First this is an OLD computer tower I'm working from (Intel Celeron1300 MHz 1.3GHz; 120 MB of RAM. running the MS XP Home Edition 2002 Service Pack 3). V-E-R-Y S-L-O-W-W-W!!!!!! Takes 3-5 min to come up from startup of comp. Another 5-8 min. for internet page to appear - if it doesn't crash or "error". Been this way for long time-years. Was used originally as business comp. for a home for displaced veterans which I am one of. I came to this house a month ago and told can use comp., but warned slow and could try to update if can to speed up---been trying ever since with not much results except FRUSTRATIONS!
Presently I am have run the CCleaner in Registry and NUMEROUS issues have come up for missing DLL's, unused file extensions, Invalid or empty file, ActiveX/COM Issue, Missing TypeLib Re..., Open with Aplication, Installer reference..., MANY - Unistaller Reference...,Obsolete Software, Missing Startup Software, Old Start Menu Key-(for McAfee)--Deleted as I have Avast and not want to use space.
I am an amatuer at this and learning. I am broke and not able to buy downloads so I have gone thru at least 6 what they list as "free" only to find out after scan want $ to fix--a scam of a scan. I have defragged at least 4x. Ran the free AVG cleaner 2011 that was a one time offer. Been on hints and help sites. Adjusted my virtual memory from 340 to 640 (computer only has 120 MB of RAM). Checked Secondary IDE and put on "dma when available" from PIO. Tried download of startup software. Read all I can of fix this and that....Have reset back to old settings at times it just want to crash or not even want to connect....Been in connection with AT&t Tech who had me delete some files and seemed to work a little better for about a day then crashed back to old ways.
I am curious if I can absolutely wipe the comp. clear of ALL software ever been in on drives and RAM to "like a virgin" and start all over again with a free XP version or better (Whatever this old computer can handle at 120 MB RAM). Sure it ran better than this when fresh out of the store. Anyone know a website get free download for starting software of XP or better and how to wipe this old stuff to oblivion.----START FRESH ya know...
Frightened I have ruined any chance of fix myself with all the deleting and downloads and scans and cleaning...wanted to take online comp. classes (join today and start 1/4/11) just couldn't with computer in this fix and no money. Education a BIG priority for me and stuck because this old computer SOOO slow. A3 hr session with test would take me 8 hrs on this comp!!!!AAARRRRGGGG!!!!!
Anyone out there read this and can suggest or "KNOW" how to fix please reply to my posting---My first time on forum.