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My system configuration is as follows: Compaq Presario, OS: Win XP sp2, 128 MB RAM,40 GB HDD, IE 6, norton antivirus 2003 and a 56.6 kbps internal modem. I face the following problem:

My system is very slow. It takes time to boot up. I thought the slowness could be caused by a registry problem. So I cleared up the errors in my registry such as invalid files path, invalid shortcuts with the help of `Winaso Registry Optimiser' a registry mechanic. But my system is still slow.

Since I connect to the Internet frequently, I thought there could be some spyware in my system which could be slowing it down. So I deleted the spywares with the help of `AD Aware', a spyware removal tool. But there is still no change in my system speed.

I scan my system frequently with Norton Antivirus 2003. I also update NAV2003. Despite this, could there be some virus in my system? Also, I have installed some games software. Could this be a reason for the slow speed of the system?

My manufacturer's system configuration (attached to the side of my CPU box) states the operating system as Linux. But I have installed Win XP. Could that be a reason for the slow system? Please suggest a solution.

Vijay Pandiyan

There are some tasks that you will have to do step by step, so you can first detect, and then solve the problem. As the first step, please remove unwanted startup programs from startup. You can look at the list of unwanted programs using the msconfig.exe utility. Please click Start -{gt} Run type in msconfig and press enter. In the dialog box that appears, select the "Start Up" tab and remove unwanted and unknown programs by un-checking it. Please restart the system and see if this solves the problem.

Next you will need to scan the system for bad sectors because a damaged hard disk will slow the system to a great extent, more so if your system files happen to be in such areas of the disk.

You can check for bad sectors and try to mark them off by using the Check Disk utility. You will find it here. Right-click on the `C' drive in My Computer and in the dialog box, select the Tools tab. Click on the `Check Now' button, select both the check boxes displayed and click start now.

If the system requires a restart, please do it.

Next you can try a defragment too. This is also under Properties -{gt} Tools tab.

If the disk happens to have too many bad sectors, it is advisable to change your HDD as soon as possible to avoid a sudden crash and loss of data.

For more information on bad sectors, please refer to this eWorld article: http://www.blonnet.com/ew/2002/11/13/

stories/2002111300330402.htm

For a detailed explanation of slow systems, please refer http://www.blonnet.com/ew/2002/07/17/

stories/2002071700320402.htm

Please e-mail us at eworld@thehindu.co.in

if you have queries on computer usage or if you find an interesting way of using a computer.

Solution by G. Rajah

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