Hey there...I've been here quite a few times and love the site as you all help me out...however...I can't seem to figure out why my machine runs so slow at times....I think I need a thorough cleaning and would appreciate your help in doing so....please guide me in the steps I have to take to do this....


Thanks in advance...

Hello didleyde
First I will be moving your post to this forum for better assistance
AntiVirus, Firewall and Privacy Products and Protection Methods
Please read the topic here. Always feel free to ask any further questions.
Slow Computer?, Use this troubleshooting checklist

Now we could use some more info:
What is your Operating System?
Size and how full is the Hard drive?
How much RAM is installed?
Antivirus,Antispyware and Firewall applications?
When was the last scan?

Check for any unnecessary running services. If you have a typical installation, many services are configured as "automatic"; that is, they start automatically when the system starts or when the service is called for the first time. Use "Black Viper's Services Configuration" to help fine tune this area.
Note: If you are not on a local area network (LAN), disable the Workstation Service which creates and maintains client network connections to remote servers and that should also help to speed up your boot time.

Disable some visual effects. While visual embellishments may be attractive, they don’t do anything else for you. Disabling some of them frees up system resources and makes the operating system perform better.

• Right click My Computer, choose > Properties > Advanced, click on "Settings"
• In the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance or uncheck all the visual effects, except for the last three.
• Click "Apply", then "Ok", then "Ok" again.
• Then right click your Desktop and choose > Properties > Appearance > "Effects.
• Uncheck the first two boxes and hit "OK".

seems to be running much faster now...thank you for your help!!!

You're welcome. Did you have a lot of Spyware,virus's or mostly clutter. What OS did you have?

it seems mostly clutter....and still need to get rid of a few things...it seems i have way too many spyware apps on here that i wasn't aware of .... pls tell me which one to keep...


spybot
spyware blaster
xoftspy



my OS is actually an intel 'emachine' and using XP....


if there is anything else you suggest I do for a better performance...please let me know...


thanks again

IMO, you don't have enough protection.

XoftSpy is a program that was previously listed as a rogue product on the Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products List because of concerns with False positives, questionable license terms, and the use of aggressive, deceptive advertising, including exploitation of the name "Spybot". It has since been delisted but in my opinion it is not a very effective program compared to others with a proven track those mentioned in BC's List of Virus & Malware Resources or one of the other Trustworthy Anti-Spyware Products.

You can also read Slow Computer/Browser? Check here first; it may not be malware. You may have done some of these things in the other checklist but there are a few more suggestions that may help.

Got rid of xoft spy....

the other things i have on are atf cleaner
windows defender
and rogers (our cable co) protection

completed a disk clean up as well....


hope that clears up some space....

I am also on Rogers and it comes with Norton Internet Protection; anti virus, anti spyware, firewall. In addition to that, I have Spyware Blaster for real time protection and AVG Anti Spyware & Super Anti Spyware as on demand scanners. Spybot simply isn't as effective as it once was so I'm not interested in it. I also use CCleaner to automatically clean out cookies and temp junk files. You don't need another firewall or anti virus but more on demand spyware scanners are useful.

Very useful info...thanks and will keep that in mind....

I'll keep that in mind too!

Also you could try a Disk Defragment that usually helps spped up my computer a bit.