Computer slowed to a crawl - Help

[Alice]

My computer has slowed to a crawl and freezes completely on a regular basis. I've moved all the big files to an external 1000Gb hard drive, installed an extra 2Gb of RAM, defragged the C drive, deleted all temp files and cookies, run a registry cleaner and deleted all old unused files, e-mails and programs. The data transfer rate is still too slow. Any suggestions please - Thanks in advance.

[NOX]

Try reinstalling your O system?

[Buenchico]

You've not stated which operating system you're using, or whether you've got the disk for it. With Windows XP, simply putting the disk into a drive and then clicking on 'Install Windows' allows you to do an 'on top' installation which retains all of your software and data but returns the registry to an otherwise 'as new' configuration, with everything running as fast as ever. (I've no experience of trying an 'on top' installation of Windows with Vista or 7. Perhaps Chuck will be around soon to advise you?)

Chris

[AlBags]

Examine ALL the processes running to ascertain whether they are using all the resources.
Get some stuff out of system tray .. as much as poss, TBH.

[daffy654]

You might also run a malware scan with malwarebytes software.

[Alice]

Thanks all for the prompt replies - Its windows XP and I do have the original disk so i'll try an 'on top' install. Albags, I tried emptying the system tray of everything which didn't seem to make any difference, after a ctrl, alt, del, I looked at the processes running but although 2 or 3 seemed to be using a lot of CPU (if that's the correct term!) I haven't a clue which are safe to shut down. I'll try the re-install in the morning when I get home from work and if it doesn't work, like Arnie, 'I'll Be Back!!'. Thanks again.

[AlBags]

No worries : )
GL. x

[TTG]

Use msconfig and see what is starting up by looking at the Startup tab. Search on the net for each process and if it can be safely disabled.

[trish432]

I wouldn`t do an "on top install"
I`ve had problems in the past from doing that.
As you`ve got your external, I`d just move anything I wanted to keep onto there and do a quick format and reinstall.
Apart from this I think your computer may need cleaning inside, fan`s etc, surprising what a difference it can make.