Hi all,

I'm using Win XP Pro with SP3 and IE 8.0 (fully updated). I have 2.0 GB of RAM installed.

My problem is, after system booted and all startup programs loaded, it became very sluggish, slow and non-responsive. It takes another 15-20 min till everything is settled and I can operate my computer (open programs, surf Internet and so on).

Other than this, it looks that everything is OK.

Needless to mention, I think that the system is virus free. To keep it clean, I use NOD32 v.4 Antivirus, Comodo Firewall, Ad-Aware with Ad-Watch Live! v. 8.1, Spybot S&D, and several other antispyware programs (like SUPERAntiSpyware, a-squared, etc.). I also frequently use CCleaner and registry cleaners, as well as Diskeeper 2008.

Thanks for the help in solving my problem.

Have you checked to see what programs and services are loading at startup time? Suggest you download Startup Manager from Codestuff to check things out, low overhead and very highly rated, easy to switch off those activities that you don't require.

Use CClener to check if there are any unwanted programs in the Start Up programs . In my opinion using all the programs you have mentioned is enough to slow the pc. Remove all the programs another than the Anti-Virus program from the start up , be careful not to remove system programs and if you have doubts google the program if it can be disabled. CCleaner is enough for the job .

Hi all,

I'm using Win XP Pro with SP3 and IE 8.0 (fully updated). I have 2.0 GB of RAM installed.

My problem is, after system booted and all startup programs loaded, it became very sluggish, slow and non-responsive. It takes another 15-20 min till everything is settled and I can operate my computer (open programs, surf Internet and so on).

Other than this, it looks that everything is OK.

Open the Task Manager... How many processes do you have running? If possible, try to keep the number of startup processes to a bare minimum -- say, no more than 30. Mine sits on 23 as the XP desktop loads and that's with other third-party programs running.

Needless to mention, I think that the system is virus free. To keep it clean, I use NOD32 v.4 Antivirus, Comodo Firewall, Ad-Aware with Ad-Watch Live! v. 8.1, Spybot S&D, and several other antispyware programs (like SUPERAntiSpyware, a-squared, etc.). I also frequently use CCleaner and registry cleaners, as well as Diskeeper 2008.

I think that's a bit excessive... Out of all the programs you've listed, only two should be running all the time -- anti-virus and firewall. The rest don't need to be loaded with Windows. Anti-malware and spyware programs need only be run on-demand. This will free up resources, resulting in faster startup and a more responsive system.

Lastly, be wary of so-called 'registry cleaners'. These programs are prone to mistakes and will do you more harm than good. I don't use them and wouldn't recommend anybody else do either.

Edited October 15, 200916 yr by Supernova

Might consider a wipe and a fresh install. It's always good to do this every now and again. Once you got it all loaded w/patches and software you need. Perform an image, then next go around be not much of a headache to do a wipe/clean install. (just a reload) Try Acronis.

Edited October 15, 200916 yr by britmaveric