New Computer Running Slow

[FATALgamer14]

My computer is almost a year old and it now runs much slower than it did when it was new. I do not know why this is. I use my computer for mainly gaming, web-surfing, and downloading. My specs are:

Pentium 4 1.6Ghz
256mb RAM
GeForce2 MX
40gb Hard Drive
Dell Brand
Windows XP

I have no idea why it is running so slow. Please, someone help me fix this problem.:flames:

[WarezWolf]

Did you try running a virus scan? You could be infected. Also the more stuff you have running on the computer the slower it gets. Remove stuff that you only use occassionally from your startup folder. These can be manually started when needed. :smokin:

[FATALgamer14]

I don't think so. It just runs much slower. I have around 20gb left on my hard drive and i have reduced the number of start up programs.

[Darthtanion]

If you are still on the original installation of the OS, then this may a large part of the problem. Even WinXP has to be dumped occasionally and a reinstall performed. Otherwise the registry and numerous .dll files start clogging up the main arteries within the machine (just like a heart attack).

[tofu]

yep, a backup and fresh install should fix everything. i do a fresh install about every six months, keep my downloads ,etc. on a separate partition.

[FATALgamer14]

How do you do all of that with out files being deleated on the computer?

[Mr. C]

You will lose all the data on the drive if you perform a fresh install.
You will need to save your valuable files elsewhere. Being a mere year old, I assume you have a CD burner?

blasted OEM setups - no useful partitioning ever!

Rest assured, everything can be backed up and restored, some types of things such as registry settings etc. will require research. Most of your saved games files will be easy enough to track down.

Only problem will be any files you might have which are too large for a CD.

[sharkk]

you'd use a thirdparty software to partition (divide) your physical hard drive into two or more virtual (windows) drives.

by separating a virtual drive (partition) for your personal files only, you can format whenever you want and you wont lose your personal data (nor you have to spend in more CDs to backup the whole thing each time).....but a good backup is recommended every now and then.

u NEED to use third party soft. if you already have an install.....if there's an ocasion when u dont mind doing a total format..you could use the FDSIK utility to manually partition your drive....but that's recommended for advanced users only.

anyways.....good luck.

btw. on your slow problem.......go to START > RUN > msconfig [press enter]

go to startup.......and disable what you think (just make sure first) that is NOT necessary for startup.

: peace2: