Help! Computer problems!

[cajungal]

Help! My computer has been running extremly slow. And keeps freezing on me! I don't know how to fix it.

[kevin]

Pretty much in this order.

1) Virus scan
2) Adaware
3) Scandisk
4) Defragment
5) Clean temporary files

If you need instructions on those, I'm sure someone will be able to detail how with your version of Windows.

[ohiostorm]

It is more then likely an adware/ spybot problem or a virus. run through the list kevin just gave u and ur problem should be solved.

[Janice]

I did a defragmentation today. That took forever

[Janice]

Hi Cajungal, did you finally get your own computer? That would be great.....

[JonathanBelles]

I did a defragmentation today. That took forever

Mine take 15-20 mins plus.

[kevin]

I did a defragmentation today. That took forever

Be sure to close all programs which are running in the background. This will speed up defrag.

[Janice]

Yes, I am finished and I think I still have around 82% free space.

Also, how long do you keep your computers before buying a new one. Mine is about 4 years old and still hanging in there. I see no reason to upgrade at this point.

[kevin]

Yes, I am finished and I think I still have around 82% free space.

Also, how long do you keep your computers before buying a new one. Mine is about 4 years old and still hanging in there. I see no reason to upgrade at this point.

Computers never really lose processing power though eventually they will break. I think the longest I'll use one is around 7 years. By then the hard drive is usually somewhat corrupted and I feel like getting an upgrade. We also do hand me down computers, since Grandma has no need to be on a computer that can add three billion numbers together in a second. Interestingly enough this is the opposite of the general hand me down pattern.

Recycle your computers if at all possible!

[Nimbus]

It would be helpfull to know if the slowness and freezing only happens when connected to the internet.

A lot of temporary problems can often be resolved just by turning the machine off then rebooting again.

[lurkey]

Another thing you can do is a fresh install of Windows. Just backup your files and re-install Windows (if you have a copy of Windows that came with your computer). Part of the problem maybe that a lot of unnecessary programs is being booted into memory when you start Windows.

[kevin]

Which can be stopped if you do this (use at your own risk)

Start -> Run -> "msconfig" -> (tab) Startup -> Uncheck all the boxes

This will speed up your computer by removing background programs from running at startup.

Of course if your registry is modified this won't be the end all fix, but will nevertheless help.

[Tstormwatcher]

I have had my Dell for 7 1/2 years now and still going strong.

[lurkey]

Which can be stopped if you do this (use at your own risk)

Start -> Run -> "msconfig" -> (tab) Startup -> Uncheck all the boxes

This will speed up your computer by removing background programs from running at startup.

Of course if your registry is modified this won't be the end all fix, but will nevertheless help.

I'm also thinking about the "trial" software, too. My old laptop ran a lot faster for awhile after doing a fresh install of Windows.

[Janice]

I did a defrag this afternoon and I swear my computer is moving twice as fast now. Of course, it is the first defrag I have done since I bought this four years ago

[lurkey]

I did a defrag this afternoon and I swear my computer is moving twice as fast now. Of course, it is the first defrag I have done since I bought this four years ago

You can set the computer to run scandisk and defrag automatically. I used to have it done on weekly basis at 3:00 am on Monday morning.

[Janice]

Thanks Lurker, I will do that now.....

[abajan]

I have had my Dell for 7 1/2 years now and still going strong.

Think that's old? Check mine out!

[kevin]

I did a defrag this afternoon and I swear my computer is moving twice as fast now. Of course, it is the first defrag I have done since I bought this four years ago

Now your computer doesn't have to jog half way down the road to get a piece of a file and then down to the mall for the rest. Woohooo! Its all there together in nifty clusters now.

Always defrag after major installations but also deletions.

[cajungal]

I guess my dad fixed it while I was at work. Because I came home and now it seems to be okay. No, I don't have my own computer, that is why my time is limited online because my dad is almost always on when he is home. I can't afford my own computer until I can finally get a better paying job.