Slow XP system

[doug1937@hotmail.com]

I run XP Pro on an AMD system...it's about 2 years old so I forget what model processor it uses, but it's something like 1.5 Ghz, uses 512MB of PC2100 DDR RAM, and features an Nvidia Geforce 4 Ti w/64MB. It's a reasonably fast PC for it's age, but the problem is this:

Quite often the system runs slowly, even with virtually no programs running. The Task Manager shows that the CPU load during these times never gets below 5%, and usually idles at 10% - 20%. When it gets like this my only solution is to reboot and hope that it runs normally when it gets back to the Desktop. When it runs normally, the CPU load is 0% at idle.

I've reformatted and reinstalled XP Pro but this didn't help at all. Sometimes the PC will go weeks without running slow, but then other times it will run slow for days. every time I boot it up.

I just updated the Nvidia drivers so I'm sure that's not the problem.

Any ideas? It's gotten to the point that I'll never build another AMD system again. Sigh.

[reboot]

Don't blame your hardware yet.
If this is sporadic, and not consistent, it's probably Windows, and/or programs and services you have running/installed.
When it runs slow, what programs are running? How many services? What are they? What's using the CPU?
How fragged is the drive?
Is it on a LAN? If so, how is it hooked up?
Have you scanned for viruses and trojans lately?

[doug1937@hotmail.com]

Nothing appears to be using the CPU. If I could ID it I'd kill it. I've tried deleting TSRs, stopping services, you name it. I don't see how disk fragmentation could play a role, considering the slow state can disappear as a result of a reboot. It is on a LAN, hardwired to a router acting as a wireless access point for my laptop. But I can disconnect the network cable without improving my situation... and I have Norton and MS Anti-Spy running all the time... (no, those didn't cause the problem since it predates them).

[pfh]

Spyware and trojans are the first thing to suspect.

You could check your event logs to see if any info can be found there. Use the administrative tools/event viewer to check. There should be 3 logs- application, security, and system.

How long has it been happening? Could be the drive has some problems indicating a near future failure.

[doug1937@hotmail.com]

Oh, it's been going on for more than a year...shortly after I built the thing. Sigh. I've used different hard drives, too, for that matter. No difference. I suspect it's a driver problem, perhaps a CPU or system board driver or somesuch. Or more likely a failing of the CPU/system board combination. I think the board is a Shuttle, but don't quote me on that...

[pfh]

When you say running slow, slow accessing files, slow opening windows, slow mouse & keyboard, slow Internet/network, slow everything?

What trouble shooting have you done so far?

Have you installed the MoBo drivers or are you using generic MS drivers?

Have you tried posting this question at http://www.techimo.com ? Lots of computer experts there.

[doug1937@hotmail.com]

Thanks, I'll try there.