My two-year-old build is slow and I don't know what to do

[enwar3]

So this computer is pretty old. We're talking X2 3800+ when it first came out, s939.

It's getting pretty quirky, like some programs won't open when you click on em, other programs close for no reason and random times. I should also mention that I have a bootleg copy of windows and when I came back to college my computer knew it ran an invalid copy of windows and keeps bugging me to validate it now.

Is it worth trying to clean this computer up with antivirus and malware scans, uninstall unused programs, etc? Or should I buy a copy of xp and reformat and start over? Or should I just not bother and build a new computer?

 

[OverVolt]

Depends what you need the computer to do, and how much money you are willing to spend.

I'm running a P4 3.0C 1Gb DDR, etc. This OS had to be ghosted from another HDD, then run on a new motherboard after mine died. Just cleaned up the drivers/malware and it runs fine.

If you just need a PC to type up papers, check email, etc. Then there isn't any reason to upgrade to a new PC. Just clean up your OS install or buy a new OEM copy if absolutely necessary.

 

[coolpurplefan]

I bought just a power supply and some fans and I was able to get an OEM copy of Windows XP. lol

But, you better solution right now may be this: format and re-install your copy of Windows but DELETE AND RECREATE THE PRIMARY PARTITION. And, also before you even begin that, CLEAR YOUR CMOS. Like remove the jumper next to CLR_RTC or something like that on the motherboard after removing the battery on the mobo. Let's say you take off the jumper from pin 2 and 3, put it on 1 and 2 for like 4 seconds. Then put it back where it was.

You may be able to buy an OEM copy without buying anything else.

 

[Roguestar]

Your computer is slow and you think you should maybe buy a new computer? When your car has a flat tyre, do you throw it out and buy a new one?

Consider reformatting the drive and reinstalling the OS, that always makes for the cleanest new run. Otherwise download a few utilities like ccleaner, spybot, get a good anti-virus going, check stuff to make sure everything is kosher.

Your best bet is probably a format and reinstall, though.

 

[Blain]

Originally posted by: enwar3
My two-year-old build is slow and I don't know what to do

If I were you, I'd grasp at straws. :laugh: