Windows 7: "Windows has detected performance is slow" - no known reason?

Hey,

Starting about 12 hours ago I've been getting the pop-up message about Windows detecting slow performance, and asking to switch to a basic color scheme.

The difference in my case versus everything else I've been able to find about this problem, is that my computer actually is running extremely slow.

The problem started while I was browsing CNN's homepage last night...the mouse icon stared flickering, and any actions I took (clicking a link, etc) would be completed a minute or two later.

I built my computer about 2 years ago and have had no problems. Nothing has been recently updated or installed, nothing downloaded...I have no clue why this would start out of the blue, AND why it would affect the performance to the point where the only way I can use Windows is in Safe Mode...even switching to the basic color scheme doesn't provide smooth performance.

Specs:

Windows 7 Professional 32 bit
Pentium Dual-Core E5200 2.50 GHz
4.00 GB RAM (2.99 usable)
Gigabyte G31M-ES2L motherboard, using onboard graphics (don't use PC for gaming)




I'd appreciate any help that can be provided. Thanks in advance.

stsa84

Note to mods: I posted this here because I found other threads in this forum about this warning message. If this belongs more in another forum, please move it. Thanks.

get a virus check done and then a malware scan done - both on full scan before you do anything further

you could also check task manager to see what if anything is taking up large amounts of memory

also check services if you like - use run command box and type services.msc and the snap in should appear - check to see if anything is unusual in there

Firewall and Antivirus are up to date. Scan by Avira Antivirus is clean. Do you have a malware scanner you'd recommend?

Nothing unusual in Task Manager...Firefox is the leader with ~200,000. Processes show ~50% CPU usage and ~1200 MB Memory.

I don't notice anything out of the ordinary in services.msc, but I don't know exactly what I'm looking for.

malwarebytes is a good program

50% cpu usage at idol ? Thats quite alot dude.

Update your SevenForums System Specs
User CP (3rd item in the top menu bar) |
Your Profile | Edit System Spec (left-hand column)

To gather info, use SIW or Speccy or System Info

Add the word laptop or desktop or netbook to the
“system manufacturer” block, for example,
Toshiba Satellite L305D notebook.

Provide full windows version info, for example:
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit

Use the “Other Info” block for Optical Reader,
Mouse, touchpad, wifi adapter, speakers, monitor, etc

Scroll down and click on the SAVE CHANGES button.

Well, I got the issue resolved with help from another forum. Thank you for those that replied though, I appreciate it. If anyone is interested in what was done to fix the problem: "Windows has detected performance is slow"

Thanks.