First thing to always check is the System & Application Event
logs. A machine will have issues if it is logging Errors.
Click Start, Run (Type) EventVwr.Msc [Enter]
Click category in left pane and examine Right pane for Red
icons that denote error(s). Double-Clicking each one will bring
up the details box with Event ID#____ and a brief description.
Info on specific events can be found here:
http://www.eventid.net/

Also a disk/volume that is marked "Dirty" (has inconsistencies)
can result in sluggish/hesitant performance.
From a Command Prompt window type,
>Chkdsk C: [Enter]
The system will report the status and may recommend a more
comprehensive run using either /F or /R
**Be sure your data is backed up/protected before running
Chkdsk with repair qualifiers. Data loss can result.

"JDJ" <jj@invalid.invalid> wrote in message
news:ropio2pntt0v8msmfvvhec0o0sfdcsujot@4ax.com...
> My HP Pavilion Notebook Windows XP Media Center Edition 2004
> 3.4Ghz Pentium 4, 1 gig of ram, 5400rpm 80gig hard drive
>
> seems to run slower and slower overtime.
>
> Internet Browsing is particularly slow.
>
> Booting the PC takes forever.
>
> I have defragged and run virus tests.
>
> Have Webroot Spysweeper and avast! antivirus.
>
> Have turned off some of the XP appearance options.
>
> How can I speed up the PC?
>
> Have recent Windows software updates possibly slowed the machine?
>
>
> --
>
> "J. J."