Computer runs extremely slow

Question

I have a Dell Inspiron 1150,  256 meg memory.  Last week I loaded Windows Service Pack 2.  Now the computer just barely runs,  takes three or four minutes to come up,  takes forever to run an application.   So I removed the Service Pack,  followed Microsoft's instructions,  seemed to go okay. Still runs slow.   Ran Spy Sweeper,  found lots of spy ware,  removed it.  Ran Norton System Works,  said Register had 72 errors, fixed them,  still runs slow.   Tried to restore to a point a month ago,  got error message X Restore Incomplete, Your System can not be restored.   Did an Alt. Ctl. Delete, looked at Task Manager,  CPU time (Think these may be percentage of usage) is 100% during boot up,  after desktop loaded, with no applications running,   varies from 30 to 90%.  Is it time to give up,  format the hard disk, and start from scratch?   David

SR45 · Answer

First, when you want to install the service patch, you should always do a spyware check first, but its too late now, just to repeat what microsoft has stated. If I were you, I would also get more ram. 256 mb is the bare min. to run windows, and windows XP loves 512 mb to run better. Yes, it might be time to reformat and re-install windows to get it back up to day one again. When you do, install windows, Than SP-2, after which you should always install the chipset driver. After that, you should install the video card driver, than the rest of the stuff. I learned this from PC World Mag. Sometimes the registry cleaner's make more of a mess that it does help. I have one also, but no longer use it for that reason. Also, if you have not or never have used the Disk CleanUp option, do so. Lots of stuff pile up and needs to be cleaned..

I hope this helps a little bit. Other's may have other idea's...Good luck

Dim 4400 ( June 2002 )
2.6 ghz (upgrade from 1.7 ghz)
768 MB 2100 DDR Memory
Gainward Ti 4200 128 MB Nvidia
XP Home plus SP-2
17 inch Dell LCD monitor (1703 FP)
48 X CDRW

SpySweeper 3.0

Gary Harkins · Answer

there are a number of reasons a system will not do a 'restore'. Too many to go into. There is a way to correct the restore problem and that is: Open control panel and access 'System' this will open 'System Properties'. In system properties you need to turn off 'Restore'. Click on the system restore tab and 'check' the 'Turn off system restore' box. Exit out of System Properties then re-enter and remove the check from the 'Turn off System Restore' box. Next, rather than do a 'Restore' create a 'Restore Point' and you will be able to restore back to that point in the future. I realize this is not helping your current situation but at least you will resolve the Restore issue. Some files, addware, and viruses and (copious amounts of) other issues cause your system not to restore. As for your slow computer... well if I resolve my slow computer problem I will relay my findings.

Windows General

Computer runs extremely slow

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