When I boot the computer, everything works normally. However, after a few hours -- even if the computer is merely idle -- everything starts to slow down. The problem continues to get worse until the computer is nearly useless. If I do a soft reboot, the speed returns to normal -- at first -- but after a few hours, it slows down again.

At first I assumed that Norton was the culprit, so I uninstalled it. Removing Norton has resulted in a small improvement, but the problem remains. I am running Windows Firewall, but I don't have any anti-virus programs scanning in the background. (I do manual scans as needed.) Scans with the following programs have not produced any suspicious results: Ad-Aware, a-squared Free, Malicious Software Removal Tool, Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware, and Spybot Search & Destroy.

I boot with a fairly lean machine. I have disabled most unnecessary services, and very few programs are set to launch at start-up. Automatic Updates (for Windows) is set to notify only (no automatic downloads).

Does anyone know what might be causing this gradual slowdown? I am starting to think that it might be a hardware issue.

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System Specs

Operating System: Windows XP Home Edition (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 3 (2600.xpsp_sp3_gdr.090804-1435)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Dell Computer Corporation
System Model: Dimension 2400
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 2.40GHz
Memory: 510MB RAM
Page File: 124MB used, 2403MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.5512 32bit Unicode

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When was the last time you cleaned the insides of dust?

I removed your HJT log as they are only posted in that section.

Please start a new thread in that section if you want the log analyzed.

Spyware, Adware, Viruses and HijackThis Logs - D-A-L Computer Help

Originally Posted by jephree

When was the last time you cleaned the insides of dust?

I considered the possibility that dust was causing components to overheat. Although the computer was rather dusty, I did not notice an improvement in performance after it was cleaned.

.

Any other ideas?

I would try booting to Safe Mode with Networking and run like that for 3-4 hours, see if the problem still occurs. If no then something is starting at boot time or later that is causing the problem. If yes, then I'd suspect hardware or some kind of malware infection.

When the slowdown occurs, what does Task Manager Performance and Networking tabs look like?

Do you run any kind of P2P software like Limewire or Torrent? They can have a severe impact on performance when active.

Originally Posted by Ztruker

I would try booting to Safe Mode with Networking and run like that for 3-4 hours, see if the problem still occurs. If no then something is starting at boot time or later that is causing the problem. If yes, then I'd suspect hardware or some kind of malware infection.

I will try booting in safe mode and seeing whether there is a difference in performance. I have noticed that the more I am doing on the computer, the more quickly the performance slowdown occurs. (The performance is at its worse when I am playing a MUD called DragonRealms.) However, even with my husband's low-intensity use, the slowdown eventually occurs.

Originally Posted by Ztruker

When the slowdown occurs, what does Task Manager Performance and Networking tabs look like?

Do you run any kind of P2P software like Limewire or Torrent? They can have a severe impact on performance when active.

I don't see anything unusual in the task manager when the slowdown occurs, and my cursory examination of my HijackThis log has not revealed anything suspicious.

I am a low-risk user and do not use P2P networks, torrents, or pirated software.

It could possibly be the as you swap between programs memory is not being released for
further use later thus the gradual slow down of your PC

If you have a second hard drive you could try moving virtual memory to that drive and also increase it slightly.
Advice on virtual memory can be found here
Virtual Memory in Windows XP

You could try a memory optimizer. I recommend CleanMem
An explanation about the program and how to obtain it can be found here
Best Free Memory Optimizer

Give them a try and see if it improves things if not you can easily revert to your
previous position.

Jim

Another possibility would be to increase the ram from 512 to 1GB. That in itself often has an amazing impact on performance.

Originally Posted by Ztruker

Another possibility would be to increase the ram from 512 to 1GB. That in itself often has an amazing impact on performance.

Unfortunately, the RAM has already been upgraded, and I don't think that there is room for any additional RAM.

Dell Dimension 2400 motherboard
http://www.cwc-group.com/enlarge.htm...2085_170980642

If that is the correct board then you have two Ram slots so they most likely contain
256MB sticks of ram you could change them to 512MB.
If they only contain one 512MB stick.
Then you could add an extra 512MB stick.

Jim