Comments inline.
i searched using 'Start' search and found nothing , searched many
times. Any other ways of searchin?
Correct method, except you need to expand your search:
When you click on "All files and folders" on the left pane, click on the
"More advanced options" at the bottom. Make sure that Search system
folders, Search hidden files and folders, and Search subfolders are
checked. See:
http://tss.oregonstate.edu/cn/soft_tips/docs/search_folder/?page=search&type=normal
Also, if you wish to use Windows Explorer to go to C:\Windows\System32,
first try:
Tools | Folders | View tab
Under the Hidden files and folders heading, select Show hidden files and
folders.
Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
Also recommended: Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types."
Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.
Remember, when you're finished diagnosing, you can always go back to the
original settings.
I would say my pc has been runnin slow for about 1 week. added to my
search
Do you recall anything in particular that happened one week ago? What
does "added to my search" mean in this context? If you are able to do
so, use System Restore to a date before things started slowing down. See
"How to restore system settings to an earlier date" on this page:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/support/sysrestore.mspx
I only use 'Pc Tools antivirus', a free antivirus
Sometimes, antivirus programs don't catch all viruses. Furthermore, in
addition to viruses, you need to also scan for *non-viral* malicious
software (malware) such as spyware. Try SUPERAntiSpyware Free:
http://www.superantispyware.com/superantispywarefreevspro.html
You may need to run another antivirus app as well. I personally like
AVG:
http://free.grisoft.com/doc/2/
Download the free version on the right.
A last resort if you still suspect malware is to install and run
HijackThis:
http://www.spywareinfo.com/~merijn/programs.php
and post the log to an appropriate forum:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/forum22.html
Here's a helpful tutorial:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial42.html
my pc has;
PROCESSOR= Intel Pentium 3 processor
RAM= 256mb
HARD DRIVE SIZE= 20 gig
FREE SPACE= 6 gig
256 MB of RAM is on the low side, but if you use XP in a non-demanding
way, it may be enough for you.
on task manager my COMMIT CHARGE(K);
TOTAL= 203336
LIMIT= 633080
PEAK=245740
this keep changing which is normal ay it?
256 MB is equivalent to 262,144 KB. Your Total figure (amount of memory
you used at that moment) and your Peak figure (the highest amount of
memory you used since last bootup) are both below 262,144 KB, which is
good; it means that you are not relying on your pagefile, which can
definitely cause sluggishness. If you ever want to look into memory
usage more deeply (IMO, not necessary to do this right now), you could
eventually run Page File Monitor for Windows XP:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_pagefilemon.htm
But, the very first thing I would want to rule out is a malware
infection, so make sure you address that first.