computer runs very slow

Question

Desktop dimension 2400 running windows xp - my computer is getting slower and slower - often get a mesaage saying virtual memory low - but this does not seem to improve things when I try to sort it out. All applications are extremely slow when opening - especially word. Had a major virus issue a few years back which the forum sorted out - but lots of programmes now fail to install properly. How can I speed things up or restore it to a quicker speed? I have tried using system restore.

fireberd · Answer

To be blunt, the PC needs a complete 'clean' (reformat the hard drive) reinstall.  This may seem drastic but it will fix your problems.   Also, many 2400's were sold with really insufficient memory and you have less than 512 MB of RAM consider upgrading to at least 512MB .   You can go through and weed out startup programs that are not needed, programs that are 'started' with a quick start icon in the sys tray (lower left) but if it's several years old (and the 2400 hasn't been sold for several years) the most efficient thing is a reinstall.  Caution, if you do a reinstall, you need to backup your user data, songs, pictures, etc before doing the reinstall as the drive reformat will delete everything.

Bugbatter · Answer

Amy, I do not see in your past posts that your malware issue was resolved. Fireberd's advice to reformat/reinstall is the best way to go at this point. If you do not want to do that, and you are sure you do not have a malware problem, there is some information here regarding how to troubleshoot a slow computer:
http://www.dellcommunity.com/supportforums/board/message?board.id=si_virus&thread.id=58687

tommyo1954 · Answer

Deleted; duplicate.....:smileyhappy: Message Edited by tommyo1954 on 05-04-2008 01:47 PM

tommyo1954 · Answer

Sorry bugbatter; I was typing at the same time as you... I didn't know your reply was there...  I can only type with one finger so my replies take me a lot of time, lol.  A very slow typist here, lol..:smileyvery-happy:

amybeth · Answer

Thank you for all the postings - I didnt want to reinstall as i am not too sure as to how to go about this - I have got all files backed up on my laptop so I can go ahead and do this - any hints as to the easiest way???

amybeth · Answer

Thank you - will try in the morning as it sounds fairly major! Will let you know how I get on ( if you don't hear from me assume I have wrecked pc!!!!)

fireberd · Answer

See THIS on how to reinstall. It probably sounds worse than it is.

But in general, reformat the hard drive then (1) Install Windows (2) Install Intel Chipset Drivers (3) Install device drivers such as the sound (4) Reinstall applications and backed up user data (5) reinstall peripherals (e.g. printer).

Windows General

computer runs very slow

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