Windows XP Computer Overall Slow, Freezing & Locking Up.

You still haven't followed through on what Elizabeth23 asked you to do!

At the very least, you really should clean out your temp files. Shenan's suggestion of Ccleaner is a good one:

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

Be sure to ONLY use the Cleaner component. The Registry (Cleaner) component should be avoided -- just to be on the safe side.

I doubt you have malware (even though that is usually the issue). Still, it would be a good idea to scan for rootkits. Start by scanning with Kaspersky's TDSSKiller:

http://support.kaspersky.com/faq/?qid=208283363

There have been reports of booting problems after using this utility, but I have never seen this issue. Just to be safe, you can certainly report the results without making any changes first (that is, do not select "Cure" right off the bat). This way, experienced people can look at the results and THEN advise you.

Sometimes it is necessary to use ANOTHER PC and download files to a USB flash drive.

And sometimes it is necessary to change the name of the file.

I see you have Norton. In the event you do NOT have any malware, my next suspect is Norton. This is a very well known resource and RAM hog. Are you willing to uninstall it (you can always reinstall it later if you really wish)? If so, be sure to use a replacement that is MUCH lighter on resources and RAM. I recommend Microsoft Security Essentials:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/security-essentials-download

However, you would need to run Norton's Removal Tool BEFORE installing MSE:

https://www-secure.symantec.com/norton-support/jsp/help-solutions.jsp?docid=kb20080710133834EN_EndUserProfile_en_us&product=home&pvid=f-home&version=1&lg=en&ct=us

You may or may not need to purchase more RAM to avoid all those Virtual Memory Low issues. Hopefully switching from Norton to MSE will make that unnecessary.

Finally, I don't believe you ever answered Elizabeth's question about your Search program. I will repeat it:

Is windows search 4 installed?

(It has been known to REALLY mess up systems!)

For more info, look at this thread:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-performance/should-i-use-kingsoft-pc-doctor/6b12d57f-684b-47fe-ae9b-2cf449a78be9

In the event you cannot find this entry in Add or Remove Programs (make sure Show Updates is checked), this thread has very helpful information:

http://www.howtofixcomputers.com/forums/windows-xp/uninstall-windows-search-4-0-windows-xp-kb940157-185356.html

(Follow the instructions in Post #4 by Nepatsfan.)

For your convenience:

<quote>

First off, in Control Panel -> Folder Options, is "Show hidden files and 

folders" selected in the Advanced settings box on the View page?

If it is and you still can't find the $NtUninstallKB940157$ folder, let's see if 

the following helps.

Go to Start and click on Run.

In the Run box, enter regedit.exe.

In the Registry editor, click on the + signs in the left hand pane to navigate 

to the following registry key.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Updates\Wind ows XP\SP3\KB940157

Right click on this key and select Delete from the menu.

Do the same for this key.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Uninstall\KB940157

Once you deleted these two keys, close the registry editor. Next, reinstall 

Windows Search 4.0. Check in Add or Remove programs to see if it is now listed. 

If not, look for the $NtUninstallKB940157$ folder in C:\Windows.

Note: It's a good idea to create a restore point before editing the registry. 

System Restore can be launched from the Start menu through All Programs -> 

Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore.

Note: Post back if you're not comfortable editing the registry.

Good luck

Nepatsfan

</quote>

Here is a download link for KB940157:

http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=23

(Yes, you may need to reinstall it in order to remove it properly!)

I am doing the ESET Online Scanner now. It also said on my mom's computer today that Wndows - Virtual Memory Minimum Too Low. Also, how can I make my mom's computer boot up time faster? Like, when you first put it on and it goes to the desktop? How do you get it to boot up faster? Let me know. Thanks.

I just did the Malwarebytes and the SuperAntiSpyware.

About the Disk Defragmenter, Disk Cleanup? Or no? Let me know what I should do. Thanks.

Presumably, Elizabeth23 was referring to these detailed and thorough instructions in Shenan's answer:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows_xp-performance/slow-windows-xp-computer/13ce8516-2095-43f3-8915-a4e9da93faa2

... when she said "please perform each step given in the link."

Granted, there is A LOT to do there! How far have you gotten?

If you would like other ideas, I can offer some, too.

About the Disk Defragmenter, Disk Cleanup? Or no? Let me know what I should do. Thanks.