how to clean up slow PC?

aliEnRIK

suiko wrote: »

Thanks. But how do I know which startup programs to re-enable? I figured it might be something to do with this, but wasn't sure what to re-enable.

I have avast, Grisoft AVG, Sybot, Adaware... what should I uninstall?

You have avast AND avg running at the same time??
You need to get rid of one or the other ~ you CANT have 2 anti virus programs running together

suiko

So which should I uninstall? Have used AVG for ages, but Avast seems to do a scan pre-boot-up, so maybe is better?

Also have CCleaner - does that count too?

Still in two minds about the startup list - it is a lot quicker now I disabled - are there any program names/folders that I should not disable on startup?

aliEnRIK

Well I personally use AVG. But for speed id suggest Avast.
Keep ccleaner, thats just to 'clean' the system when you select it (Doesnt run in the background)
Adaware doesnt run in the background either. Spybot only runs in the background if 'tea timer' is selected (You would see it in the bottom right control panel). Spybots 'tea timer' is fine to run alongside an antivirus.
Which firewall do you have?

suiko

The only one AFAIK is the Windows XP Firewall. I had to deinstall this when I set up the wireless router (which also keeps losing its connection!), but reinstated it recently.

aliEnRIK

Well windows firewall isnt very safe (And I appreciate you needing to get your router up and running but you should NEVER switch your firewall off!)
I would recommend COMODO firewall (It will auto shut down XP firewall)
http://www.personalfirewall.comodo.com/download_firewall.html
Switch defense OFF (Its safer with defense, but slower). And untick all the extra garbage it tries to install (toolbars etc)
If you choose to have comodos 'defense' mode ON you MUST have spybots 'tea timer' switched OFF

Some people like ZONEALARM firewall, but ive found it can conflict with some software.

suiko

Would have sold my granny to try to get the thing running - the alternative was the whole night spent on the phone (or waiting for a connection to) the call centre in Mumbai!

Thanks for the firewall info. So I should:
1. uninstall AVG
2. do something with automatic startup?

No ideas on what I should do with the startup programs? There were a number of Windows system files that I disabled, I think.

latecomer

1. Yes

List what you disabled at startup and hopefully we can figure out if you have done something you shouldn't. If you are sure its the source of the freezes you could just re-enable everything you disabled and then give a full list here.

gtd2000

aliEnRIK wrote: »

I know mate
I was just saying you can also disable START UP programs with it(No one seems to use that feature for some reason)

That's the advice I'd give..click "start" then "run" type msconfig and hit enter.

Go to the startup tab and remove the items you know you don't actually need

aliEnRIK

suiko wrote: »

Would have sold my granny to try to get the thing running - the alternative was the whole night spent on the phone (or waiting for a connection to) the call centre in Mumbai!

Thanks for the firewall info. So I should:
1. uninstall AVG
2. do something with automatic startup?

No ideas on what I should do with the startup programs? There were a number of Windows system files that I disabled, I think.

Yes ~ uninstall it (Someone else said that I think)

Sounds like youve probably stopped something you shouldnt have. Generally NOT a good idea to stop system files
Youd better list what IS starting up and whats already disabled

suiko

Thanks - will try to list what is enabled and what is disabled when I get home tonight!