the update tab and clicking update. and then click on the scan tab and do a full scan.

2. Download This and post both logs

3. Download this and select all and then clean.

Post your logs on here then.

#526754

me too my login screen takes a sh!t load.. i have to keep pressing enter and clicking my mouse in order for the login screen to show if i don't do anything the screen just stays blank and the login screen will not appear and i have to shut off the computer any suggestions on this?

#526768

me too my login screen takes a sh!t load.. i have to keep pressing enter and clicking my mouse in order for the login screen to show if i don't do anything the screen just stays blank and the login screen will not appear and i have to shut off the computer any suggestions on this?

Check your start up processes using something like CCleaner.

Then use Google to find out if they are required. 9 times out of 10 most things can be disable.

#526769

Actually if you're thinking of using a program to check everything that starts up on your computer. Not to one up the moderators suggestion. But I've personally found that the best tool for doing so as of yet is Auto runs found here.

It's a Microsoft Power toy so its very reputable.

#526770

Wow. very cool replies.. will format the comp tom.. Deleting Win7 and Vista Home Premium (both accounts) and gng to XP. prolly till Win7 is released this time. I think that should help. Will run CCleaner periodically and post those scores when i am done..

well i will also post some apps that i install usually

Thanks again

#526772

or just use the simple things the computer with Vista gives you, disk cleanup and disk defragmenter

#526792