System slow down

[RMD]

I am experiencing a system slow down, just started a few weeks ago.
happens usually after runniing games or using CD Drives. I have 256 meg ram pentium II 400mgh, Cd/DVD, CD Burner, running windows98.
system always performed great with games and Cd burning. seems like the resources are getting sucked up and not being relesed (in lay mans terms)
any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks

[Whyzman]

Hello RMD,

A couple of things to look at:

Do you routinely empty your Temporary Internet Files?

What have you running in the background? Press <Ctrl+Alt+Delete> at the same time. A dialog box will appear with the names of programs running in the background.

If you are going to be playing a game which is resource intensive...these programs that have been loaded into your RAM memory will certainly slow you down if there are a number of them.

If you have children and are loading game software you would be amazed at home much junk is being set up to load when you boot up...without ever asking if you want it to. Also, kids will just enable about everything to get the game up and running! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/frown.gif http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

Would you post back what you find and someone will show you what you need to do to get your computer back on track?

Oops, almost forgot....Welcome to the PC Guide Forums!

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May all your dealings in life be win/win!

Whyzman



[This message has been edited by Whyzman (edited 12-24-2001).]

[Matt]

One thing that you might try is using the system configuration utility. Sometimes a background application will not show up in the task listing when you press alt+ctrl+del, actually, a lot of programs will probably not show up.

1.)open the system information app (programs, accessories, system tools)

2.) select tools and open the system configuration tool

3.) click ont he startup tab and a list showing all the applications that execute at startup will be shown.

Be sure that you only disable programs that you don't want to run. I do not recommend disabling system programs like the systray. I hope this helps a litte.

[RMD]

Hello,
Thanks for the replys. As you have suggested: the runnings tasks are
Inbox-Microsoft Outlook
winword
findfast
DirectCD
Mswheel
Iowatch
Alogserv
Rundll
HPCdTray
Starter
Rnaapp
Imgicon
ocrawr32
ocraware
Note that I am running McAffee AntiVirus all the time. The gamers do not change any setting without consulting me, as a matter of fact they have me do the installs for them which is a good thing.I always try keep windows and my other programs up to date.also as far as I can tell, I have all the latest drivers.The Games that seem to slow things down are Tomd Raider and Roller Coaster Tycoon. The system slows down when playing for long periods of time after ending the game the system is very sluggish and the cursor does not respond.A reboot seems the only way to get things back to normal.