Slow computer

[cocopops]

my pc is really slow and can take up to 10-15mins to load. Its so frustating, is there anything I can do? I delete my temp files on a reg basis, but what else can I do.

Thanks

[Buenchico]

Click Start > Run
Type 'msconfig' (without the quote marks)
Click OK
Select the Startup tab
Take a look at the programs which are in the list to run as soon as you start your computer. (You might have google some of the obscure names, or ask here, to work out what they all are).
Click to remove the ticks alongside anything you think might be unnecessary. (You can reverse the procedure later if you change your mind).
Click' Apply'
Click 'OK'
Restart your PC, to see if starts faster. (You'll see a notice telling you that you're using 'Selective startup'. Click to place a tick alongside 'Do not show me this again').

If tidying your startup list doesn't improve things, reinstalling Windows (without uninstalling it first) might help. Exactly how you do that might depend upon which version of Windows you've got. With XP you simply put your Windows disk into the drive and follow the instructions. You don't lose any programs or files by doing so but you do tidy up the registry, which can make boot-up much faster.

Chris

[RATTER15]

Make sure your anti Virus is also up to date, it could be a virus.

It could also be a virus scanner scanning your hard drive before starting.

15 minutes is a long time!!

Im not happy if I have to wait for 2 mins.

[curious81]

Have you tried defragmenting??

[cazzz1975]

windows updates take a fair chunk of memory over time as well, keep your computer defragged, make sure your drivers are up to date and consider buying more ram, a bigger graphics card can help as it takes some of the load off the CPU as well.

[felly]

Buenchico - I am having the same trouble as cocopops so decided to try what you recommend but I don't appear to have a Run option. I have Windows Vista - can you tell me where the Run option is?

[MarkRae]

< windows updates take a fair chunk of memory

You mean disk space, not memory...

[ChuckFickens]

Click on the start orb (button) and it's right at the bottom of the start menu, it's labelled "start search" on vista.

[cazzz1975]

feeling better now markrae?

as the operating system get bigger because of updates and more programs there is less room for the operating system to work in memory, therefore your computer slows down, a good example of this is anti virus software that examines every file that you open, move, edit and save. all of which takes up time and space and slows your computer down.

if you dont have much memory this will make tasks run much slower.

[felly]

Thank you ChuckFickens.

[cocopops]

Hi All

Thanks a lot for your advice and help..I was about to throw it out the window!!!!! but will try what you all suggest!

Thanks again

c