Windows 7 forum: System running slower than expected

Thank you for the information, this is very helpful!

I may end up backing up to factory settings ... I have all my install discs so that shouldn't be a problem. If I do that - aside from saving my Outlook file and backing up my documents, is there any other backup/restore I should do?

Thank you for the information. Do you recommend other virus/malware search & removal tools that I should be using?

I also have McAfee Security Center installed on the machine (pre-loaded when purchased) but I haven't activated it. Should I be using this instead of AVG free and if so, why?

I used to use Ad-Aware on another machine, is that a good one?

Thanks!!!!

That could also be part of the problem. Having two virus scanners running at the same time will also only lead to problems down the road. And since McAfee is known for being a real resource pig, that's the one I'd get rid of.

Adaware is fine, but you also need programs like Malwarebytes and I'm sure others can come up with more options. I spend most of my time preventing malware from getting on my system, so don't keep up on the latest in removing it. No single malware remover catches everything, so what you tend to need are several different ones. You then hope that when you overlay them, one program will pick up with another may miss.

Have laptop i-7, the hard drive is partitioned into C: with op system and D:. Without knowing how much your system is loaded, have you checked to see if C: section is full, and possibly system when C: is full is trying to pack the spaces (defrag when full won't help much). Can expand C: drive and leave D: for space to store special and smaller files (not HD videos, etc.).. Something to check, davzway

Even better, is get rid of this stupid notion that the registry NEEDS cleaning. It doesn't. A few stray entries will not burden your system to any noticeable degree. However a few key missing entries can bring your system to its knees. So on the one hand you have no real benefit at all except satisfying an obsessive compulsive desire, and on the other hand you have the risk of having to reinstall everything. I know which one I'd choose. Do choose for that matter. I know what the registry is, what it isn't, what can and can't be done with it, and that's why I leave it alone.

Use msconfig to get ride of unnecessary programs that may not show up in the programs and features section of Windows 7.

Disable all the Aeros graphics features possible. I use transparent glass only because I like the way it looks.

Check the task manager and see if those defrags are actually running.

Also check reliability monitor. You will need to search for this application. It will show long term system reliability and problems. Usually corrupt software shows up or items with hangs in it. Reload these programs with new copies when possible.

Use task manager when the system is slow to see what is slowing it down.

I would dump way more then half of that 200+ GBs of drive usage and download or install those programs as you need them. This will speed maintenance (defrags, check disks, and scan of all types.)

Have you run a check disk of that drive since you bought it? Well ....

Lastly your security software might be missing something. Search for and run a scan of Windows defender. Then down load and run this:

http://www.microsoft.com/security/malwareremove/default.aspx

as and added safety precaution. (Usually I use these when it hits the fan but seldom use them normally.)

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