HP Pavliion 7000 runs terrifically slow

I have older computer that I use now and again, and get really frustrated with the time it takes to start up, use and shut down. Is there something I can do???? Below is the info in the system.

Intel Pentium (R) 4 CPU 2.66 ghz
512 MB Ram
Paviliion zd 7000
Windows XP Home Edition 2002 Pack 3

I ran a system check thru Norton, it says that I'm low on RAM. Should I add more, and could that be the issue?

Thanks in advance, eagerly waiting on a solution.

 

Try the following:

- Full virus/malware scan with the latest virus definitions file. Malware can bring systems to their knees.

http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/​

- Run diskcleanup to delete old temp files and other junk. Clear up some space.

- Full disk defrag, in particular check the critical MFT and page file to see if they are fragmented. . There are newer automatic defraggers that will keep the drive defragged in the background automatically as the need arises. More convenient+functional than the older manual/scheduled defraggers since you'll not have to concern yourself with defrags any more.

http://www.auslogics.com/en/software/disk-defrag/​

- Disable unnecessary background processes and services that take up memory. Programs especially can consume system resources and slow down overall response.

http://www.jasonn.com/turning_off_unnecessary_services_on_windows_xp​

Also, I'd recommend upping the RAM to 1 GB from the current 512 MB. It will help a lot and reduce paging to the hard drive.


Do these in the order suggested. You may be good to go after the first 3.

Best wishes.

 

First off, I would dump Norton and download Microsoft Security Essentials. Simply because Norton is a memory hog itself. Next, I would upgrade to at least 1GB of ram. WinXP should be smooth with that. Other then that, you can download a program called CCLEANER at ccleaner.com.

Run a cleaning, then click on the tools tab I believe and select startup. Uncheck everything that is listed that is not norton. (if you choose to keep it.)

 

Thanks for the guidance...I will try all ideas, including add'l ram. Thank you all SO much. I'll keep you posted on my anticipated success story!

Take care.

 

Add more ram, reinstall Windows and add your favorite antivirus of your choice, and you should be fine. I'd suggest my personal favorite Eset Nod 32.