Slow computer despite system specs.

I'm using a Dimension 9200 (1.8 dual core processor with 2.25 of RAM on an XP system). Even though the CPU is only half being used at most, and despite having 1.50 GB or RAM left over, the system I use runs incredibly slow. I've already done a virus/spyware scan, and while I have been able to remove a number of problems, there is no noticible peformance increase. The computer routinely stalls as it tries to think of what to do next. For example, if I try to back files up, the entire system runs ridicously slow.

Why is this? It can't be because the hard drive is crowded because it is half a terabyte, and around 85% of it is free space (it's a SATA that runs at 7200 RPM.) While the computer is used for editing, the files are actually put on an external drive, so that the C:\ drive will only be used for running programs, rather than running programs *and* editing videos.

Does anyone know what could be the problem with the computer? I doubt it could be the CPU or RAM, but if it's not that, and it's not viruses/spyware, then what could it be? Maybe it's just an old machine?

i suspect a root kit

Not likely. I did a format, and reinstalled everything, but despite this, there was no noticible improvment.

install linux and see how it runs

>>4
Back to /g/, please.

>>5

I agree. Besides which, for what is being done, no one wants to relearn how to use a new OS. Besides which that answer fails at even answering the question of what is wrong. A dual core and 2+ GB of RAM should be more than enough to run XP comfortably.

>>6
You're right. I have a similar setup with XP Pro that I've been running flawlessly on this custom built machine since December 2006. Then again, I'm pretty conservative with things I install and run.

Slow RAM slows down the computer.

1.stop unnecessary services
2.stop unnecessary startup apps
3.defrag filesystem once a month
4.defrag registry/pagefile once a month
5.clean registry once a month
6.clean temp files once a week
7.switch off eyecandy
8.set custom pagefile size

those fo starters.. and for the instructions baaw...

1.services.msc (u got it) google "disable unnecessary services xp"
2.autoruns (from sysinternals) stop shit from starting at startup, laik adobe notifier, googletoolbar and such crap
3.defrag.exe (u got it)
4.pagedefrag (from sysinternals)
5.ccleaner (from piriform)
6.ccleaner (from piriform)
7.errr... goto ctrpanel/system/advanced/performance/visualsettings switch to best performance
8. ctrpanel/system/advanced/performance/advanced/virtualmemory/ set custom size, initial 2048MB and maximum 2048MB

reboot, and enjoy ur lightning fast xp, btw im typing this from similar comp of yours and i'm using xp wich is loaded as a virtual machine to ubuntu. so with those specs im running two OS's flawlesly. BAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWwww

try a different hard disk.