Um, yeah.
I have no idea what is wrong.
My comp is slow, and can only handle a few programs at a time.
Task Manager Never Opens (used to at some point in time)


Only 19.38 out of 28 gig on my comp is used.
Don't know my specs. but I have a Dell Dimension 2350 running XP Proffesional.
It originally came with Home.
Has Pentium 4.
Stating Random Facts

Need Help
Please.

If I remember more or see more I'll tell

Have you tried running spyware/antivirus scans?

Free Antivirus (that I personally use)
Avast Antivirus:
http://www.avast.com/

Free Spyware Scanner (that I personally use)
Ad-Aware:
http://www.lavasoft.de/software/adaware/
Spybot Search & Destroy:
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/index.html

Ask if you need more help.

I guess I'll try, but I'ld prefer an easier way out...

There isnt much of an easier way out if you have spy/ad-ware. Run one or both of the ones lappy suggested (i use both personally), and see if that helps at all.

An easier way out? That IS the easy way out.

Also, I would try going through the Add/Remove Programs and uninstalling all the programs that you do not need or sound supsicious (such as CoolWebHiJacker.net 3.456.232356)

Then update and run Spybot SD and Ad-Aware.

Go into advanced mode in Spybot, and go to Tools>System Startup. Uncheck all the exta things that startup every time you turn your computer on and run in the background. Some of these things are visible as craplets in the taskbar, and some are hidden.

Then go to Start>Run and type services.msc and change any un-needed services to manual so they wont startup.

There are many more things to help, but I hope these speed up your comuter some.

Spybot can do that?!

*looks through system startup list*

Yep.

The (second) most easy way (and most effective).

Backup all your documents onto a CD or something, and be sure to viruscan the contents of your documents, otherwise this might happen again.

Reinstall windows.

Finished.

I wouldn't really call that easy.

It takes 1.5 - 2 hours, and you need to reinstall all your software, but it speeds up AMAZINGLY!


Personally, I reinstall about every 6 months to keeep my computer running fast.

If I was on your schedule, I'm 9 months late for my maintenence.

And I'm like 3 years or so late.

I used Avast! and now my computer has slowed down WAY to much, it takes many minutes to even log in to my account. All images from desktop items have dissapeared, I'll check if it speeds up.

Have you done an antivirus scan yet?

I would've done the anti-spyware stuff first. That's the most likely cause. Especially with task manager not starting and all.

Also, which service pack do you have?
And is your internet firewall enabled?