Computer slowed to crawl. Everything up to date. Is it possible

[Paper Roses]

that all the stuff I have saved in favorites would slow the machine down? I have many favorites and sub-favorites and am wondering why this is happening. All the updates, clearing cache, deleting etc. has been done and this machine works at a funereal pace. All scans are done inc. Malware and MSE. Still slow as a sloth. No virus or other things show up. I know my machine is old but it used to be much better.

Running XP IE7 sp3.

758 MB ram with plenty of room. Do all the updates MS wants us to do take up space?

Seems as if all I do is update this thing and it is no better.

Wish I would win the lottery, I'd buy a new machine(not Vista).

Any suggestions?

[Jersey Devil]

1. Well, there are a number of things you could do

If your motherboard will allow it you could add ram since what you have is really not much with today's programs. You can test your computer to see if you have any open memory slots and how much it would cost at http://www.crucial.com

Though you didn't say so, I assume it is not just the internet that is slow for you. If it is just the internet and you are on a wireless connection you should test your speed at one of the many sites for speed testing. You might also consider dropping wireless for a wired ethernet connection to your router or a powerline connection, which is essentially the same thing (and what I use).

Also, your machine could be running very slow due to a combination of low ram and having too many programs running in the background. You should turn them off one by one (in task manager) and see if your speed improves. Other than a virus program running in the background there is very little that you really need running all the time and cutting back on those progs could pick up a lot of speed by freeing up memory and processor usage.

[BlueJazz]

2. Have done the "Msconfig" thing and cleaned out all your temp files. I'll bet..

...there is one program (running in the background ) that's slowing you down the most.

msconfig>>> Go to start, run, type msconfig ...when screen pops up, click on startup and deselect all.
(your anti-virus will set itself) close...restart computer and do the "don't show this again" stuff...that's it

[Paper Roses]

3. New development this afternoon. Make any difference?

Every time I go from one web page to another, up pops message. "Stack overflow @ line 0.
'Googled' it and there was info about ignoring it, something about Java Script. Since I know nothing about Java Script,does it matter? The info was too technical for this simple mind.

[BlueJazz]

4. Try this ...start internet explorer... go to tools, internet options, advanced (tab..at top right)

click on Reset. This might ?? fix your problem.

[Berserker]

5. Start with

Download and install Ccleaner and use it once a day. When downloading this great piece of software please uncheck the yahoo toolbar.
Run cCleaner

Install latest JAVA and FLASH PLAYER. When you go to install the flash player get the Flash uninstaller and uninstall all the old versions. Then install the new one.
Another great program to use is Malwarebytes. All these programs are free.

This is just a start. If you are running IE I believe the problem may exist between keyboard and chair.
Good Luck

[Earth Bound Misfit]

9. Excellent advice, a few added suggestions...

Remove ALL old versions of Java with the EXCELLENT free tool: JavaRa
http://raproducts.org/wordpress/software
http://sourceforge.net/projects/javara/

http://raproducts.org/javara.html
http://raproducts.org/wordpress/software
JavaRa is a simple tool that does a simple job: it removes old and redundant versions of the Java Runtime Environment (JRE). Simply select “Check for Updates” or “Remove Older Version” to begin. JavaRa is free under the GNU GPL version two.

What JavaRa does is to check if your computer has the latest version of Java Runtime Environment (JRE). If the version you have installed has been superseded by a newer version the program will download and install this newer version for you, by running Java's update program. JavaRa then allows you to remove all possible older versions of this program.

Currently, JavaRa supports Windows 9x, 2k, XP, and Vista without UAC.

If you are running IE I believe the problem may exist between keyboard and chair:evilgrin:
Heh Heh, the infamous PEBKAC error.
To the OP: Use Firefox instead of IE:

[Paper Roses]

11. I am positive my situation is caused between the computer and chair.

Old timers like me do our best and when we screw up, it is usually a lulu.

That's why I come here! I have not fixed things yet or even tried. Too busy trying to interpret the info on the links. I need a tin can and an abacus. That would keep me out of trouble.

[Earth Bound Misfit]

7. Disable script debugging in IE8

Tools>>Internet Options>>Advanced Tab>> Put a check in the boxes next to Disable script debugging (Internet Explorer) & Disable script debugging (other) You also will want to uncheck Display a notification about every script error.

Then use the suggestions made by berserker above. CCleaner is an excellent tool IMO. You can download the "slim" version (no prompt for toolbar, homepage, etc) here:
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/builds scroll to the bottom of the page for the "Slim" build.

Then go here and follow this excellent guide by quietman7 @ Bleepingcomputer.com
Slow Computer/browser? Check Here First; It May Not Be Malware

Hope this helps

[struggle4progress]

6. Consider walking away from IE. Download Firefox with a few of the security plugins, like

NoScript -- which will default to blocking Java Script on websites except when you explicitly permit it

[Earth Bound Misfit]

8. Use either of these service config guides to disable or set to manual unneeded startups

BlackViper's Windows XP SP3 Service Configurations http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
The Elder Geek's Services Guide for Windows XP http://www.theeldergeek.com/services_guide.htm

Hope this helps. :)

[CountAllVotes]

10. these tips solved my problem!

I ran the various programs and did the things suggested.

I was ready to throw my A31 ThinkPad out of the window and buy a new laptop!

Many thanks to this forum - you've saved me a bundle!

:thumbsup: :D

:dem: :kick: