Slow Computer

Discuss various technical topics not related to Mozilla.
tommyk
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Joined: July 7th, 2005, 11:03 am

Slow Computer

Post by tommyk »

Did a speed test for my PC and got good readings.

However I am having issues with slowness (at times) of PC, delayed typing and have to click several times on something to make it work.

Have Window 8.1, use Firefox, no virus/spyware found.

Can't figure it out!
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DanRaisch
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by DanRaisch »

Have you tried booting to Windows Safe Mode with Networking to see if that makes a difference?
What security software are you running on that system?
tommyk
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by tommyk »

I use Avast and Spyware Blaster.

I haven't tried to reboot in Safe Mode.

How do I do the Safe Mode with Networking?
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LIMPET235
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by LIMPET235 »

For ref; > https://www.lifewire.com/start-windows- ... de-2626256

If your computer is slow in a few aspects, such as program/s slow to load, sounds are a little delayed etc., then remove AVAST, as it's a resource hog & getting more so.
I chucked it out about a week ago & my PC is now a lot faster.
You must use their AVAST Cleanup tool though. Available on their site..
[Ancient Amateur Astronomer.]
Win-10-H/64 bit/500G SSD/16 Gig Ram/450Watt PSU/350WattUPS/Firefox-115.0.2/T-bird-115.3.2./SnagIt-v10.0.1/MWP-7.12.125.

(Always choose the "Custom" Install.)
tommyk
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Joined: July 7th, 2005, 11:03 am

Re: Slow Computer

Post by tommyk »

I've been using Avast for years and have never had any issues before.

Just the last 2-3 weeks.

Does disabling it help to see if that's the cause?
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DanRaisch
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by DanRaisch »

A) "I've been using Avast for years and have never had any issues before." But that doesn't take into account the fact that both Windows and Avast keep updating. At some point, some conflict may have arisen or perhaps Avast hasn't updated and problems can show up.

B) "Disabling" an antivirus program usually just disables the user interface. Starting Windows in Safe Mode will prevent Avast from starting up when Windows boots. https://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/win ... 5d2a65a0a8
tommyk
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Joined: July 7th, 2005, 11:03 am

Re: Slow Computer

Post by tommyk »

Do you think it's Avast causing the issues?

When starting up in Safe Mode what am I looking for?

To see if my PC is running normally or some other issues?
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DanRaisch
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by DanRaisch »

When starting up in Safe Mode what am I looking for?

To see if my PC is running normally
Exactly.
tommyk
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by tommyk »

Sorry for asking probably something obvious to "pros" but while I can use my PC I still don't know what makes it work properly.

So if I run in Safe Mode and the PC "behaves" properly would I know what the issue is causing slowness, delayed typing and/or mouse not responding quickly?
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DanRaisch
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by DanRaisch »

Based on what you have reported here, if things run normally in Windows Safe mode, it would suggest that Avast is causing the slowdown. Safe Mode boot up would not load Avast so you would be seeing how the system performs without that program.
tommyk
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by tommyk »

OK, so what is your recommendation?

Uninstall Avast?

I need a anti-virus software that is free.
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DanRaisch
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by DanRaisch »

If testing under Win Safe Mode shows that your computer is "fast" without Avast but rebooting to standard mode slows things down, you would have to make a choice. System performance, Avast, or research other free antivirus utilities.
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LIMPET235
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by LIMPET235 »

tommyk,

There are heaps of free AV programs out there.
Do not use AVG, as AVAST owns it & is bloated as well.

Do a search for free AV's & choose one that "preferably" runs in the back ground but be careful, coz some
are a tad strange/weird with what they contain & require you to install.

Take a look at Bitdefender & a couple of others that are recommended by...
> https://www.safetydetectives.com/blog/b ... r-windows/
Web site > https://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html
This runs in the back ground & appears to be O.K., save for the fact that you need to "register on their site to activate it."

MalwareBytes is also very good but does not run in the back ground.
Only scans when you choose to.
[Ancient Amateur Astronomer.]
Win-10-H/64 bit/500G SSD/16 Gig Ram/450Watt PSU/350WattUPS/Firefox-115.0.2/T-bird-115.3.2./SnagIt-v10.0.1/MWP-7.12.125.

(Always choose the "Custom" Install.)
tommyk
Posts: 138
Joined: July 7th, 2005, 11:03 am

Re: Slow Computer

Post by tommyk »

I uninstalled Avast and installed Avira.

PC seems to be responding better but need to do more surfing to make sure.

Thanks all!
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LIMPET235
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Re: Slow Computer

Post by LIMPET235 »

Just make sure that you really did remove all traces of AVAST.
Maybe do a search on your "C" drive & check in Programs & Program Data files?
I'd also check the Registry for any left-overs.
Back it up first though..
[Ancient Amateur Astronomer.]
Win-10-H/64 bit/500G SSD/16 Gig Ram/450Watt PSU/350WattUPS/Firefox-115.0.2/T-bird-115.3.2./SnagIt-v10.0.1/MWP-7.12.125.

(Always choose the "Custom" Install.)
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