Windows XP running slow

[supernewbiee]

I have windows XP and it is running slow. I have done all the updates and updated my drivers but no luck. This is on a fresh install of XP. I had to reinstall it because my hal.dll was deleted and the only way I can fix this is to reinstall windows. I tried to do some of the fixes that I found on a google search but no luck.
Before I reinstalled XP i tired to run linux. It was must faster but I decided to switch back to windows because my radeon 9800 pro was being a pain to install the drivers.
Anyone have any idea?
My computer has 2 hard drives. I have all the stuff I download (music, videos etc) on one that I do not reformat when I install a fresh copy of XP.
I plan on doing a scan disc and defrag on both drives. I also was going to try to use some of the programs in the "Consolidated Security Thread | Windows Vista / 2K / XP" thread.

Also another question: How do I boot up into safe mode if my keyboard does not work when it is booting up. I have a logitech wirless keyboard and it does not connect.
An example of this is when I put a bootable CD in my computer, it says press anykey to boot from CD. My keyboard does not work at this point.

 

[mechBgon]

1) when you install Windows XP, if it doesn't have Service Pack 2 already built into the CD, then take precautions (scroll down to the big pic and start there).

2) after installing WinXP, and installing SP2 if it wasn't already built in, then install your motherboard drivers first, reboot, and install your video drivers afterwards. This could be the issue. What motherboard is it, anyway?

3) If your keyboard doesn't detect, then keep a cheapie keyboard around for those situations.

4) make sure you have antivirus software. Go through its options and get it fully configured, including scheduling automatic scans at a convenient time. Run a scan to check for viruses that could be slowing down your computer.

 

[supernewbiee]

The cd does have SP2 in it. Motherboard is Msi PT880 Neo with P4 3.0 Ghz
I am currently using AVG antivirus and right now im running the AVG antispyware in safe mode to see if I have anything. Is it better to also scan for viruses in safe mode? OR does it not matter for virus scanning.
I also have a router that has the firewall enabled if that matters any.

 

[mechBgon]

Originally posted by: supernewbiee
The cd does have SP2 in it. Motherboard is Msi PT880 Neo with P4 3.0 Ghz
I am currently using AVG antivirus and right now im running the AVG antispyware in safe mode to see if I have anything. Is it better to also scan for viruses in safe mode? OR does it not matter for virus scanning.
I also have a router that has the firewall enabled if that matters any.

Ok good. If you didn't do so already, install VIA's latest Hyperion Pro Driver Package for your motherboard, reboot, and then install the latest drivers for your video card's GPU (here's links to ATI's drivers and nVidia's drivers since they are most common).

Scanning for viruses in Safe Mode is often helpful when you actually have one that you're trying to kill. Hopefully a rare occurence If you need a free antivirus for home use, then in my opinion you'd be better off with this one instead of AVG, because AVG is usually bringing up the rear in comparative testing against other free antivirus software. If you don't want Kaspersky, AntiVir would be my next pick (make sure to thoroughly configure it and use heuristics and other options).

 

[supernewbiee]

thanks for the help, it was my bios. I updated it and everything is running like it should.
I'll be sure to switch to kaspersky or Antivir.
Thanks again for the help.

 

[mechBgon]

sweet, enjoy your new rig