XP Pro runs slow can't determine why

Using XP Pro on computer with ZoneAlarm internet security suite.
This computer is used for running MicroSoft office, email, and internet access only. Nothing major. It has an AMD 64 processor, 1 Gb RAM, ... should be more than adequate.
I took out all nonessential and extra stuff that Dell had loaded on the machine.
It still runs slow - even on bootup or shutdown. I've examined the processes and usage screens and there appears to be nothing going on "behind the scenes ". Scanned it wil MicroSoft Malicious Removal tool - nothing. It is scanned about once a month for viruses and spyware.
Any advice is appreciated.

 

Thanks, I'll try that again. The configuration of the computer is actually
OptiPlex 320 Minitower, Pentium
D 915/2.80GHz, 2X2M, 800FSB
So I don't think that is the problem. It hasn't worked well since we got it and I'm not a computer tech, just trying to help the church.

 

In addition to checking for malware, have you had a look to see if pagefile and MFT are fragmented and also ran windows error checker ?

 

Updated and ran ZoneAlarm again, no viruses, no spyware found.
Restored system to earlier point. Went to msconfig and cleaned out stuff we don't need (Mozilla, Google everything, ...). Seemed to run faster. Was able to actually boot up and do all this, even loaded printer software (again). The prompt to load the printer software is a recurring thing.
Everything seemed to be running smoothly, then I did a Windows update - it only loaded a "Windows Validation Tool ", then I checked Dell updates and it loaded Internet Explorer 7 and Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool.
Now it freezes up again.
The other day I ran chkdsk and that was fine. The computer tech at work suggested I run another system check but I didn't write it down so I am stumbling on that one.
I thought that ZoneAlarm would cover malware, but I might be mistaken. What software do you recomment for malware? How do I check for pagefile and MFT fragmentation - I ran Disk Deframenter in Analyze mode and it didn't suggest running the program (I usually do it anyway but I was planning on running it after everything booted up consistently).
How do I run Windows error checker (sorry, I'm not really a tech support person, I am attempting to learn as I go which can be dangerous).
If anyone can recommend reading material so I can learn more about how to fix the church computers I would really appreciate it (mostly software stuff).

 

When you do an analysis defrag where it says "you do not need to defrag this volume" click the View Report button and scroll down the volume information window to see if Pagefile and MFT are fragmented. It's an outside chance but fragmentation of pagefile and mft are just one of the things that can cause the slow performence you mentioned in your first post and easily checked for but are not defragmented by windows defragmenter. Sounds like you've done chkdsk error checker OK.

How does the pc perform disconnected from the internet and with anti-virus and firewall suite turned off?
Have you tried running an anti-virus scan in safe mode?
You do have plenty of free space on the hard drive?
You've had a look in msconfig startup tab to see what's loading at startup and if they are necessary? That's click Start then Run then type msconfig and OK.
Have a look at this to see what the items are

http://www.answersthatwork.com/

The slow shutdown, have you had a look in event viewer, that's click Start, then Run type eventvwr.exe and have a look in the application and the system tabs.

PC clean inside, no dust blockages in fans and cooling vanes? Ide ribbon and power leads securely plugged in.

I didn't know it was freezing until your last post, thought it was just running slow.
I use Avast anti-virus free and windows own firewall, I'm not keen on security suites as they can cause slow performance sometimes. For malware detection I use Spybot Search and Destroy, Lavasoft Adaware 2007 and A-squared free and occasionally I run F-secure Blacklight, you'll find them all free online.

 

slow pc

IE 7 is probably the reason why your system is slow. My system was slow also with IE 7. I uninstalled IE 7 and it runs much better. My suggestion is to use IE 6.

 

Have you checked to see if DMA is enabled, see here

http://www.portmac.com/modules.php?name=Check_Enable_DMA

reference at foot of page to Dell

I usually clear all temp internet files and cookies before running any anti-spyware, too many results otherwise. Have you ran windows disc cleanup to remove temporary files, also if using Outlook Express, click File, Folder, Compact all folders in OE. Maybe a registry clean with something like Glary Utilities or Ccleaner. Find out computer details with Belarc Advisor or SIW system information for windows, all free utilities, if you don't have the pc motherboard manual maybe you could download it from Dell, may help if you need to work in the bios, perhaps to enable DMA if needed. Don't always believe windows defragger when it says you don't need to defrag now.

Is it still freezing, or was that just a one off thing when you did the updates, is it just running slow. Have you had a look in device manager and event viewer for any warning signs. Double click the items in event viewer to see if there's any more information. Is this a standalone machine or is it networked. Have you got the XP pro installation CD.

If you still think the pc is still slow running and to eliminate infection as the cause you could look at the Security section at the site we are on, see Removing Spyware and Viruses and post a HiJackThis logfile, read the Before you post a log announcement first.