[RitaM]

It has been a while since I have been really into the hardware (or even software aspect) of computer technology, and unfortunately I am having what seem to be some hardware related issues. As of about a week ago, my computer has been running extremely slow at times, especially in the morning when I get on and it has been left on all night. It has also been giving me a windows error that says my "virtual memory is running low" and that "windows is adjusting it now," etc. Well whatever windows did doesn't seem to be working because I am getting the message increasingly more often. After the message pops up, I get a few "Progrom not responding" prompts from various programs and the computer locks up and I must reset using button. What little info I knew regarding memory types and computer hardware in general is now lost, and I call on you guys for help. Thanks a lot, and here are my specs:

- ASUS K8 Triton Series, nForce3
- AMD Athlon 64 3500+
- Seagate 80gb HD @7200rpm (about 89% full)
- Kingston ValueRam: PC2700, 512gb x 2
- ATI Radeon 9800Pro

Things I plan to try tonight:

- Complete defrag
- Full system scan (anti-virus, spyware)
- System clean-up

[temeteus82]

I recommend you to get CCleaner and use it to clean temporary files. And I recommend that use its hotfix remover to.

[Dyre Straits]

I was about to recommend CCleaner as well. CCleaner.com

Also, you should get AD-AWARE SE and run it to get rid of spyware. Download from here:

Download.com

Be sure to connect and update both once you get them installed.

Having the HD 89% full is enough to cause a lot of slowdowns. So, I recommend backing up some of the data onto CDs/DVDs depending on which burner you have on the computer.

Good luck!