Member Avatar for milesofjazz

Specs: Windows XP SP2, 3.4 gHz Intel 4, plenty of HD space (2 HDs).

I'm not sure what is going on but about two months ago my computer stared to slow down significantly. At first I thought it was just a program I was running (Sibelius 4) but then I noticed it happening with other programs too. Here's what's going on. If I start up my computer it runs great for a few minutes or so but then suddenly it's like my CPU starts to work really hard and everything slows down. I've been through everything (spyware, viruses, extra programs I don't need, I've defraged, cleaned my registry, changed all my settings so windows will run as fast as possible etc). Nothing seems to work so my question is, could this be a hardware issue? Oh, another thing I definately should mention. When my computer slows down a simple restart doesn't solve the problem. I actually have to turn the machine all the way off (including the surge protector) to get it to run fast again. Anyone have a clue what could be going on? I'm lost here,

Oh, another thing that may or may not be related but I'll ask anyway. Sometimes if my computer freezes and I have to manually restart it my settings are changed (as in windows in all pretty again, I have it set for best performance). Does anyone know why this might be happening? Anything would help.

Sorry this is so long...

Nick

PS I know ONE of my problems is that I'm running windows...:sad:

  • 3 Contributors
  • 7 Replies
  • 105 Views
  • 4 Days Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by milesofjazz

Dani AI

Generated

A brief expert follow-up tying the thread together and adding practical next steps.

The pattern described by — good performance at cold boot, then sudden slowdowns that only clear after cutting power, plus occasional reverting of settings — is most often caused by thermal or power-stability problems rather than ordinary software bloat. was right to suspect heat, and pointed in the right hardware-check directions. Because the immediate symptom cleared after the system was cleaned, focus on preventing a recurrence and verifying there are no lingering faults.

Safe next steps and checklist to keep the problem from returning:

  • Physically inspect the CPU heatsink and fan mounting. If the heatsink has been removed or shifts, clean the old thermal compound off and apply fresh thermal paste before reseating.
  • Check fan connectors and RPMs in the BIOS or a hardware monitor; replace any fan with noisy bearings or falling RPMs.
  • Clean case intake and exhaust paths on a regular schedule. When using canned air, hold fan blades still (to avoid overspin) and use short bursts; work outside or direct dust out of the case.
  • If BIOS preferences or time/date revert after a crash, replace the CMOS battery. If Windows settings revert, scan Event Viewer for errors and run system-file checks (SFC) and disk checks to repair corruption.

Why a full power-off helps: many motherboards and PSUs latch controller states or thermal protections that a soft reboot does not clear; removing mains power forces a full reinitialization and allows trapped heat to dissipate. After cleaning, monitor temps and fan speeds under normal load for a few days. If instability returns despite clean cooling and healthy fan behavior, consider testing or replacing the PSU and keeping current backups before deeper hardware swaps.

Recommended Answers

All 7 Replies

Member Avatar for milesofjazz

By the way, 1 Gig of RAM

Member Avatar for jbennet

overheating maybe?

Member Avatar for dcc

When you say that you settings are changed are you referring to the settings in the BIOS? If it is change the CMOS battery.

Your problem could be your RAM or PSU. You could download and run Memtest 86 to check out your RAM.

As for the PSU, if you know how use a voltmeter and are comfortable poking around inside the case you could check the voltages of the different rails. With the power off, either by the switch on the back of the PSU or unplugged not the switch on the case, disconnect the 20/24 pin PSU connector. In the bundle you find one green wire, place a jumper between that green wire and any black wire, this bypasses the motherboard. Turn on the PSU either by its' switch or plug it in.

To test the different rails you will need to know the different color codes and their associated voltages, you can get those here.

Member Avatar for milesofjazz

So I got a program to check the heat and it says my CPU is 90 Celcius. I don't know much but that seems really high to me. It is a Pentium 4 3.4 gHz and that tempurature was taken when it was idle.

What do you think?

Member Avatar for dcc

What program did you get to check the temps.?

Everest Home Edition is pretty accurate in reporting what is being seen in the BIOS, how ever accurate they are.

90 degree C is like 194 degrees F, that should be shutting down the computer in a hurry. have you checked to make sure that the case fan and the CPU heat sink fan are running. Have you cleaned out the computer recently, accumulated dust on the CPU heat sink will cause overheating. Also check the intake to make sure it's no restricted, mine gets filled with cat hair. You should look at the HSF on the CPU and make sure that it is seated properly.

Member Avatar for jbennet

90 is a lot it should be 40-60

Member Avatar for milesofjazz

I got a can of air and cleaned out the fans and now it's running like brand new. Thanks everyone.

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.