I need some computer help

[jeep229]

My computer is running slow. It takes forever to open programs or even change pages. When it gets like this I run checkdisk (I think... my computer, C: drive, properites, tools, check errors). I have to reboot my computer and wait for the checkdisk to run (takes about 45 minutes). After doing this, however, it runs like a new machine. Then after a few days it becomes painfully slow again. My question is what can I do to keep it from slowing down in the first place. I run a good virus protection and Noadware. I'm using Windows XP. TIA

[OhioYJ]

How often do you defragment your hard drive?

[jeep229]

I haven't done it in a long time. I tried to do it last weekend when I was out of town. Defrag ran for 48 hours and never complete. Like it was stuck in a loop.

[TheGirlfriendYJ]

i would start with uninstalling any programs that you don't use...first go through the control panel and use the "add/remove programs" icon...then i would go through the start menu to see if there are any others that are still there that you don't use...

next i would run "disk cleanup"...this basically deletes out any temp files that you have

next, empty out your internet history and all temp files

if you are using IE, then go and download Firefox at www.getfirefox.com (http://www.getfirefox.com)

once you install firefox, then uninstall IE, or just QUIT using it

go through your computer and remove any other files you don't need/use anymore

empty out your recycling bin

reboot

defrag

this will speed it up a ton...firefox will keep alot of junk off of the computer

[OhioYJ]

if you are using IE, then go and download Firefox at www.getfirefox.com (http://www.getfirefox.com)

once you install firefox, then uninstall IE, or just QUIT using itIE is just as secure as Firefox anymore.

I would also visit trend micro, and they will scan your computer for free for virus, and spyware, and such. Your virus scan may not be picking up spyware and malware and such.

[TheGirlfriendYJ]

Originally posted by OhioYJ:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />if you are using IE, then go and download Firefox at www.getfirefox.com (http://www.getfirefox.com)

once you install firefox, then uninstall IE, or just QUIT using itIE is just as secure as Firefox anymore.
</font>[/QUOTE]very debateable...plus, tabbed browsing and all of the plugins for Firefox definitely make it just an easier browser to use...

most people use IE, so hackers devote thier time to that when creating a virus or spyware

[CMSurfer]

Originally posted by jeep229:
I haven't done it in a long time. I tried to do it last weekend when I was out of town. Defrag ran for 48 hours and never complete. Like it was stuck in a loop. Try disabling your anti-virus software and any other programs running in the background before running defrag.

[OhioYJ]

very debateable...plus, tabbed browsing and all of the plugins for FirefoxYes but now IE has tabbed browsing, and there are plenty of add-ons for IE now too.

It really goes back and forth, one month IE is more secure, one month Firefox is more secure. Mainly I just wouldn't expect switching browsers to solve your virus/spyware problems.

Don't want anyone to have a false sense of security.

Now if you were running Linux, then 98% of the stuff out there doesn't affect you, and you wouldn't ever have to worry about silly things like defragmenting... :D