[real77]

my laptop keeps getting slower. to the point where it is now slower than years ago when i was on dialup. i know its the computer, cause even doing things while off the internet take forever. i use my computer all the time, but am computer illiterate when it comes to maintenance and problems. CPU usage has gotten to the point where its usually at or close to 100%. 42% free space on the computer, and defragmenting the other day did nothing. i assume this is viruses? what to do?
tempted to just buy a new laptop, but is it complicated to transfer everything? and would everything i've downloaded transfer?
thanks!

[evilfantasy]

Do you have and run any Anti-virus? http://www.thecomputerforums.co.uk/file1.html
How about Anti-Spyware? http://www.thecomputerforums.co.uk/file7.html
Also a good drive cleaner. http://www.thecomputerforums.co.uk/file6.html

First thing you can do is go to ad/remove programs and remove anything you know you don't use or shouldn't be there.

If you have Anti-virus make sure it is up to date, run it and remove anything found.

Then download Spy-bot search and destroy (anti-spyware) and run that and remove any suspect programs found.

Then download CCleaner (drive cleaner) once CCleaner is open click Run Cleaner wait and let it clean your system of old junk. Then click on the Issues button (upper left) Then click Scan For Issues > Then click Fix Selected Issues.

If you have any questions then feel free to ask.

[Dave Hybrid]

Agreed, it needs a good clean up.

Run Hijackthis which you can download HERE: http://www.merijn.org/files/HiJackThis_v2.exe

Post the log file below.

It will tell us all the nasty stuff on the machine.

Also are you running Norton or McAfee? If so they are very resource hungry and make your PC very slow.

Don't just buy a new laptop, this is fixable, just needs a little effort. :)

[real77]

Do you have and run any Anti-virus? http://www.thecomputerforums.co.uk/file1.html How about Anti-Spyware? http://www.thecomputerforums.co.uk/file7.html Also a good drive cleaner. http://www.thecomputerforums.co.uk/file6.html First thing you can do is go to ad/remove programs and remove anything you know you don't use or shouldn't be there. If you have Anti-virus make sure it is up to date, run it and remove anything found. Then download Spy-bot search and destroy (anti-spyware) and run that and remove any suspect programs found. Then download CCleaner (drive cleaner) once CCleaner is open click Run Cleaner wait and let it clean your system of old junk. Then click on the Issues button (upper left) Then click Scan For Issues > Then click Fix Selected Issues. If you have any questions then feel free to ask.

I have pc tools spyware doctor, and
symantec anti-virus

i'll check into drive cleaner. thanks a bunch!

[SocialWarfare]

You should try Advanced WindowsCare Personal. 2.5
It sped my system up greatly

[Dave Hybrid]

Originally Posted by real77 I have pc tools spyware doctor, and symantec anti-virus i'll check into drive cleaner. thanks a bunch!

Norton is Crap.

Removing that alone will speed up you PC a lot.

[rohit147]

Originally Posted by Dave Hybrid Norton is Crap. Removing that alone will speed up you PC a lot.

Haha, yes. JUst leave norton and take others antivirus. Like avast or nod32. Its also a good antivirus and not make your pc heavy. Always clean up your pc too.