XP System Runs Extremely Slow

[zeke1312]

I've been using my Dell desktop XP machine for the last few years without problem. Today after powering up I noticed it took a very long time to get to a point where the desktop was displayed. Any operation including using a program takes an extremely long time to begin executing. Keyboard response to any activity including typing a keystroke takes a long time. The disk activity light does not appear to show any or little activity. Task Manager shows the cpu at 100%. Can you assist? Thank you

 

[The_Other_One]

While in task manager, what process shows that it's taking up that much of the CPU. Have you tried selecting and ending it?

 

[kimsland]

Task Manager shows the cpu at 100%.

Which Task exactly?

You can also run Startup Control Panel: http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml And remove not required, known, startups

Also download and run CCleaner: http://www.ccleaner.com/download/downloading And run a full clean

But it may have just been a big MS or Antivirus update, have you just tried restarting again?

Edit:
foiled again

 

[zeke1312]

Can msconfig used to select and stop programs running at startup? Task shows many copies of "task manager" running. After stopping/eliminating task manager, the system response came back to "normal". After rebooting the PC, the system was extremely slow again. Can running more than one firewall or virus program at the same time be an issue? What does CC accomplish? Thank you

 

[kimsland]

Can msconfig used to select and stop programs running at startup?

Yes, for diagnostics only
Once confirmed which "startup" is causing the issue, uninstall that program, or disable its auto-start entry in the program itself
MSConfig should not be left in Diagnostic Mode

Task shows many copies of "task manager" running. After stopping/eliminating task manager,

This really sounds like a Malware infection, have a read HERE

Can running more than one firewall or virus program at the same time be an issue?

You cannot run more than 1 AntiVirus program, or Firewall at the same time; due to getting conflicts
If you are running two at the same time, select one to uninstall immediately
Update the other one, and then run a full scan

What does CC accomplish? Thank you

CCleaner will remove all temp files
The build up of Temp files can slow down your computer considerably (hence why I posted it)
Also temp files can get or be Malware infected (if an infection exists) so best to remove them anyway



Thanks for your questions, but did you want to follow what I advised?
It may be best that you do a full Antivirus and AntiMalware scan, since learning further about your system

 

[Bodaggit23]

Can msconfig used to select and stop programs running at startup?

Absolutely. Unchecking boxes in the Startup tab will enable "Selective Startup", which prevents unwanted programs from running at system boot. I know it can be almost impossible somtimes to find the setting in a particular program to prevent it from starting when Windows starts.

BUT, it's very important to find out which program(s) are causing those multiple instances of taskmgr at startup, and eliminate it(them).

It sounds to me like you're infected as stated above.

 

[cofema04]

use revo uninstaller to remove also all registry entries that add/remove program in control panel dont do the trick. this will help eliminate some garbage that a program drops in your registry. combofix is good and should be updated. remove all temp files and temp internet files. you can also run disk cleanup or for quick task do this: run > cleanmgr /sageset:11 [enter] and choose all files u want to be cleared.