We run Windows XP...home version. I have had the computer up to the pace where we had it built and purchased. They cleaned up, removed the 'bugs' etc. But, it is still slow, pauses often and so on. Is there a way to do a slef clean, fixup with out having to go back to these guys, not cost an arm and a leg and truly see what is going on.

I susbscibe to Adware and AVG Security. What am I doing wrong.

Many thanks,

Marykran

Defragging hard disk drives drives frequently, getting rid of unneeded startup items, etc. can help. (The startup items are often things which run in background and use up computer resources. Some are not really needed, and some others do not really need to run as soon as computer boots up & can instead be run manually when you are ready to run them.)

What are the computer specifics and how old is it?

We are using Win Xp, home edition V2002, Service Pak 3. Our email is Outlook Express.

The computer is maybe 3 - 4 years old. It has as AMD 64 Athlon X2.

I reularly do a disc clean up as well as a defrag.

What else can I do?? What other info can I send to you? It has only been a month?? since the computer ws serviced at the retailer form whom we purchased it.


Many thanks for your advice and time.

Mary K

Try this:
Go to LW's menu bar, Tools -> Options -> Advanced, Performance tab. Then check to disable both Ultrapeer and TLS abilities. These can both have an effect on system performance.

You may also wish to limit both your up and download speeds to 10-15% below present settings for both regular Gnutella files and torrents: Tools -> Options -> Transfers, Settings button. Check the limit up and download bandwidth options. Example: if present upload or download speed is 100 KB/s, then change to 90 or 85 KB/s. Do this for both.

marykran

I am also an XP user (XP Pro SP3) and I have also used Windows95, 98 and XP Home in the past and the one thing they all have in common is that they all need regular housekeeping (cleaning, both registry and HD) to keep them at peak performance.

But first, you need to know which applications that start up when your windows starts up, i.e. the more that start up the slower your PC.

In order to control these apps I use a little free utility called Startup Control Panel, using this utility will give you the control that WinXP doesn't readily give you.

Secondly, you should also have in your arsenal Periform's CCleaner, this free app will clean out all the text and log files that various apps (including windows) seem to create all around your HD.

Next, you should clean up your browser, you see all PC browsers pick up cookies and other debris during a browsing session and in some cases this rubbish never gets deleted, although if you get CCleaner you wont have to worry about this particular point.

Most browsers will have Options/Preferences under the Tools menu that will allow you to delete Internet rubbish your browser has picked up.

Finally, you will need a registry cleaner, I have found that when using most windows applications they tend to have a detrimental affect which, in turn, slows down your machine. In particular, Limewire usage tends to tear up the registry settings leaving it with loads of incomplete endings.

To sort this out I use Norton Utilities, which I believe has replaced Norton System Works, there is a 30 day free usage period on this application and I would strongly suggest you give it a try.

Once you have done all of the above you will then find that your regular defragging will be more beneficial than it currently is.

Hope this help.


UK Bob

Start Up Control Panel will only clean up all problems if it is purchased....

Could you tell me what Ultrapeer is..i di uncheck TLS...1.0...??? Thanks so much for your help.!!!

Glossary: Ultrapeer - LimeWire is a brief description. Basically when you connect to Gnutella network you connect via a user running in Ultrapeer mode. Initially you will be in 'Leaf' mode, if Ultrapeer mode is turned off then you will remain in Leaf mode. Ultrapeer has both advantages and disadvantages. For some people UP mode can be a little draining on their system.

Typically a leaf connects to 3 ultrapeers, or Pro users to 5 ultrapeers. You can see these in your connection window via the Advanced Tools window.

Good Morning Lord of the Rings,

I did not realize that you were referring to Limewire..sorry about that. My generation, well the fancy Texus Instraments came out with the early computer?? that you hooked up to the ol' tv. DOS was the only thing on the go...that I know of...stuff was slowly coming into its own!!!So I do appreciate your patience with an ol' foggie like me!!!

Granted, I love the computer....not so keen on the cell phone..geez, they were huge and were a permanant fixture in your car...Box phones....and the flip phone...the new ones out now could probably be used for a battery!!!!LOL...my kids help me with this one.!!!
But seriously, is there something better than Limewire. I use it for my own enjoinment..it is heaven just to sit here and listen. Also...how many leaves should I use ..to be safe..I have PRo...you mentioned 5..is that ok?? The TLS...I unchecked this.......Mary K

Here's a sample image example of CCleaner, which btw can also clean registry: CCleaner sample image ie: First tab for general cleanup. Second tab for registry cleaning.

It is a free utility application as ukbobboy01 suggested & can be obtained here CCleaner - Optimization and Cleaning - Free Download