PC Slow

http://www.askdavetaylor.com/how_can_i_speed_up_my_windows_xp_pc.html

< and if that doesn't help >
Run chkdsk /r from a Command Prompt

Might be time for a clean
Faulty Fans, Dust and Grime build up on the Heatsink restricting air flow. I would give the inside of the case a blowout with compressed air. When blowing air through the fans make sure that you physically stop them from spinning, as they may generate power and blow something up. Remembering to ground yourself by placing the back of your hand on the Power Supply Unit and not moving your feet. By not taking this precaution it is possible that you could inadvertantly cause damage to the PC from an electrostatic discharge. Then remove the Heatsink, giving it a thorough clean and reseat the CPU applying new CPU grease. If the Fans spin freely when you give them a spin they are probably OK. If there is resistance replace them.

Clean the golden edge of each memory stick with a soft rubber, remembering not to touch the golden edge of the memory stick. Check with one stick at a time, remembering to disconnect the power from the PC.
Also check Capacitors around the CPU for swelling or bulging.

Check the memory.
You can test the memory by running Windows Memory Diagnostic that can be downloaded from http://oca.microsoft.com/en/windiag.asp. If memory problems are found, try re-seating the RAM. If it doesn't work, replace the defective RAM.

Test the Power Supply Unit.

Download Prime95.

http://www.mersenne.org/freesoft.htm

Prime95 is used to put your system at full load. You want your system at full load when checking your voltages to ensure your PSU is up to spec. The whole point is to make sure your PSU can handle what your system asks of it. When it is installed run it and go to Options and run the Torture Test. Run the Inplace FFTs (Max Power, Heat and some Ram).
If your PC restarts during this test you have a faulty Power Supply (PSU) and it will need replacing.

Download SpeedFan and check the Voltages and Temps while Prime95 is running.

http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php

You will want your 12-volt rail to be within 11.52 to 12.48 during load. This means when you are running your cpu at 100% you do not want to drop below 11.52 or you may experience stability problems including but not limited to system restarts and Windows crashes. For the 5-volt rail, you want it to be within 4.8 to 5.2 to be within the 4% range. As for the 3.3 volt rail, you want it to be within 3.17 to 3.43

Video Memory Stress Test 1.4
http://www.majorgeeks.com/Video_Memory_Stress_Test__d5896.html

Note: A damaged or insufficiently charged internal battery can corrupt CMOS or BIOS settings. It can also cause all sorts of wierd things to happen.

Hi,
Check the following things :
1) Check to see if system has sufficient memory.
2) Check if cpu is clean and hard disk is not out of space.
3) Download CCLEANER software and run on your system.It will delete all useless data.
4) If still pc is slow , then you might need to format and reinstall os on hard disk.

Regards,
KK

I assume your PC wasnt slow before but it is now.

Run a spyware adware removal tool. I use Spybot S&D, run CCleaner available at CCleaner.com for free. Also defrag your hard drive. Open the command prompt and type defrag c: this may take a while depending on how bad your drive is fragmented.

Look at your system tray. Is it loaded up with crap you don't need? Use CCleaner to remove any programs you don't really need to load at start up. So many programs think they are important and load in your system tray and you really don't need them to. This consumes valuable memory.

it is hard to give an answer.

cpu speed?

how much RAM?

Size of hard drive and how much free space?

how big is the swap file, and is it getting hit?

how much ram is in use when you first turn the system on?

last time you defragged the drive?