computer help: computer going very slow - Help.com

download http://www.lavasoftusa.com/ Ad Aware free version. This cleanses your computer of spyware and tracking cookies. I’m sure you’ll find 200 or more depending on what sites you visit.

You may be having a virus or spyware installed on your PC. Norton, AVG , Avast are free antivirus software. Ad-aware, Ewido are free spyware removers. You can download free softwares at http://fixit.in/antivirus.html and http://fixit.in/spywareremover.html

If your PC seems like its slowing down or having a hard time surfing the web or just doesn’t seem right.
You should go to http://download.com and get these programs. AD-Aware, Spybot search and destroy, CCleaner and and if you dont have an Antivirus program you can use Avast or AVG, and for your firewall a good program is Zone Alarm. Install these programs and run them regulary. This will keep your system clean and running properly. These programs are free and Download.com is a part of CNET (the site that your posting on right now). Hope this helps :-)

There could be a plethora of reasons for this, as has been said before, viruses and spyware can contribute.
Another thing is that your hard disk may be fragmented as well (basically all the little blocks of information are messed up and your computer cannot access them in the best order).
Some types of hard disk failure can cause this as well (although i havent seen that in for over 15 years now - old MFM HDD).
Dodgy ram (Although in most cases this results in a BSOD - Blue Screen of Death).
And also a very bad operating system is going to be the biggest offender (If you really want to stuff up your computer fast installing Windows ME on it is regarded as the fastest way).
Ive personally found that the best way of keeping systems up to speed is after every 6 months or so, i back up the important data (documents, pictures, music etc) and format/reinstall windows on the machine and *bing* back to new again. Although before you do this, id suggest you know what drivers you are going to need (chiefly, graphics, sound, modem (if you have), and any other “unusual” devices (video capture cards, IDE controllers etc)).
But honestly, id start out with a virus scan and adware scan first and then defragment can be found in the Accessories - > System tools menu. It may take a while (especially if it is your first time) but it usually does the trick.

Meny
Lets start from basics
Have you got anti virus software on your machine, if so switch off System Restore
This is done by
clicking start
program
accessories
system tools
system restore
you will get a window
on the right hand side system restore settings click this
you will get a warning ignore it and click yes
click the little box and apply.
when this is done run your anti virus software.
When done using the same procedure switch system restore back on.
If you dont have the AV software follow the links above an install
dont install AV software if you already have one on your machine
It will only work properly with one AV program.
If you are going to install new AV software when it done follow the above on switching off system restore and switching it back on.
Next
Click start
control panel
internet options
Delete files
delete cookies

Next
Click start
programs
accessories
system tools
disk clean up

Next
Click start
programs
accessories
system tools
defragment disc this will take a while.

When all this is done and the system is running OK
Start
Programs
accessories
system tools
system restore
create a restore point

Now you ahve cleaned up your machine install this and run it everytime you are about to shut down your machine, it is free and will keep your machine free from
c–p.
http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000…