Why is my computer going so slow? What can I do to make it better? ?

Question

I have a used Inspiron 5150! My dad bought it used because we couldn't afford anything else. Its been going so freaking slow! Its getting to the point that it wont do anything at all. I can click on any thing and it wont do anything. It is really annoying. I had some free spyware on there but it was just a trial. I need some free spyware/ adware that I can keep.

Answer 1

To speed up your computer and free up space and memory for free:



Go to the Start Menu> Run

Type in "appwiz.cpl"

Uninstall whatever you don't need.



Next, go to Start> Run and type in "msconfig".

Go to the Startup Tab and uncheck everything you don't want to startup. If you want, you can uncheck everything, and your anti-virus will still restart itself when you log on.



Now go to My Computer> Hard Drive> Documents and Settings> [USER NAME]> Local Settings> and delete everything inside the Temp Folder. (This is a hidden folder so you will need to have "show hidden files and folders" checked in Folder Options) All the files in this folder are just temporary files that your Internet stored for certain websites.



Next, you should install CCleaner; it will get rid of alot of temporary files on your computer. It also has a registry repair system, which is easily the best free one available on the Internet:

http://www.ccleaner.com/download



Another option is to try defragmenting your computer.

Go to the Start Menu and go to All Programs

Go to Accessories and System Tools.

Choose Disk Defragmenter and when it loads click defragment.



Next, go to Device Manger (Start> RightClick My Computer> Properties> Hardware Tab> Device Manager) and expand all listings. Now rightclick and update all drivers.



Another thing I would say is to compress your files if you already haven't.

Open My Computer and right click on your hard drive

Check the Compress Drive button and let it do its thing.



Finally, make sure your Hard Drive doesn't have any bad sectors. Go to My Computer> Right Click Hard Drive> Properties> Tools Tab> Check Now> Check both boxes and Start. It will ask you to reboot, so reboot. This will clear out any bad sectors on your Hard Drive.



These are short-term solutions however. The easiest way is to just upgrade the RAM on your system, but at least the ways above are free. And honestly, as long as you have at least 15% free space on you hard drive, it won't slow your computer down, just the programs taking the space will. If you are interested in making your computer faster, I wouldn't recommend installing Windows security updates, as these will pill up on your computer. They make the computer safer and more stable, but not faster.



Good Luck =]

Answer 2

There are lots of problems which make your pc slow.

Microsoft Registry Problems = Slow Computer!

Spyware/Adware

RAM

De-Fragmenting

Etc.



Below can help you speed up your pc:



I. De-Fragmenting

1. Right click of C Disk.

2. Click properties.

3. Click tools tab.

4. Click "Defragment now".

5. Click Defragment.



II. You can search which process full use you cpu, and end the process.



Under steps:

1. Right click on the TaskBar.

2. Click the Task Manager.

3. Click the processes tab.

4. Double click the CPU.

5. Find if the "System Idle Process" is max.

6. If not right click and click end process.



III. Manage your startups. Your excess CPU usage is due to too many programs running in the background. You can cut these to barebones by alter your msconfig. Here is how:



1. Open your Start menu.

2. Click Run

3. In the command screen type "msconfig.exe"

4. In the "system configuration utility". Click either "service" or "startup" tab

5. Uncheck all programs that you are no longer using.

6. Click "OK"





Use the tool: http://toptenantispyware.com/Clean_Up_Center.htm

Learn more information "why is my computer running so slow": http://toptenantispyware.com/Clean_Up_Center.htm

Answer 3

The reason the computer gets slow is due to the registry files becoming corrupted, or messed up, in simple terms. These files tell the computer or laptop how to operate the software installed on the system. If any of these files get messed up, the computer is not sure what to do and this will really slow down the computer. The other scenario is where you download other software, screensavers, pictures, videos, or even music, and this will somehow change the settings on a registry file. When this happens, the original program that needs that file now has the wrong instructions in it. So, it will cause the computer to run slow, or in a worse case, crash.



You can speed up your computer with a thorough analysis and repair of your registry. The registry Scan will identify corrupt files, paths,and registry keys causing your computer to have errors and run slow.Go to http://www.registry-bot.com to download registry bot.It is the most advanced and comprehensive registry repair product on the market.It will speed up your computer and make windows startup faster.

http://www.registry-bot.com free download Registry Bot.

Answer 4

1) Delete any unused or unnecessary programs and files. These may be taking up space, memory and resources, thus slowing your computer. Also delete your cashe/ temp files, empty your recycle bin, clear your internet browsing history, etc.

2) Defrag your hard drive. Fragmentation severely degrades the speed, performance and reliability of your computer. Try Diskeeper 2008, its automatic so you never have to worry about defragging anymore. You can download 30-day trial-ware at www.diskeeper.com

3) Registry cleaner: Your registry holds all the information regarding updates, installs, uninstalls etc. so this needs to be cleaned. This will optimize and remove redundant or unwanted items.

4) Check out www.pctools.com for more free antivirus/ spyware

Answer 5

attempt freeing up some RAM. Press CTRL+ALT+DELETE and open the job supervisor and close the particularly some procedures you dont want. yet once you DONT understand WHAT that's, do no longer close IT because of the fact it could injury YOUR pc! DONT receive that finallyfast crap. SPYBOT is robust yet youll want some antivirus too. NORTON is robust whether it makes the pc sooooo sllloooowwww. close your messenger domicile windows and all that. replace your overall performance settings. regulate your show screen determination to a less costly fee if mandatory. (by skill of suitable clicking pc and choosing 'customize' (vista) or 'properties' for xp and before. IF working Vista close DWM.exe in job supervisor (above). you are going to be able to ought to close it greater advantageous than as quickly as. All DWM does is make your window borders translucent (see-with the aid of) and supply you the little previews on the taskbar/startbar while u hover over a window button. Defrag your complicated disk force. setting up Mozilla Firefox as a replace of IE and replace it frequently. launch complicated force area by skill of deleting old stuff or saving it to disks because of the fact the force will make your pc plenty slower if close to finished. EDIT: CanadaRAM has a stable instruction manual under!!!

Answer 6

Run Defrag



Get Anti-Virus



Add Memory



Get Lavasoft Adaware



Get Spybot Search and Destroy

Answer 7

Spybot Search & Destroy (On-demand scan, but doesn't monitor)

http://www.safer-networking.org/en/home/index.html



SpywareGuard (A real-time protection against spyware)

http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareguard.html



Also make sure you don't have a bunch of program run on start up, that really slows down the computer.

Answer 8

You should definitely do a full restore. Get rid of everything and install new. You WILL notice a BIG difference. The CD's are available from manufactures IF not already on hard drive.



A page on the site below, will show how.