Processes flicker in Task Manager

[Guest]

When I click on a process in task manager to select it, it flickers. This has
been happening for about a month. Also explorer.exe uses high cpu's when
accessing files and folders making them slower than usual to open. Computer
occasionally makes a low grinding noise. Ran Noton, adware, and spy-bot. No
viruses, just adware or cookies. I have a windows xp home edition, 2.2ghz,
256 mb ram. Any help or suggestions is appreciated.

Thanks

 

[Sharon F]

Computer
occasionally makes a low grinding noise.

Can you tell what component is making the noise? If it is a drive, replace
it as soon as possible. A failing hard drive can exhibit poor performance
before it goes out completely.

 

[Guest]

I can't tell, just a low ocassional grind. I am new to computers. How would I
know which component it is? I have gone into computer management, system
information, device manager, everything, and all indicate that everything is
OK. Could not enough memory cause the grinding?

 

[Sharon F]

I can't tell, just a low ocassional grind. I am new to computers. How would I
know which component it is? I have gone into computer management, system
information, device manager, everything, and all indicate that everything is
OK. Could not enough memory cause the grinding?

Not enough memory would cause hard drive activity when running a CPU
intensive process. It would not cause the hard drive to grind.

If you're not confident to run the computer with the case open so that you
can better pinpoint that noise, you may want to run hard drive diagnostic
software or have the system checked out by a repair shop.

Most hard drive manufacturers have diagnostic software available for
downloading at their websites. Follow the directions to run the tests. Be
careful not to run any that could remove files from the hard drive.