I gave the reinstall of xp using discs here:

http://en.community.dell.com/forums/p/19286395/19524917.aspx#19524917

Managing your Start Up Menu using MSCONFIG

Start > Run > (type in) MSCONFIG (then enter)

Then Naviagate to the start up tab

Do not disable anything saying Intel, ATI, NVIDIA, McAfee (or your antivirus stuff),  conexant or broadcom drivers.

Things for example I disable Adobe, ITUNES, QUICKTIME, Installshield.

For best results list what you have.

Huw

Looks like most issues have been covered over in the hardware forum thread

I.e. memory capacity & security type software

Never have more than one AV installed

Agree with natakuc4, I wouldn’t use registry cleaner type software

Yes, disabling some startup items can cause problems but you can always enable them again

Have you looked in Task Manager to see what if anything is hogging CPU/memory?

Dell Support step-by-step procedures for both the Dell PC Restore & Windows Clean Install are here

Most use the Dell PC Restore (Ctrl & F11 function keys) if available & it still works

Only because there’s no need for CD/DVD media & it’s a bit quicker

Some prefer to use Windows Clean install to remove Dell preinstalled trial type software that they don’t want

After you do a Clean Install the Dell PC Restore won’t work when using Ctrl & F11 function keys

Click on the above link, read each method & decide which one you want to use

No matter what method you use, the most time consuming part is downloading & installing Windows updates

Install critical updates (includes any Service Packs) first

Or as already suggested by natakuc4, depends on version of your XP CD, download & install Service Pack(s) on you back up media & use that to update windows

The choice is yours, just read & follow each step carefully, run off a print if required

Regarding back up of personal data, suggested categories are mentioned in above procedures

You will need to reinstall any application software either from the relevant Setup CD media or download/Install source e.g. MS Office, iTunes etc..

AV scan ALL your back up data before transferring it back to your computer hard drive

Edit: ooops & it looks like I was a bit slow typing my reply

Also just double checked the Dell Support procedures

Unfortunately back up step has been changed, previous version listed categories of personal data to back up

Many thanks Natakuc - I felt a bit cheeky using somebody else's thread to try and sort out my problems!!! Hence this new post here.

You seem to have covered everything - I will study what you have written and try it out. I'll start with the startup menu and let you know how it works. Here's the list:

isuspm, issch, DLACTRW, ccApp, sprtcmd, dsca, AppleSyncNotifier, atiptaxx, ituneshelper, AAWtray, reader_sl, Mediadetect, CTSysvol, SKDaemon, stsystra, ybrwicon, qtask, wrtmon, realsched, ctfmon, GoogleToolbarNotifier, Digital Line Detect, Quickscan, Service Manager

Thanks again for such an informative reply.

Huw

Hi there again.

I have now backed up onto an external HDD. All the files are in DAT form - not sure what to do with them whan I need them!!

I have been browsing other threads regarding similar problems with performance. It seems to me that it may be a memory problem that I have.

In windows Task Manager, my 'commit charge' - whatever that is - is over 520 most of the time - right now it's 600+. Should I be looking to upgrade before messing around with re-installs/restores etc? Any advice regarding recommended memory gratefully received.

Thanks

Huw

Guess you used the backup program on windows, I meant to actually copy and paste all your files over onto the external harddrive, documents, pictures & music. Thats always the way I have backed my files up.

How much RAM do you have? See here for Memory for your system (run the memory scan on the site aswell):

http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Dimension%205150

It is most likely you have a 32bit Operating sstem so it is pointless installing more then 3.5/4Gb of RAM. It depends on what you are doing with your computer but I have found 2Gb of RAM to hit a nice spot for XP. You should install matching pairs. See information below. I recommend either 2×1Gb modules or 4×1Gb modules or 2×2Gb modules.

• Maximum Memory:   8192MB
• Slots:   4 (2 banks of 2)
• Standard Memory:   512MB removable
• USB Support:   2.x Compliant
• Although the memory can be installed one module at a time, the best performance comes from using matched pairs of modules.

Q: Will my system recognize the maximum upgrade?

Q: What memory goes into my computer, and will a faster speed be backward-compatible?

Q: How much memory can my computer handle?

Q: Do I have to install matching pairs?

Q: Does my computer support dual-channel memory?

Q: Does my computer support ECC memory?

For fitting instructions refer to the service manual:

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim5150/en/sm/parts1.htm#wp1364711

Quote “I have been browsing other threads regarding similar problems with performance.”

Read this thread (2 pages) click here

It may help if you post some of your 5150 build spec & Task Manger information?

If you intend to upgrade memory, better do Clean Install first, otherwise you may get Setup errors