[artman]

I am using Windows XP Home. Up until a few weeks ago my machine was running fine. It now takes alot longer to load and start programs. I am using Eudora email software and it use to take about 1 second to delete a message in my Inbox - now it takes about 8 seconds to delete one message. When I hit the delete key the Windows hour glass appears and about 8 seconds later the message is deleted.

I am using Bit Defender verson 10 for AntiVirus and Spyware, Webroot SpySweeper 5.5 and my machine is clean. Today I did a Bit Defender Deep System Scan, Full System Scan, Memory Scan and a Rootkit Scan. Everything came up clean.

My MsConfig Startup only has 4 programs so my machine is not being slowed down by a bunch of startup programs.

I Defrag my hard drive every other day.

I have never used a Registry Cleaner although I have wanted to many times but everytime I read the various Microsoft newsgroups most of the MVP's (Microsoft Valuable Professionals) really bad mouth the Registry Cleaners saying that they will do more harm than good.

Does anyone have ideas what I can check on my machine to solve the slowness issue?

Thanks - Bill

[techie4fun]

Hi :)

First thing is first: How much memory is installed in your machine right now, and why must you defragment your hard drive ever other day? Also, the speed or model of your processor "brand" might help too.

[lilxkid24]

First off you should not have defrag it every day. Defrag once a month or once every 2 months. Please post your computer specs like ram, processor, etc. You can use Belarc for that. Don't use a registry cleaner if you don't know what you are trying to delete.

[artman]

Thanks for your replies!

My machine is a Gateway PC running Windows XP Home. The processor speed is 2.0 GHz with 1.0 Gb of RAM. The hard disk has 26 Gb of free space.

[spike]

Does this mean , that you will not consider useing a registry cleaner??

[artman]

Spike;

My machine is used for business purposes and I don't want a risk of totally damaging it. With all of the Registry Cleaners on the market I don't know which is the best and safest. Also most of the resources I check other than Registry Cleaner software companies say that a Registry Cleaner can really do damage to a computer. I guess I am just afraid to try it although I would like to.

Thanks!

Bill

[spike]

Do you have a Windows installation disc???

[artman]

Yes, I have the Windows installation disc that came with the Gateway machine.

[spike]

Try this; Insert your Windows disc, ......then go to Start > Run,........type in the box, sfc /scannow ( note the space between the sfc.........and............the /scannow )

This command will initiate windows file protection service to scan all protected files and verify their integrity, replacing any files with which it finds a problem.This will take some time.

When it is finished, DEFRAG, and re-boot , and test it out, to see if your problem(s) persist, at let us know!

[artman]

Spike;

I tried your suggestion re checking for missing protected files. There were 7 files that appeared to be missing - I think that may have been part of my slow speed problem.

Thanks again for your help!

[techie4fun]

Bravo! Encore! Bravo! :)

[spike]

No problem!