Why does my computer slow down when downloading?

Which model computer do you have? Which version of Windows are you running? How much memory is installed on your computer? What other programs are running when the problem occurs? Has your computer always behaved this way or is this a recent change? Are you running antivirus software with up to date virus definitions? Have you scanned for and removed all spyware/malware?

Steve

hi

if you press Cntrl Shift ESC to bring up process window, sort by the CPU column what are top 3 processes consuming most CPU load whilst the computer begins to slow down and get choppy?

 

oh and yes, i have up to date virus definitions and i ran spyware /adware remover from my yahoo toolbar when this started and it didnt help. thanks

AaronSmity,

I am not familiar with the Yahoo adware remover. Just for completeness I'd recommend that you download Ad-aware from here and Spybot from here. Check online for updates to their databases then run them and delete all the spyware they identify. If they don't come up with anything significant, the Yahoo utility did its job, but it never hurts to get a second opinion.

thanks for the replies.. it is a dimension 2400... 512mb ram... windows XP home... it never had problems like this until recently.  I exited all other programs while downloading and basically all that is running is an IRC client (downloading from IRC) and Mcafee security center..  when i do CNTRL+ALT_DEL and look at all the processes running, under the CPU category the system idle process reads anywhere from 86-96.. the next highest is taskmgr.exe and then svchost.exe... i dont know what the problem is but its not he IRC client either because just downloading off Internet explorer it happens... any ideas? thanks

hi, the sysem idle process being high is ok, however svchost.exe which controls quite a few of your network subprocesses shouldn't normally be high, 0-1% is usual.  is svchost in the top 3 showing local, NETWORK SERVICE or SYSTEM to the right of it?    in any case running an adware removal program would be prudent as it sounds like something it consuming a large amount of cpu for network traffic.