Computer is still slow in spite of doing everything possible!! :-(

[bhairavi]

Hi,
I purchased this computer back in 2004. It's a 512 MB RAM, AMD Athlon processor, processor speed is 1.81 GHz; there is a free space of 14 GB in C drive (the os files are located there).
Recently, my computer became really slow. Like, it takes a long time to open applications, and sometimes if i type anything on screen it reflects only after 5 seconds .

So I did all the things usually done to make it faster: I defragmented all the drives, I installed the latest AVG anti virus (free edition)software, I downloaded a registry cleaner software, I even went to msconfig and unchecked most of the start up files, I also stopped "indexing service to index all the files", I deleted all the unwanted software (like yahoo tool bar, google desktop search etc.). btw, I also didn't install any new RAM consuming software!
Still it's slow 

My friends are telling me that the computer is just old and you need to change it!! I don't believe that! I still have hope. Please tell me if there is anything else which can be done.
Thank you.

[Broni]

First of all, never use any registry cleaners. It's the very first step asking for troubles.
Secondly, you could use another 512MB of RAM.

Please, download DDS from one of the 2 mirrors and save it to your desktop.

Mirror 1
Mirror 2

* Disable any script blocking protection (if present)
* Double click the dds icon to run the tool.
* When done, DDS will open two logs:
         1. DDS.txt
         2. Attach.txt
* Save both reports to your desktop by clicking File>Save As in each log.

Include the contents of both logs in your new topic. The scan will instruct you to post Attach.txt as an attachment. No need for that though ..... just post it's contents as you would any other log.

[bhairavi]

Broni,
Thanks a lot for your reply!
As instructed, I am zipping and attaching both the logs.



[Saving space, attachment deleted by admin]

[Broni]

Your first problem is having some other security programs leftovers, Norton and McAfee.
Download and run Norton Removal Tool: http://service1.symantec.com/Support/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039
Download and run McAfee Consumer Product Removal Tool: http://www.softpedia.com/get/Tweak/Uninstallers/McAfee-Consumer-Product-Removal-Tool.shtml

I'd also suggest switching to something lighter on resources, than AVG. I suggest Avast, or Avira, but it's up to you.

Next, go to Add\Remove and uninstall Ask Toolbar.

Download Temp File Cleaner (TFC)
Double click on TFC.exe to run the program.
Click on Start button to begin cleaning process.
TFC will close all running programs, and it may ask you to restart computer.

[bhairavi]

Hey Broni,
I uninstalled mcAfee, Norton from my pc. Also ran the temp file remover. Restarted the computer. For now, it seems to be ok. Keeping fingers crossed I am sticking to AVG (I read reviews that AVG offers the best free anti virus software). If the performance is still slow, I will change to the software you suggested.

Thanks a lot for your help.

Cheers!!

[Broni]

You're welcome

I also noticed couple more leftovers, so....

Download HijackThis:
http://www.trendsecure.com/portal/en-US/tools/security_tools/hijackthis/download
by clicking on Download HijackThis Installer
Install, and run it.
Post HijackTHis log.
Do NOT attempt to fix anything!

NOTE. If you're using Vista, right click on HijackThis, and click Run as Administrator

[bhairavi]

Ok,
Attached the log file.
Wow! Good that I signed up today and joined this forum

[Saving space, attachment deleted by admin]

[Broni]

Just 1 item.

Re-run HJT, checkmark:
- O2 - BHO: (no name) - {02478D38-C3F9-4efb-9B51-7695ECA05670} - (no file)
Click "Fix checked" button and you should be good to go

[bhairavi]

Alrighty!! Did that!! Now my computer is super clean!!! It better perform well. More fingers crossed.

Just one last doubt, and I will stop bugging u. Should I remove the registry cleaner, and run HijackThis in the future? How do I know which file to fix? I can't possibly send you the log file, each time I run it 

[Quantos]

I even went to msconfig and unchecked most of the start up files,

You shouldn't use MSConfig to persist those changes.  MSConfig is a diagnostic tool, not a configuration tool.

Here's something that should work great, it's called Quick Startup.

[Broni]

Should I remove the registry cleaner

Yes.

run HijackThis in the future? How do I know which file to fix?

You don't want to use HJT alone. If you remove wrong entry, you may end up with un-bootable computer.
We're gonna be around, so post back, if any problems.

Using msconfig is OK, as long, as you know, what you're doing.

[bhairavi]

Thanks Broni! You've been a gr8 help! I can see a significant increase in speed now. Hope this lasts!!

[Broni]

Very good

[soybean]

Should I remove the registry cleaner ...

Just wondering, which registry cleaner was it?

[bhairavi]

soybean,
it's CCleaner