text: why is my computer making a loud humming sound and running slow? windows me 5.1 gb used 38  gb free hit ctrl alt del.  open the task manager.  check the  performance tab.  i'll bet it's running up toward 100%.    you may have some spyware causing your computer to run slowly as it is using all your resources. follow these instructions to scan your computer.  click here to download the trial version of ewido security suite:  http://www.ewido.net/en/download/  · install ewido. · during the installation, under "additional options" uncheck "install background guard" and "install scan via context menu". · launch ewido. · it will prompt you to update click the ok button and it will go to the main screen. · on the left side of the main screen click update.  · click on start and let it update. · do not run a scan yet.  restart your computer into safe mode now.  (start tapping the f8 key at startup, before the windows logo screen). perform the following steps in safe mode:   * run ewido: click on scanner click complete system scan and the scan will begin. during the scan it will prompt you to clean files, click ok.  reboot.  hopfully this helps you.