My wifes emachine runs slower now than when we purchased. I have Norton Virus protect and run spy ware software all the time. I read of some free download software to clean this problem up. Something to do with directories not a real wizard on that stuff. Hell took me 2 weeks to find on off switch :freak:
Thanks

how old is it?

5 years is about the max for useful life these days.

Even if there's nothing wrong with the machine or software, the software upgrades through the years require more processing capability, eventually slowing the thing to a crawl.

I've resorted to removing anti-virus and any unecessary software (control panel, add/remove software) on older machines.

I'd avoid the "free software to clean up the problem". These can and do install unwanted visitors.

Windows comes with everything you need to do it yourself. After removing unecessary software, defrag the hard drive by right clicking on it and selecting properties... tools... defrag.

If it's 5 or more years old it's time to shop for a new machine or just live with it.

Here's a nice option:

Dell small biz core 2, 19inch widescreen, 2gb/160gb for $449. (http://configure.us.dell.com/dellstore/config.aspx?c=us&cs=04&kc=6W300&l=en&oc=brpd2gh&s=bsd)

If you are running Windows XP, click on start->run then type msconfig into the open field and click OK. This is a useful built in tool for XP that will allow you to see what is running at startup on your computer. In the startup tab you can get rid of a lot of the extra programs that aren't needed. There are a lot of programs like printers/cameras/video cards that load their own helper programs that will slow a system down.

Another solution is to entirely wipe out that system and start over. This isn't always practical, but a clean install always runs better than a system that has had updates/patches/programs that have been installed over the years. I'm currently using a 5 year old laptop running XP without any problems because I've kept a tight control over what has been installed on it.

Another thing to consider is buying a new hard drive for the old machine and reinstall the OS on it. Depending on the OS, you may put more memory in the computer and improve performance. Windows 2000 works better with 512mb+, XP 1gb+ and Vista 2gb+.

Reformat. Disk Cleanup. Disk Defragmenter.

Uninstall Norton. It is a resource hog. Best to go with something that's lighter like AVG or something else that you can run once a day/week/month/whatever. Granted, you can do that with Norton but like I say, Norton's a resource hog and a bit heavy-handed for my tastes.

If you have more than two anti-virus programs loaded, you can only use one but the functionality will be limited until you uninstall one in favor of the other.

Run the anti-virus updates every time you scan for viruses.

Also scan for adware, spyware, grayware and adware. These will slow down system performance sometimes by half. I've had very good luck with AVG. Best part it, it's free.

If you want to stick with Norton, I'd suggest trying to run it while in safe-mode. First update norton. Once complete, restart the computer and keep hitting the F8 key. You'll soon see a DOS menu that will ask you how you would like to boot your system. Select "Safe Mode". Windows will run without being connected to the internet if you have broadband. Then run a full system scan. Delete whatever it finds.

Also consider getting a dedicated mal/gray/spy/adware detection and elimination program.

There are programs that will find problems with and fix registry errors on your computer.

Also, when you start the computer and Windows is running, how many icons are in the lower right-hand corner of the screen next to the time? There should be a maximum of 3. These are programs that are running in the "background" that you aren't aware of. To turn them off until you need them, click Start, Run and type "MSconfig" and click OK. You'll then see a window appear. Click the Startup tab. There will be a number of programs that Windows can run in the background. Your anti-virus and one called "ctfmon" should be the only one's running. Uncheck ones that are programs that you could run by yourself like Quicktime or other programs like that. The computer will prompt you to restart. Restart. When Windows comes back on, you'll see a pop up message that will tell you that you have chosen to use the start up configuration. Click the box that says "Do not show me this message again" and click OK. You computer should run a bit faster.

Hope this helps.