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Windows XP computer running slowly. Programs hang.

One of my computers, which runs WindowsXP sp3 in a small office environment networked to a SBS 2033 server runs very slowly (much more slowly than 6 other identically configured units all with identical hardware configurations and running exactly the same software). The computer hangs even when accomplishing simple tasks, showing huge CPU usage spikes.

The problem occurs primarily when opening programs or new windows within programs.

I have tried: freeing hard drive space, increasing virtual memory, defragging the hard drive, scanning and repairing the registry, and basic disk cleanup tasks and nothing has helped.

Here is the system hardware information:
OS Name      Microsoft Windows XP Professional
Version      5.1.2600 Service Pack 3 Build 2600
OS Manufacturer      Microsoft Corporation
System Name      SHAWNA
System Manufacturer      Dell Inc.
System Model      Precision WorkStation 370
System Type      X86-based PC
Processor      x86 Family 15 Model 4 Stepping 1 GenuineIntel ~2992 Mhz
BIOS Version/Date      Dell Inc. A04, 3/16/2005
SMBIOS Version      2.3
Windows Directory      C:\WINDOWS
System Directory      C:\WINDOWS\system32
Boot Device      \Device\HarddiskVolume2
Locale      United States
Hardware Abstraction Layer      Version = "5.1.2600.5512 (xpsp.080413-2111)"
User Name      server\Shawna
Time Zone      Eastern Daylight Time
Total Physical Memory      512.00 MB
Available Physical Memory      61.26 MB
Total Virtual Memory      2.00 GB
Available Virtual Memory      1.96 GB
Page File Space      1.21 GB
Page File      C:\pagefile.sys

uehdesk

Is this computer running Symantec Antivirus? There is a known issue with Symantec and Windows XP SP3. It creates thousands of bad registry entries and basically makes the computer unusable. Currently formatting the drive and reinstalling without SP3 is or installing a different antivirus is the only solution but MS and Symantec are supposed to be working on it.

chazs

It could be spywares, try with spybot, avg free spyware or other antispyware program.

also try this, start / run / msconfig. disable all startup entries and restart, check if the machine come backs to normal, if this doesn't worked, try to disable the services.

another possible problem it's a defective hardware or uncompatible driver.

regards

Shawna_Parker

ASKER

I don't see how it can be symantec antivirus related because 1) the problem existing prior to the SP3 install, and 2) all of our systems are configured with the same SP3 and symantec program and are not encountering the same problems.

I have already run sbybot, and have windows defender running on the machine. I tried disabling startup entries and this didn't work.

What would be the easiest way to check for defective hardware or driver problems (i have tried going through the driver management and all looks fine).

thanks

mohd_haq

I would suggest you to your hard disk with other computer's one that is working fine and attach it to this computer and then boot it. It should boot normally since you have said that all are of same configuration. See if your system is still slow. This will tell you if its hardware or software problem. A software problem will be Operating system error and you should reinstall your os after scanning your computer with antivirus software. If your computer is still slow then its a hardware problem. Try replacing SMPS, RAM, & Motherboard from the good systems to know the cause

mohd_haq

Sorry for the mistakes, I mean that you should swap your HDD with the other computer's noe that is working fine.

Shawna_Parker

ASKER

I solved the problem by uninstalling windows defender. that seems to have been the problem.

ASKER CERTIFIED SOLUTION

Computer101

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