What can I do computer running very slow

Time to do some serious maintenance on your machine:

Here's my usual C&P for cases like this:


When was the last time you did some serious maintenance on your system ?

System maintenance includes:
Defrag
FULL patching
Virus scanning
Spyware scanning
removal of rubish files

Defrag is an inbuilt function in XP.
Open My Computer > Right click C: > Tools Tab and its there.

To make sure everything is running fine run both anti virus and anti spyware apps in normal AND safe modes. (make sure that they are updated first ! ;)) (AVG (http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1) is good and free AV)
(A couple of good removal tools are Spybot (http://www.safer-networking.org/) and Adaware (http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/))

ALso an on line virus and spyware scanner is Trend Housecall (http://housecall.trendmicro.com/)

Just a note: actively running two AV's on one machine can cause problems.
So if you are thinking about it make sure your current one is disabled first.
Same thing applies to online scanners as well.

Removal of junk files is easy with CCleaner (http://www.ccleaner.com) a free app that does exactly what

If all this fails then a repair install may be in order:

Here's (http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx) the official Micro$oft way of doing it,
and Here's (http://www.geekstogo.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=138) one with screen shots.

Basically this installs windows over the top of your current setup.
So you don't loose any information you already have.

This lot should resolve your issue.

Reduce the number of items on your startup list. Uninstall all unwanted programs and remove junk from the drive. Have enough free space at all times. If its overloaded and cluttered with fragments, everything including startup will take ages. Fragmentation is a disease which debilitates drive and PC performance in general. Scan for viruses and spyware. Upgrade RAM if needed.

This is a free program that will download to your computer...

Install it and run it -- Really makes a big difference

There is a professional version (paid) -- just use personal (free)

PC Repairs Freeware | Advanced WindowsCare Personal | Free PC Repair Fix Software Service | Computer Cleaner (http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html?Str=download)
If you like this program just rate my answer or post a review

Let me know if it helps your compouter??

Try an by some more RAM about maybe 1gb. If it is the internet going too slow try calling the company if you have AOL get a new internet connection like comcast. If it is games that are running slow try a new video card. If all that doesn't work get someone too look at at.