Help - Computer very very sluggish - running Windows XP Home editi

G

Guest

My computer is getting slower and slower - it takes about 10 minutes to open
Internet explorer after switchng on. The hard drive sounds as if it is
ticking away non-stop. It's got gradually worse and worse over the last six
weeks. My computer is a Philips 76.33 GB pentium 4 CPU 3.06 GHz 224 MB RAM.
I have BT Yahoo Broadband. I have AVG virus protector, Spyware Nuker, PC
Pitstop Tune up and Exterminate, Windows Firewall switched on, pop up blocker
on and I recently bought Winfixer 2006, which I think may have worsened the
problems. When I run Spyware Nuker it lists loads of spyware which it tells
me it will remove but the next time I check half of it is still on there; the
same happens with my virus remover. There is something stuck in the registry
under HKEY_LOCAL_\Machine\SOFTWARE\Altnet which I can't seem to delete by
any means. I'm very confused - is the problem spyware, adware or viruses?
Is there somewhere I can get remote help that is reliable and safe? I would
be grateful for any advice. Lesley
 
G

Guest

Hello lesley. You need more system ram. Your 224Mb is barely enough to hold
the XP files let alone the resident components of your ani virus anti spyware
etc. Your hard disk is constantly working away because windows is using whats
called a page file. When the system runs out of ram it empties everything it
can onto the hard disk, then fills the ram up again and repeats and repeats
causing almost grid lock. Ram is so cheap at the minute go and get 1GB of Ram
and all will be well. be sure to make sure it is the right type. You can find
out the type from system information in the start menu - programs -
accessories - system tools- system information. Look for something like 224Mb
PC3200 SDRam.
As for the rest of your issues. Getting remote help is a no no. Most people
who use this site are Professionals who would be happy to connect to your
machine and fix it but there are always people who would take your invite for
other reasons.
Your PC is fairly new so speak to Philips and ask them about the memory
situation they can advise you the correct speed etc and should be able to
provide you with the Ram you need.
As for the Spyware/Virus issue sounds like a real infection. Try downloading
a free trial program, I really like Adaware SE and PC Anti Virus both are
free. Uninstall what ones you already have install those, update them and run
them.

Any more help just ask
 
G

Guest

Dear Joe

Thank you so much for all your helpful comments - I will certainly follow
your suggestion about the RAM and those adware and anti virus programs you
recommend.

Regards.
Lesley
 

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