gateway desktop 500 makes hard drive noises and is slow

[shashgo]

I just reinstalled my OS on the computer, because the computer was quite slow.  It has 384 MB RAM.  But even after the install programs take forever to load on it or get uninstalled, and there is a near constant noise from the HD I think or the CPU or something (you know the noises the computer makes when it is doing something like browsing to a page or opening an explorer window)

It cant be a virus since I just did a clean reinstall, so why the computer acting slow

[Allan]

It has 384 MB RAM. 

That's your first problem. As for the noise, two thoughts:

1) If it's a clicking or grinding noise from the hd (unlike anything you're used to), the hd is dying
2) If it's just the sound of background processing, open task manager to the processes tab, sort on the cpu column and see which process is active.

[shashgo]

allan:

I dont see any unusual processes running in task manager

by the way, what should the RAM be for win XP

[Allan]

allan:

I dont see any unusual processes running in task manager

by the way, what should the RAM be for win XP

I didn't tell you to look for unusual processes, I said to sort on the cpu column and see what is using the processor.
And what do you mean "what should the ram be"?

[patio]

Minimum 512 Mg...

[shashgo]

so should I run the tool at crucial.com to see what kind of memoory I need and what is the maximum that is supported by this mootherboard?

[Allan]

sure

[shashgo]

allan,
I did that but according to the info, I have the max amount of RAM already.  Anyway I browsed over to a microsoft webpage at http://support.microsoft.com/kb/314865
and this is what it says

The minimum hardware requirements for Windows XP Home Edition are:

    * Pentium 233-megahertz (MHz) processor or faster (300 MHz is recommended)
    * At least 64 megabytes (MB) of RAM (128 MB is recommended)
    * At least 1.5 gigabytes (GB) of available space on the hard disk
    * CD-ROM or DVD-ROM drive
    * Keyboard and a Microsoft Mouse or some other compatible pointing device
    * Video adapter and monitor with Super VGA (800 x 600)or higher resolution
    * Sound card
    * Speakers or headphones

So then it isnt the ram that is the problem, cause I need only 128 MB recommended and I have 384 MB.  I checked in my computer properties, the processor is 498 MHz, HD is 40 GB.

[Spoiler]

You really should get more RAM in that machine. What is the make and model of your motherboard?

I would also suggest you get the manufacture tools for your hard drive and test your drive.....

Backup your data....

[Helpmeh]

The required specs. are far below what something needs to run well. 512mb of RAM is a must for XP.

[patio]

Your MBoard maxxes out at 384Mg of RAM ? ?
Why not post some of these machines specs as you may be banging your head against the wall trying to get it to perform.