What could cause windows xp to have slow background programs?

Answer by  PiperHaley (110)

The main culprit is usually memory. Try increasing your memory to the max. If it already is to the max, try increasing your virtual memory. Also try defragging your harddrive.

Answer by  LohnJaw (122)

Many programs may be starting up when you boot your computer. You can weed them out by going to Start->Run->msconfig->Startup and selecting those to keep and those to dismiss. Be sure to check if they can be safely removed by googling their names first.

Answer by  Gabriel (2146)

XP allows you to set memory and CPU priority for background programs. The default makes the program your running go faster, you can always adjust it to balance out better.

Answer by  AvrilBey (474)

Programs run slowly in Windows XP when other programs are consuming resources. Things that consume resources are virus and anti-malware programs, backdoor and keylogger programs, and windows services. Your best bet in removing them is use the task manager, and the service manager to remove the unnecessary programs.