My computer is really slow, aol (broadband) even slower, sites (including CDs) take ages to load, I'm sure I have things running that don't need to be, and positive that there are things that shouldn't even be on the computer - but how to identify??

Task Manager shows 55 processes running - even when nothing is running except XP - this seems excessive to me??

I've defragged, got rid of programmes that aren't used, run Norton Antivirus, Adaware, Coolweb Shredder and still the PC is running really slow. If I accidently cllick on a PDF file while browsing the net I can go make a cup of tea before the computer is ready to respond   ARGHHH!!! what can I do next??

Try downloading and running Spybot

Also,  hubby says , when you do Alt Ctrl Del (once only) what comes up? Have a look at the 55 processes and see if there is one or more taking a LOT of processor time up.

How much memory do you have?

Has it been fast in the past?

My mate had exactly the same problem last week. I took a look and found a total of 400+viruses. I cleaned it all up and installed some decent anti virus software. Out of the 55 processes running identify the bogus ones and get rid.
Just say if you'd like a step by step guide :)

I am on AOL narrow band and mine is doing the same. For about the last month it has been very slow, I have a fairly new computer so it shouldn't be that.  I have just signed up for Broadband and am awaiting it's arrival.  I thought this would cure it, but it looks like I may still have a problem.

I have 58 process running the largest is waol.exe at 76,000

I will try running Spybot and see if it improves.

Edit.........Mel, there are several different downloads listed, which one do I want?

The top one on the download page (Spybot - Search & Destroy 1.3) :)

Read this article about WAOL.exe Waol :)

Mel,

I run ADAWARE every time I go on the net and have Norton Internet Security in addition to Norton Antivirus

This computer is Pentium4, 2GHtz, 256Mb ram. Windows XP  And yes it was screaming fast when we had it!!

Spook,

400 viruses

If I could Identify which processes etc were unnecessary they would be gone by now :( :(

Where do you live ????  you sound just what I need ;)

Folks,

I thought ADAWARE was one of the best spyware removers available - is spybot better??

I run them BOTH Dill ;) They pick up different things :)

Thanks Mel.  I have run Spybot and hopefully I will notice a difference in the speed.  I didn't know these things could happen to your computer if you had an anti virus system running.

I've just ran AdAware and it's picked up 470 spyware things, then I ran Spybot and it found another 2 Out of interest I downloaded Spyware doctor and it found another 160 but it wouldn't let me remove them until I bought the full program.

Things are running a lot faster now :)