xp dell running slow and low virtual memory

Clarifications

If you have not done so, scan for spy-ware and ad-ware.

I use both AdAware and SpyBot Search and Destroy.

Next, how much RAM do you have?
And, are you using a fixed size page file?

For XP, I recommend a minimum of 512MB with virtual memory set to 512MB minimum with no maximum.

You need a minimum of 5GB free hard drive space for XP at all times.

As to a process list, TR used to have a download that listed standard running processes. I could not find it when I searched.

I do have a copy of the download and could email it to you.
Contact me via peer-mail if you want the file.

Chas

After the malware check (which is more likely these days) if your problem is not resolved, make sure you run an updated AntiVirus. I have been using freeAVG and not having any issues to speak of.

Clear your temp folder too.

At the RUN command, type %temp% and that will open up the current users temp folder. make sure all applications are closed, clear out that directory, and then reboot.

Any scans should be done in safe mode if you are experiencing problems like you are.

In addition to the good advice you've already been given here's the link to a great utility I use a lot for checking running processes. It's called "AutoRuns for Windows" and is currently at version v8.54.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx

Here's the description right from the website:
"This utility, which has the most comprehensive knowledge of auto-starting locations of any startup monitor, shows you what programs are configured to run during system bootup or login, and shows you the entries in the order Windows processes them. These programs include ones in your startup folder, Run, RunOnce, and other Registry keys."

You can disable and even delete processes using this utility, so if you aren't sure of what you're doing I'd recommend that you invite a techie over for coffee and have him or her take a quick look at it. You'll probably be suprised at how many processes Windows uses and should NOT be disabled.

well to see the process's of your computer press and hold ctrl+alt+delete and it should pop up task manager automaticly then go to process's. And from the sounds of it you need more ram so try throwing in a 1gigabyte RAM stick then you shouldnt have a speed problem either that or increase your virtual memory. To do that go into the control panel, then go to system, then advanced,then performance settings, then advanced in your performance options, then virtual memory settings, then read the Recommended in the(total paging file size for all drives), then go to custom size and put in the number that you see in your recommended size but put that same number in the open spaces, then press set, then get out of your system settings manager thing and it should ask you to restart your computer if done right