slow computer

[Pam]

My laptop seems very slow the CPU usage is a 100% but I
am not sure what programs are running that are important
for Windows function. How do I preform a complete tune up
to get it to run properly again? It would appear that
everytime I start the computer up some type of program is
trying to access the internet and starts a large download
of some type.

Pam

 

[GTS]

My laptop seems very slow the CPU usage is a 100% but I
am not sure what programs are running that are important
for Windows function. How do I preform a complete tune up
to get it to run properly again? It would appear that
everytime I start the computer up some type of program is
trying to access the internet and starts a large download
of some type.

Pam

You could well have some spyware or trojan installed. When next running
Windows, press CTRL-ALT-DEL at the same time to bring up task manager, and
under processes report here which process is using the highest CPU number.
Hopefully we could then tell you what it is and if it should be there!

 

[Andre Da Costa]

See links:
http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=328915
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;318273

Andre

 

[Alex Nichol]

My laptop seems very slow the CPU usage is a 100% but I
am not sure what programs are running that are important
for Windows function. How do I preform a complete tune up
to get it to run properly again?

R-click in the task bar and take Task Manager. Look on the Processes
page. Make sure View - Select Columns has CPU Usage (%) CPU Time (Total
since start of session) and Memory usage are all checked. Then watch it
and let us know of things using a high CPU % and/or steadily increasing
Memory, other than System Idle Process

 

[R. McCarty]

XP Tune-up ( 1-2 Hours) - or more appropriately,
PC Quarterly Routine..

1. SpyBot, AdAware - Update, Run
(b.) Also a PestPatrol on-line scan
2. Full Virus Scan (Updated Definitions)
(a.) Run an On-line scan from an alternate Anti-Virus vendor
I would recommend Panda's
http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/
3. Trim back Startups/Watchdogs (MSConfig) **See #7
4. Update(s), Windows Update, Office Update & Applications
Java Engine, Adobe Reader 6.02 - Check all your Apps/Games
for new updates and patches. (Add each to Favorites if IE)
(a.) Uninstall unnecessary Applications
5. Update primary Device Drivers, Chipset, Video & Sound
6. Chkdsk C: \R
(a.) Disk Cleanup or purge Temp folders - Turn off Hibernate
+ Reduce System Restore Point reserved space.
7. Read up on Services & how to modify
http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm
8. Defrag ( or download Raxco's Perfect Disk 2000)
9. Image your System partition (Ghost, True Image, BootIT-NG