Computers WTF!

Before reformatting the hard disc make sure you've tried all the other options. Unless you're extremely thorough there will be something you miss... (unless that's just me).

Do some system maintenance - un-install/remove anything you don't use, delete all un-necessary files/folders, defragment the disc, clean your temp folders, delete browser history, cookies etc, perform disc clean-up.

Then download something like Windows Washer to remove any spyware etc and defrag your disc again.

That'll help some and if it's still not running right, format C:

[the_lone_wolf]

nothing like a clean install to keep things tidy

you can do as much housekeeping as you like but it will never be as smooth s when you first installed everything...

while you're at it, look at how much RAM you have - more is always better 512MB minimum for smooth XP use, 1GB idealy - 2GB to 4GB if you're on vista

[SoulKiss]

Install Linux

[fizzwheel]

The quick answer is not to install cr*p on your machine in the first place... I've had same build of XP on my work laptop for 3 years, works fine apart from IE7 started playing up a month or so ago. I solved that by using Firefox...

First thing you want to do is clean up so...

Uninstall anything you dont use anymore
Delete all your temporary internet files
Defrag your hard disk
Make sure you have a current anti-virus package and scan your disk
Make sure you have a current spyware piece of software such as Adaware and run that and let it clean up.

Everytime I've come across a slow running machine, its either riddled with virus', spyware or malware so try to get rid of that stuff first...

Thanks for advice guys, I'll shall start running all the admin software on the comp, then look for a spyware removal thing....

I don't have any system disks, so formatting would be a bad idea! I'm keen to keep XP Home and office ruuning on the comp.

Would going from 512mb Ram to 1GB Ram make much difference in real terms to making the comp run better/faster? I don't do any load heavy work on the PC right now. I just need the dam thing to work, as I need to write a new CV look for jobs ect.

K yes I have though about taking into a dark corner and doing a Basil Faulty, put with something big and heavy, but I suspect that will cost in the long term.

Thanks Thunder

[fizzwheel]

Yes upgrading the ram will help, the more you can put in there the better.

[the_lone_wolf]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Yes upgrading the ram will help, the more you can put in there the better.

+1

every manufacturer seems to concentrate on processor speed but it's effectively meaningless for day to day computing, the best things i ever did for my computer to make it fast was to buy it a faster raptor HDD and more RAM - i have 4GB now and it's so cheap (£40 for another 4) i'm tempted to just buy more for giggles

[maviczap]

Removing the saved system restore points will also free up a lot of space. So get rid of these as well as the carp you don't need. Then defrag the Hard drive.

To do this go start>control panel>performance and maintance>free up hard drive space> more options tab> clean up system restore points.

By defraging the hard drive it's like sorting out the books in a library into alphabetical order, so makes the computers job easier. Adding more memory, is the equivilant of adding more librarians