Computer running very slow over past few months

I have W7, 6 memory 650 HD, quad core -2 year old hd computer. ISP CABLE 12 m speed - On net speed tests , i get 10 to 20 download speeds. I am using 335 g with, with 249g showing as still available for a total 584. .

COMPUTER is running very very slow on net and non- net, with occasional hang ups that last sometimes last as much as a minute. The Hang ups are more frequent on non- net and I sometimes get the no responding.

We checked everything that could be using extra resources and it made very little differences .

We discovered one potential problem and I seek your advice on this matter-- In the info drive properties , The box that says says " COMPRESS THIS DRIVE TO SAVE DISC SPACE " was CHECKED.

A friend said that if the g's are uncompressed , my 335g could possibly be double and the drive is overloaded causing the computer to run slow everywhere- He suggests that I just go buy a new 2 tb hd and move all my stuff over and keep the existing hd as a partial back up.
I am extremely hesitant to remove the check box for fear of what could happen.

I do happen to have everything backed up via external hd including the Operating system , but putting that in motion is something that I would like to avoid.

Anyway, I sure would appreciate your advice on this mess.

Sincerely,,,, Ralph

You can safely uncheck it. Unless, you have little space left, this setting is useless.

So - I have to ask -

You have scanned for Virus / Malware infections and your system is clean?

If you haven't scanned in SAFE MODE, please do. Scanning in SAFE MODE the first time will save time in the long run.

Just double checking...

Patrick

HI DUSTSAILOR,
We checked for virus and we are clean - using Norton. Everything for excessive resources like addons , unnecessary starups, etc have been checked ok- I will check the driver card. I think that the major issue now is the compression -
I am using 335 g compressed with 249 still available . Since , this is compressed, how can I estimate how much uncompressed gigs I am using? If the uncompressed I am using exceeds my total 548 and I uncheck the box , does the computer go wild and cause my Hd to crash?

Sorry to bother you so much, but thank you ,,,,,Ralph

* Make sure you do your computer housework on a regular basis.

If you do everything should be ok.
Eg
Check Disk.
Defragment
Disk Clean Up

Increase PC speed: Optimize your computer, help your PC run faster

* IE.- Safety - Delete Browsing History.
Check for unwanted plug ins.

* If necessary > Open IE
* tools
* internet options
* advanced
* reset

* Make sure your windows Update is running.
All programs MUST be updated regularly.

* If overclocking stop.

* On a regular basis check in Task Manager/ Processes/ All Users to see what is running there.

* Check in Event Viewer for errors frequently.
Note any with a red mark in Application

* Monitor regularly >Perfmon - {Task manager - resource monitor - CPU, Memory etc}

*Remove any software you have evaluated and decided you don't want to keep.

* If necessary >Run: SFC /scannow (from a command prompt) - and let it check/repair/verify your system files

*Some people optimize and compact the registry.
This makes me VERY nervous and consequently I don't.

*Re Registry Cleaners -

Registry Cleaners are often considered to be helpful.
Note - IMO - there is no reliable way for a third party program to know whether any particular key is invalid, redundant or neither.
Some registry cleaners may not know for sure whether a key is still being used by Windows or what detrimental effects removing it may have.
This has led to examples of registry cleaners causing loss of functionality and/or system instability.

I'm not sure of this. Base of my experience, From xp to w7.
Even i keep maintain cleaning from the registry down to history and disabled the heavy applications.
I can still get a slow loading PC with my i5 and 4gb memory 2gb video.
Maybe windows has an issue of this and many people are not aware.
I'm not sure but if you look and see base of your experience too. Did you solve it through suggested applications?
If not, then there must be a problem that should be aware of.