Laptop Running Extremely Slow

[demontosome26]

As of late I've noticed my laptop running extremely slow.  It doesn't matter if I'm surfing the web using Google Chrome or just simply using regular programs.  I tend to clear my cache, do a disc cleanup, clean my registry and spyware on a daily basis.  I defragment my laptop at least once a month and I run an avast scan every couple of days or so.  I haven't seen any traces of a virus on it, so what would you recommend I do?

[Diddy]

HI could please tell me what operating system you are running on your laptop right now?
What version of avast do you have on your laptop is it avast free or avast pro antivirus or avast internet security?
do you have any other antivirus or spyware software running on your laptop besides avast?
Thanks have a great day

[demontosome26]

This particular laptop is running Windows XP with Avast Free Edition (7.0.1474) and Advanced SystemCare.  There are no other anti-virus programs installed.  I also wanted to say thank you for taking the time to respond to this post.

[CraigB]

Sounds to me like you might be lacking on ram, eliminating un-needed running processes such as ASC would be a start.

All that should be necessary to keep you system running free and tidy is CCleaner and a good defragmenter.

CCleaner is also good for viewing and stopping other processes that might be running at startup which are un-needed.

[Simion]

If your RAM is adequate (minimum of 1 GB, 2 is better for XP)...

look in Device Manager and Event Viewer for any errors that might give a clue.

IMHO - Registry cleaners like Advanced System Care can damage the Windows registry and cause a slow down as you describe. You might try restoring all backups that ASC has created (hopefully). Reboot several times to allow the backups to merge with your registry. If you have a XP disk with your current service pack level, run 'sfc /scannow' (without the quotes) from the Start > Run menu. Insert the disk if asked. This will hopefully restore the registry.

[demontosome26]

Total Size: 74.3 GB
Free Space: 51.6 GB

In the past I did have issues with what I believe was a virus and some leftover CA software, but someone on here helped me correct that.  It wasn't until recently that I started having issues with the laptop again and I have been using ASC for a long time now.  If ASC is indeed a problem, then I will gladly remove it.  Please let me know what is needed of me to further investigate this issue.  I appreciate all of the feedback as it does come in handy.

[bob3160]

Total Size: 74.3 GB
Free Space: 51.6 GB

In the past I did have issues with what I believe was a virus and some leftover CA software, but someone on here helped me correct that.  It wasn't until recently that I started having issues with the laptop again and I have been using ASC for a long time now.  If ASC is indeed a problem, then I will gladly remove it.  Please let me know what is needed of me to further investigate this issue.  I appreciate all of the feedback as it does come in handy.

Hello demontosome26,
The 1 to 2 Gig of Ram mentioned by Simion refers to the computer memory on your system.
What you're sharing with us is the amount of Disc space.  They aren't the same thing.
How much ram is installed on your computer

[demontosome26]

For some odd reason I misread the question, so my bad.  Here is the info plus more:

Genuine Intel(R) CPU
T1350 @ 1.86GHz
781 MHz, 504 MB of RAM

[mikaelrask]

hey what os you using? xp/vista/windows 7/8?

i would recommend you uninstall advanced system care. they company behind it iobit  can not be trusteded anymore.

for more reding in the mater please see this link.

http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10389650-245.html

[CraigB]

Genuine Intel(R) CPU
T1350 @ 1.86GHz
781 MHz, 504 MB of RAM

As I had thought you have minimal ram installed so your system would benefit greatly with a 2Gb upgrade if possible or even 1Gb would be sufficient if unable to accept 2Gb, with ram being so cheap it's one of the best options to kick some new life into older systems.

Reducing running processes by uninstalling un-needed programs and disabling not necessary start-up's would also help with any performance issues but extra ram would yield the biggest benefits for that system "imo"

[demontosome26]

I went ahead and removed ASC and replaced it with CCleaner.  As of now everything seems to be running smoothly, but I'll keep you updated. 

[CraigB]

No problems, we'll be here