Slow Computer (OLD)

Not sure if I have a virus, My computer is just incredibly slow..both starting and web browsing. Hope someone can help, Need to keep this one for a while longer. Windows XP 2002 edition. Thank you!

Sally, give us some info to work with.

Make and model of computer
Processor speed
Amount of memory
Hard drive size and free space
What service pack do you have, SP2 or SP3

Please Run the PCPitstop Full Tests, here: PCPitstop Full Tests

You must use Internet Explorer as it needs to install an ActiveX program.

Note: Vista users with UAC must first Right-click IE - Select "Run as Administrator"

If you haven't already registered, Click - Sign up now! (left hand column in User Login)

Register and create a password
Accept the ActiveX component to allow your machine to run the Full Tests
Registering and accepting the ActiveX are both SAFE and FREE.

The Full Tests take less than 5 minutes for most machines.

Once you have your Results, please post the URL (the http:// stuff) back here into this thread for review.

Note: Vista users, please close your instance of IE "Running as Administrator" after you are finished reviewing your Results.

Caution: During the testing of Video Adapter, a variety of patterns, shapes, colors and text are “flashed” onto the users monitor screen. In the many thousands of daily uses of the PCPitstop Full Tests over several years, two individuals who suffer epilepsy experienced discomfort and temporary dizziness when viewing the flashing patterns.

If you know that you are susceptible to photo driven seizure, please look away from your screen during the Video Adapter testing sequence.

Note: The PCPitstop Full Tests Results is a free service, but is supported by various paid product advertisements for utilities that "could" remedy the OP's problem.

Since this site is a "free-help" forum, we do not recommend or endorse purchase of automated utilities, and will assist you in manually correcting any problems and settings necessary to optimize your machine's performance. Ask your questions here. We'll help you walk through any necessary steps.

Sorry… I have a HP compaq presario XP Version 2002, AMD Sempron 3500, 994 MHz, 448 RAM.. 83.77 GB free space. Where do I find URL info after I run the PC Pitstop full tests?

also is SP2
Found it..

http://www.pcpitstop.com/betapit/sec.asp?conid=23859085

From your PC Pitstop report, you have a lot of junk installed:

Uninstall anything that says Yahoo
Uninstall Limewire (P2P) - one of the primary vectors for computer viruses
Search Toolbar
GoldWave (unless you are still using it)
J2SE Runtime Environment 5.0 Update 5
Java™ 6 Update 18
Netscape Browser (unless you use it)
PC-Doctor 5 for Windows
Anything with Google
WeatherBug
Microsoft Office 2003 Edition 60 Days Trial Welcome Tour

Download and install Java 6 Update 21 from java.com

Did you have problems with lost files? I see these installed. If you no longer need them, uninstall them.

PandoraRecovery
File Scavenger
PC Inspector File Recovery

You also have a lot of WildTangent games. Do you use any of them. If not, uninstall them.

Shooting Stars Pool from Compaq
Polar Bowler from Compaq
Zuma Deluxe from Compaq
Bounce Symphony from Compaq
Polar Golfer from Compaq
5 Card Slingo from Compaq
Mah Jong Quest from Compaq
Ricochet Lost Worlds from Compaq
Barnyard Invasion from Compaq
Insaniquarium Deluxe from Compaq
Lemonade Tycoon 2 from Compaq
Tradewinds from Compaq
Blasterball 2 from Compaq
FATE from Compaq
Snowboard SuperJam from Compaq
Chuzzle Deluxe from
AstroPop Deluxe from 10
Blasterball 2 Remix from Compaq
Lexibox Deluxe from Compaq
Slingo Deluxe from Compaq
SCRABBLE from Compaq
Shrek 2 Ogre Bowler from Compaq
Family Feud
Blackhawk Striker 2 from Compaq
Crystal Maze from Compaq
Boggle Supreme from Compaq
Compaq Game Console and games
Bejeweled 2 Deluxe from Compaq
Super Granny from Compaq
Puzzle Express from Compaq
Bookworm Deluxe from Compaq

Clean up your hard drive, see below for directions:
How to clean up your hard drive to increase free space NOW!, Windows Made Easy
How to free up space on your hard drive - long term, Windows Made Easy

Install Service Pack 3.

See if that makes any difference. If it's still runs slow, go to the Spyware / Malware / Virus Removal forum, read the info there and follow the posted directions. Once you receive a clean bill of health, come back here if you have any additional questions or concerns or it turns out not to be a malware problem.

Please be patient as that is a very busy area. If you do not receive a response in 3 days, post a message here: http://forums.whatthetech.com/What_Do_If_Y…ays_t78698.html

Thank you for the help..Seems to be working a lot better, and so far have only ran the ccleaner slim.. Appreciate your help! sally

You're welcome. Come back if you want to do more cleanup or have other problems.