new computer, SLOW!

[nadawg217]

Specs: (2 month old Dell)
P4 2.2 512 Cache
512 RAM
80G HD

I haven't downloaded any new programs, and the machine is horribly slow. Any ideas or solutions?
thanks in advance

 

[ADZ]

Give it a thorough spyware scan using Sypbot S&D, Ad-Aware. And make sure you have a virus scanner.

Also check your computer for any programs that shouldnt be running. Try MSCONFIG.

 

[Erik]

Or you can just reformat it, and start fresh

 

[fyyer]

That is generally the best idea. There is so much junk and useless crap on pre-built comps its not even funny. If I were you as soon as I got it out of the box I would get all the drivers and crap ready and just format and re-install. That is the best idea. You could try regedit or msconfig to check to see what programs are starting up when the computer boots but I promise you it will be very confusing since you didnt install any of the crap and its all in foreign directory locations and generally a big hassle. Also; if you format it and reinstall XP, enable the built-in XP firewall (unless you have a router) since it isnt enabled by default.

 

[kboy]

Formatting works but it would be nice to trouble shoot the problem somewhat & see what's causing this problem
If ya got the Patience

 

[BxSlipSk8718]

chuck that shizer its intell buy a AMD system :-D

 

[antioniguitar]

Dude, one big problem is it's a Dell. Not that Dell's are bad, it's the fact that the preloaded software makes beautiful Dell PCs run like freaking 10 year old emachines. Format it, reinstall XP, and get a nice video card.

 

[Apokalipse]

chuck that shizer its intell buy a AMD system :-D

still bashing Intel, you do know that in the benchmarks P4's performed better than AMD Athlon XP's (in fair tests, 2.5GHZ verses 2500+ and same spec PC's); they are more expensive, but not by much now.

now with the slow problem, I think it has been settled now, format, reinstall everything (including drivers) and if you got Norton with it, ditch it for a fast, and effective antivirus program like AntivirXP or AVG - now I'm not against norton, but I find it is always slow.