PC Problems, slow 'puter, start-up menu?

[AnchorageGuy]

Tony, You may need a differant defrag program than windows. You also need a good registry cleaner. I use Regvac and in the novice mode you can't go wrong or screw anything up. In your case I would recommend you reformat the computer if you have the original disc that came with the computer. That means you will need to reload everything you want to keep so back up everything on discs that you want to reload. Try this site

Annoyances.org

Register so you can post and click on the discussion forum for whatever OS you have. Pose the question on how to access the HD space and you will get several options from folks on the board. Do a search for a program called Windows Installer Clean Up and run it. Also get CCleaner at
CCleaner.com

and run it. Don't use the tools section until you feel comfortable using it since it changes the registry. Get a program called ERUNT to make back ups of your registry so if you change something you shouldn't you can undo the changes.

[AnchorageGuy]

For both of you, do a search for a program called Windows Installer Clean up. Install and run the program. It will list stuff that was installed and uninstalled and left things on the computer. Chose the programs you want it to clean up and run it.

[CSY Man]

Thanks again for more tips and advice.

I did go to the windows clean up program, ran it and the defrag gig.

Since my hard drive is 79% empty, I did not gain a lot by defragging, but perhaps it did some good regardless.

Will do the above Windows Installer Clean Up next.

[AnchorageGuy]

CSY, you need to do all of the clean up, Uninstalling and deleting of files THEN defrag. This basically repositions files on the HD so the programs can find them faster and each time you change, delete of uninstall something the disc is once again fragmented to some extent. You still need to be sure there aren't hidden little buggers slowing things down.

[hellosailor]

Tony, if your computer didn't come with a "recovery disk" and doesn't have the ability to make one, then I would suggest you buy a copy of the OS you want to use (make sure it can be used on that computer) and wipe the computer clean. Start fresh, so you don't have to ask what the last guy might have done and what might be in there. And, you can set it up the way that makes sense to you.

[CSY Man]

CSY, you need to do all of the clean up, Uninstalling and deleting of files THEN defrag.

Well, uh been doing that for 2 days straight:

Running all kinds of clean up programs and utilites:

More than half a dozen, but lost track.

At any rate, the 'puter seems to be doing much better now: More responsive and not quite as sleepy.

I still have some issues and I am thinking of solving them with a stick of dynamite..

Basically I am doing a bandage fix on this here machine.
Later in the year I just may spring for a new desk-top PC with the new windows program and hopefully I should have less problems.

Looking to keep my machine simple and having all kinds of protection and fire-walls, but occasionally I download videos and other programs that take up memory and may infect the innards. (Not Porn, not this CSY Man)

In the meantime I vote for the death penalty for nerds and hackers who spend their day cooking up bad stuff for the purpose of screwing others surfing the net. (me)

[MABell]

And after three years, you should…
Just reloading XP over the current install will not get rid of harmful effects.
You need to do a clean install. It’s time consuming, but worth it.
Backup all your data and any program zips that you saved.
Make a boot disk with the files fdisk and format on it.
Change the BIOS of the computer to boot from the floppy.
Run fdisk (caution – EVERYTHING will be blown away).
Then run format.
Then change the BIOS back to boot from the CD (or DVD).
Insert the XP disk and reboot.
Reinstall any apps from the zip files you have saved and copy you data back.
Now your machine will run like it did when new.
Installing more memory would help a lot as well.

[bvimatelot]

Ah yes, CSY Man - I agree your last para!!

Otherwise - Thanks so much guys for all the helpful advice. What a diverse range of expertise there is on this board!!

cheers, Tony (written on a getting faster computer....)