What is slowing down my computer windows xp

Very slow laptop? In addition to the previous advice, would be worth knowing if the hard drive is getting close to full? Does Internet Explorer have too many add-ons? Is all of the RAM working? Maybe 2 different Anti-virus programs running at the same time?

I have a GB hard drive, split into two partitions - C: has The partition is a new development and while it might be a contirbuting factor in the recent bogging, I do not believe it is a main factor, as the bogging down has been going on for awhile.

IE8 has been pared down, as far as add-ons go, so on'y Google Toolbar is there. From what I've seen in my Google searches, this is a fairly common problem with products from the DVD drive manufacturer. So far, none of the fixes suggested online work for me. However, I'm not sure this is the correct forum for this particular issue. Supposedly, the isue is caused by some kind of OS update incompatibility or hiccup. If I need to take this to a different forum, might someone be so kind as to give me directions?

Use the 'Winfix' section, in the 'Advanced' tab, then 'system' , scroll down and you will find a 'fix' for CD and DVD drive 'not seen' problem. As a general rule, I find if the whole system is becoming slow to respond, I run a registry cleaner, then defrag it too.

There are many who will say never touch the registry, but back it up first, and you can go back if you think it's worse. I use this one, and just clear the green entries it finds.

To use, click 'scan', then 'fix'. Learn why people trust wikiHow. Download Article Explore this Article parts. Tips and Warnings. Related Articles. Article Summary. Part 1. Pinpoint the time at which your computer slowed down. If your computer slowed down noticeably within the last week or so, chances are that an update, a program, or a changed setting is what slowed down your computer.

If your computer's been steadily slowing down over a period of time, it's likely that the problem is either due to lack of proper computer care e. Consider your computer's age. If your computer is more than a few years old, it will most likely begin to slow down regardless of how well you've cared for it. This doesn't mean that something else isn't slowing down your computer as well—just know that old computers will eventually lose some of their speed.

When using computers that are several years old, updating to new versions of operating systems e. Check your computer's hardware. All computers have intake and output vents; if you look at these vents and notice dust or other buildup, it could be a contributing factor. If there's a large amount of dust clustered around a vent, your computer probably has dust inside of it as well. You should take your computer into a professional tech department to have it cleaned if this is the case.

Monitor for noisy fans and exceptionally warm parts. Computer fans will often speed up when a hefty process e.

However, if your computer's fans are constantly running at high speeds and the computer's housing is warming up to an uncomfortable level, the computer's circulation system is probably in need of repair. Close all of your computer's programs. Close each of your computer's currently open programs in succession, making a note of any performance changes along the way. If your computer's performance improves drastically after closing a certain program, that program is to blame for some of your computer's performance issues.

It's also good to close programs that you're not using as a general habit. Not only will this increase your computer's speed now, it may also prevent errors with those programs later. Plug your computer into a charger. If you're using a laptop, make sure that your computer is plugged into its charger.

Many computers go into a battery-saving mode when taken off of the charger, and this mode can cause computer slowdown during low battery points. If this fixes the problem, make sure that your computer is fully charged before taking it off of the charger again.

Restart your computer. Especially if you haven't restarted your computer in a day or more, restarting your computer can fix many performance issues. Scan your computer for malware.

In addition to spamming your computer and web use, malware can slow down your computer. Always restart your computer after removing malware. Part 2. Type in task manager.

Doing so will search your computer for the Task Manager app. Click Task Manager. It's a monitor-shaped icon at the top of the Start window. Doing so opens the Task Manager. Click the Processes tab. This is in the top-left corner of the Task Manager window. This brings up a list of currently running programs and processes. Click the Memory column header.

It's near the top of the Processes tab. The currently open programs will be sorted into a list starting with the most memory-heavy programs.

Review the top programs. Are your dual monitors taking up too much space on your desk? If so, get your space back with an adjustable dual monitor mounting stand and declutter your desk with out throwing anything out! How I added more disk space with out any hassles or costing me an arm and a leg! Frustrated that your Windows PC is slow when booting, or logon takes forever to complete?

Wish you could stop programs from auto starting or worried you may have spyware? For many Windows users this is a common occurrence that seem impossible to fix unless your a seasoned System Administrator. Many tools exist that will help dig inside your Computer but end up being incomplete with identifying all possible locations where programs can hide.

Fortunately a tool called Autoruns does exist and is capable of hunting down every program that autostarts during boot or when you logon. Autoruns is a powerful Windows utility that shows you what programs are configured to run auto start during system bootup or login. Included locations are programs in your Startup folder, Run, RunOnce , and other Registry keys, browser add-ons and File Explorer add-ons.

Autoruns works on all versions of Windows including Windows XP, Server bit Edition for x64 and can be downloaded from Microsoft Technet site formally Sysinternals. Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order. If your computer is infected with one or more viruses , it may run more slowly. If your computer doesn't have an antivirus program installed, run Trend Micro's free Housecall online utility to scan and remove viruses on your computer. We also recommend you install an antivirus program for active protection against viruses.

Today, spyware and other malware is a big cause of many computer problems, including slower performance. Even if an antivirus scanner is installed on the computer, we recommend running a malware scan as well. Use the free version of Malwarebytes to scan your computer for malware. Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist, resolve these issues as they could be causing your problem. To update a computer running Microsoft Windows, run Windows Update.

To update a macOS computer, run Software Update. To upgrade the operating system, use the App Store. If your computer runs especially slow when you're using your web browser, considering disabling any browser plug-ins, add-ons, or extensions. Make sure you have the latest drivers for your computer hardware, especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues, including slow performance. We usually do not recommend registry cleaners. However, if you followed all the steps above and your computer is still slow, try running a registry cleaner on the computer.

If you have had your computer for more than two years, you may need more memory. By having enough memory for programs to run within memory, your computer doesn't need to swap information stored in memory to the swap file.