[wingeater]

I have recently experienced an annoying slowdown of my computer. There have been no recent software or hardware additions prior to slowdown. I have checked for viruses and spyware with no indication of any present. I have cleaned the registry, defragmented, eliminated unneeded programs, and added additional memory with no improvement. My task manager indicates 40 processes going on with CPU Usage frequently bouncing up to 100%. How do I know which processes I can shut down without constantly restarting? I dread the amount of time it takes to reboot (5 minutes). I also have noticed the cursor getting "sticky" and my sound cutting in and out with choppy video play. Help!! My system: 2.66 Pentium 4, 1.5 gig memory, 120 gig Seagate hard drive, 128MB nvidia graphics card.

[Trebuchet]

What processes are using the most CPU % according to Task Manager (I'm assuming with that system you're running XP)? If you double click on the CPU column Task Manager will sort them in order of most to least used.How full is your hard drive?

[SpiritWind]

{size:18px}[/size]:D Hi : Specifically, WHAT have you use to check for "viruses" and "spyware" ? If you have NOT used the Good & FREE "AVG Antispyware", formerly known as "Ewido", from www.ewido.net, you should . When people go to a "Malware Expert" on a Support Forum, running AVG Antispyware is the 1st thing that is recommended .

[wingeater]

[quote name='Trebuchet']What processes are using the most CPU % according to Task Manager (I'm assuming with that system you're running XP)? If you double click on the CPU column Task Manager will sort them in order of most to least used.> > > > How full is your hard drive? I've got about 40 gigs taken up out of the 120 total. Task Manager CPU Usage fluctuates with many different things using processes, and nothing dominating. Could a hard drive about to go bad cause these types of problems? I've used Norton Anti-Virus and Webroot Spy Sweeper to check for problems.

[SpiritWind]

{size:18px}[/size]:D Hi Wing : Norton Antivirus combined with Spy Sweeper use up a lot of a computer's memory; I would have neither on my computer. If you want to put less strain on your computer, and pick only 1 of the 2 to "remove", I recommend Norton. Would have to use their "Removal Tool" as well as "uninstall(ing)" from Add or Remove Programs, and "replace" it with a Good, Free, and less taxing to your computer, Avast Antivirus Home Edition ( www.avast.com ) .

[Digerati]

Hi Wing - I have 40 processes running too - so that's not unusual. You need to look at those processes and see what is eating up the Mem Usage and CPU usage. While Norton is a hog - and I recommend something else when your subscription expires - unless Norton is something new you recently loaded up on your system, then that would not be what is causing your problems now. But the main thing is, you would see if it was hogging resources in Task Manager. Besides malware, other things that can slow your system down is a bad network connection and low disk space. I realize you said you scanned your system, but what you describe is malware infestation. Below is my canned text for cleaning your system up. I recommend you run through it. Important Note: For all of the following suggested programs, use each application's "update" feature to ensure you have installed the latest signature/definition files. This is necessary even if you just downloaded the most recent version of the application. Also, please be aware that some of the software is free to home and non-commercial use only. Be sure to read the EULAs before using. Make sure you do not use more than one of the same type program "in memory" (also known as "in resident", "in memory", "real-time", "auto-protect" or "active scanning") at the same time to avoid conflicts. That is, have only one firewall, one anti-virus, one anti-spyware, and one anti-Trojan program running at any time. list:c505fb15c9]{size:12px}Delete Temporary Files[/size:c505fb15c9] - before scanning to rid system of thousands of temporary files. This action often significantly reduces scanning times and may clear out files that are corrupt or are infected with malware. Deleting cookies as well ensures all "tracking cookies" are removed too. Note that deleting cookies will force the manual entry of user names and passwords for sites requiring them on your next visit, so make sure you know them. I recommend [CCleaner. During installation, uncheck the option to install the Yahoo toolbar. Before first use, check Options > Settings and ensure Only delete files in Windows Temp folders older than 48 hours is unchecked. To delete temporary files directly from the browser without using CCleaner, do the following: [url="http://safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html"]list:c505fb15c9]Internet Explorer 7[list]Remember to re-enable any real-time scanning disabled during these scans when done.I know that is a lot but this is what it takes to get and keep your systems clean and running at full performance. I recommend all scanners be scheduled to update, then scan daily - mine run in the middle of the night. It is an important part of Practicing Safe Computing to also set up a routine to regularly scan your system(s) manually. Weekly is appropriate. When done with the above scans, post back with how you are doing.