I am running windows xp and suddenly it seems to be going very slowly and also there is a strange noise - like it loses power is the only way to explain it - like a vehicle about to stall!
I have run AVG anti virus, ad-aware, spybot, ccleaner and have done a defrag - what else can I do to stop this as it does not sound very healthy.
Thanks

When this happens. Press CTRL, ALT Delete together, this will show a "Windows Security Box" the n press the bottom-middle button to show "Windows Task Manager".

Check the processes running sort by the amount of CPU time. This will show what is taking up processor time. Typically mine shows "System Idle Time 83", "EXCEL.EXE 02", etc. Make a note of each application that is taking time. Then do an internet search on the applications, most will show that they are uSoft apps or something similar. But you may just come across an app that is spyware/virus/malware. Then go to a website like symantech/sophos where they explain how to rid yourself of the problem.

Alternatively your power supply may be overheating. Is the fan going round?

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Originally Posted by Tugela

I am running windows xp and suddenly it seems to be going very slowly and also there is a strange noise - like it loses power is the only way to explain it - like a vehicle about to stall !!
I have run AVG anti virus, ad-aware, spybot, ccleaner and have done a defrag - what else can I do to stop this as it does not sound very healthy.
Thanks

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Hi There Tugela,

colbtech is absolutely right :D . However, this is not a software error if you can hear a noise. This sounds more like a hardware error. I would check out the fan if I was you (both processor and Power supply fans)or your hard drive could be in error. Open up your PC and listen from where the sound is coming from. Alternatively, If you are not familiar in doing that then, take it to the place where you bought your computer from and let them check it out.

Please get back to us if your problem still is not solved by then...

Regards
Gareth

Ok... I did as suggested and found something called agent.exe which was running. I tried to find out what it is and some say its spyware some say its not... HELP!
Also I noticed if I switched off Zone Alarm that strange noise was not so bad.
And the fan is running I checked that
Oh, Gareth by the way, Im originally from South Africa!
Thanks for the help... any other advice greatly appreciated