Why is my computer downloading files so slow?

Question

My computer used to download my files fairly quickly, even when I was downloading two things at once. But suddenly, it's started downloading everything super slow, and often takes about twice or even three times slower than it used to. Why is this and how can I fix it? It's still a fairly new computer, so I have no idea what's going on.

Answer 1

http://speedtest.net/

this will tell u how fast your connection is (use it when not downloading anything)

You may be downloading stuff in the background, like windows update, antivirus or other stuff.

Try to turn off your router. After 5 minutes turn it back on and see if the connection improves.

Call your internet provider and check your speed if speed test doesnt give you the speed u are supposed to have, sometimes its their connection to you and they have to reset it. Happened to me twice. Takes a couple of hours if they have to reset your connection, use speed test next day after call and check (or check sooner if it drives u crazy and u cant wait)

Third someone has hacked your connection if its wireless like a neighbor, make sure its password protected. U can always talk to your isp provider and tell them to walk u thru changing password if necessary.

U man have to run a anti trojan program or antiworm to make sure nobody is taking stuff from u without permission in the background, like music,movies or stuff u may have in your computer. Hope not. That is the last resort.Good luck. And remember, maybe the people u r downloading from may be slow that has nothing to do with your speed. Speed test will help determine that. Doesnt hurt to install system mechanic trial from iolo.com and see if that helps too. Chao.P.S. The dude below me, pc guru recommends running an antivirus, wouldnt hurt, trend micro has one on line called housecall. This may help too. http://onecare.live.com/site/en-US/center/whatsnew.htm use the xp version, i have vista.

Answer 2

The best way is to download Ccleaner here http://bitly.com/UrALrK



Or you can go on Windows operating system locate the command prompt and go there to do the following:

Create a Recovery file of system and date it today.



Then begin by;

delete the 'Temp' folders..they have hidden subfolders so you need to set the attributes in order to bypass this. For each subfolder delete all cookies and rubbish left behnd after install-uninstalled programs. Do a 'dir' command to check your progress. Make sure the 'Temp' file is empty.



goto c:\windows\prefetch and delete everything in there..no exceptions



goto c:\windows folder and delete all the '$' files that have been installed by updates. They can all be succesfully deleted and just take up disk space.



Locate the Internet Temporary Files..Check to see how high the saving level is..some have it set at 30 days..but that stores faaaar tooo much data..though it slows down the system overal. Keep this to a minimum..suggest 2 or 5 at most.



Delete all 'cookies' all those you don't need.



Locate the windows directory and go through the folders you know and those you don't need. Check this once a week at least. Some programs will install under XP as NT and older systems where there is no check of systems weight.



Check to see that system files have not changed since last booting. Things like .ini files or .bat are important items.





Check for 'Hidden Directories' all over the disk...do this at the command prompt:



dir *.* /ah wil show these hidden directories



Check the 'dir' command for all parameters

Answer 3

Your computer has viruses on it. The only way to speed up connection is to eliminate the viruses and optimize settings.



When I do a tune-up and virus cleanup for my customers I go through 32 steps. Some of the steps are:



Use 3 or 4 spyware removal programs to eliminate all classes of spyware.

Eliminate all temporary files.

Use CCleaner to eliminate junk files.

Optimize visual settings

Optimize Virtual memory settings.

Defrag the hard drive with a better defrag program than what comes with Windows.

Remove un-necessary programs.

Delete Internet temp files

Download all windows updates

Download all hardware updates

Download software updates

and more...



I usually can get a computer running faster than the day you bought it.



It usually takes two to three hours to do this. If interested, click here for more info: www.crossloop.com/yourpcguide



John

PC-University

www.yourpcguide.com



P.S. I was asked how do I know it is viruses. Here is my response:



I am a virus expert and for the past three years I had my own business. 95% of the time viruses, spyware and malware is what is preventing the PC from uploading and downloading at an optimal speed. The spyware and malware are constantly reporting on all of the activities that you are doing while connected. If you want to try an experiment, restart the computer and go into safe mode with networking. If the downloads are faster at that time, then you know it is viruses, etc.

Answer 4

Hi there,

Ccleaner is the application I use to clean up my system when my pc slows down because of viruses, trojans or malwares. Free Download here: http://bit.ly/UrApkP

It's amazing.

Regards

Answer 5

Slow computers are a common symptom of not keeping your system fully optimized. There are literally dozens of little tricks and tweaks you can perform to speed up your computer performance. Whether it’s a slow startup or just a general sluggishness, you can fix the problem without buying a new system. I recommend utilizing a program that can perform many of these speed tweaks automatically. Scan your system for free with it at:



http://www.registry-clean-up.net

Answer 6

Run an antivirus and verify. it is not going nevertheless. Are you downloading from an extremely sluggish server? Are there provider disruptions on your section? Are you being throttled for a TOS violation which you're blind to?