I recently upgraded to windows 8 on my compaq presario (sr5710y desk top) and now I can't figure out how to get to the control panel to remove unwanted programs from my computer.

You can get the fan here: http://www.ebay.com/itm/GENUIINE-AMD-HEATSINK-CPU-COOLER-FAN-FOR-ATHLON-II-X-2-PROCESSORS-SOCKET-AM3-NEW-/400682762156?pt=US_CPU_Fans_Heatsinks&hash=item5d4a8dbfac

The "mount" you are referring to...are you talking about a mobo standoff?

1. While on the Start screen, swipe up to switch to the Apps screen. With a mouse, click on the downward-facing arrow icon to bring up the same screen.
   
2. On the Apps screen, swipe or scroll to the right and find the Windows System category.
   
3. Press or click on the Control Panel icon under Windows System.
   
4. Windows 8 will switch to the Desktop and open the Control Panel.

go to http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/faq/general/is-it-ccleaner,-cccleaner-or-c-cleaner

Download crapcleaner, and run it, go to "Tools" which will list all your installed program and click on the program you want to uninstall. That should do it.
It's a brilliant product for cleaning up your machine and will also make it go faster.
Read the blurb that comes with it if you are unsure of anything.

update your windows 8. hope it will solve all problems. go to control panel\windows update\enable auto update.

It is highly unlkely this old computer can run on Windows 7.
You can run a Windows 7 upgrade advisor tocheck if your computer is suitable for Windows 7.
Click on this link to download the check upgrade program :-http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?familyid=1b544e90-7659-4bd9-9e51-2497c146af15&displaylang=en

You can do all or one of the following: 1. De fragment the hard drive. 2. Upgrade the RAM. 3. Do a factory restore - this will totally remove the virus, but you need to backup all your important files before performing. 4. The least recommendation - remove or uninstall unnecessary programs.

Get this one http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814134094

THE IDEA OF THE SCREEN FLASHING COULD BE EITHER A WINDOWS PROBLEM OR A VIRUS,THE BEST WOULD BE TO GET A HOLD OF A WINDOWS INSTALLATION CD AND JUST UPGRADE THE CURRENT SOFTWARE THAT YOU ARE RUNNING ON THE PC.

GO INTO CONTROL PANEL AND OPEN PROGRAM AND FEATURES AND GO DOWN TO SENTRY SELECT THE ITEM YOU WANT TO UNINSTALL AND ANSWER SOME QUESTIONS AND ARE YOU SURE AND REBOOT AND ITS NO MORE.

IF YOU JUST WANT TO TURN IT OFF THAN GO INTO CONTROL PLANEL AND OPEN PARENT CONTROL, AND PEOPLE NEAR ME.

RODGANDYSR

yes you can fix this by upgrading or replacing your current operating system, you can also repair this by using your winxp cd but when you think your pc have slowed down its better if you will reformat this to speed up your access to windows. there are some softwares in the market that repairs, remove your registry which speed up your system.
hoping this will help you