PC slowing down

[elrasho]

I've noticed my PC has started to take alot longer to do small tasks, For example, when I launch IE6 the hard drive clicks for about 10-15 seconds and then it finally opens. Same goes for when I launch My Compoter, Word, Excel and other programs.

Whats happening to my computer? I have defragged it, cleaned temp files.

Heres my spec:

WindowsXP Home
Asus A8N-SLI
Athlon 64 3200
1GB DDR PC3200
GeForce7600GT
Maxtor Diomand Max 10 160GB 7200rpm SATA-133

Are there any free apps out there that can clean the registry and do other general tweaking?

 

[Tyguy]

Clean the dust out of it for starters. My old computer did the same thing yours did until i opened it and removed a ton of dust from the heatsink/fan

 

[elrasho]

Clean the dust out of it for starters. My old computer did the same thing yours did until i opened it and removed a ton of dust from the heatsink/fan

Ive done that but its still the same :x

 

[Top Secret]

Start -> Run - > msconfig ->startup -> Disable All -> Restart

Be amazed.

 

[Tyguy]

Awwww, bummer. Well, id re-image your PC then. Start fresh. If it still does it then you know its a hardware problem, which you should start benchmarking and comparing it to the norm.

 

[Tyguy]

Start -> Run - > msconfig ->startup -> Disable All -> Restart

Be amazed.

I wouldnt advise that unless you dont want any of your antivirus executables to work, along with alot of additional software that would have to be re-started

 

[elrasho]

I dont want to disable startup iteams otherwise my antivirus and firewall wont work. I would format and start fresh but I have too much to backup

 

[Tyguy]

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16822148262

Probably need a new hard drive. 160GB is nothing, this is just to show you the prices. Choose one that fits your price range. Aside from that, I have no other suggestions.

 

[Link]

Start -> Run - > msconfig ->startup -> Disable All -> Re-tick your AV and firewall etc -> Restart

Be amazed.

For added fun, in the services tab of same, tick "Hide MS services", and untick everything except av and firewall.

Be even more amazed