IE not responding after increasing RAM

Question

I have a Dell Optiplex GX110 running Win 98 SE.

I experienced IE not responding after loading Earthlink TotalAccess 2004. Would have to end task and then reopen the browser. A suggestion was not enough memory. I now have 256k. Resource Meter is still showing below 40% when online. System Properties shows RAM at 256. When I boot up I have 73% free. System Information - Memory only shows 141mb used. Is there anything I need to adjust after increasing the memory to get it to use it not just recognize it?

Earthlink's suggestion was to turn off almost everything in the msconfig startup file.

I have run Symantec virus and hacker programs, Ad-aware and Spynuker programs. I don't think there is any viruses or Trojans on my PC that could be slowing this down.

Someone mentioned about deleting a *.swp file and so windows could write a new one with the new memory. Anybody know about this?

osprey4 · Answer

First, sounds like you have 256-MB of memory (or RAM). That's a good amount for that system and OS. Second, there is a difference between memory and system resources. Having your memory in use is a good thing, but having low system resources is not.

Post back and list exactly what programs are running in the background after you start your computer, by checking the task manager list (by hitting ctrl-alt-del). I'm not familiar with Earthlink but going from 73% to 40% when online does not sound right. Not even AOL hogs this much resource.

Bluehorse · Answer

Upon a fresh reboot I show 66% system resources free. Tasks listed are:
Explorer
Atrack
Navapw32
Hpofxm07
Hposts07
Hpoojd07
Hpoipm07
Hpoevm07
Hotsync
Spywareblocker
Iamapp
Monwow
Csinsm32
Netmeter
Em_exec
Systray
Nprotect
Csinject

After starting Earthlink Total Access 2004 System Resources were at 50% and the following were added to the Task list:

Microsoft Internert Explorer
Task Panel
Ipclient
Rnaapp

Thanks for your thoughts! This is driving me buggy ;)

osprey4 · Answer

Some of these background program can and should be eliminated, either by deleting them from the startup group or by unchecking them in the MSCONFIG startup list.

First, I suggest you check out this article regarding Netmeter:

http://www.2-spyware.com/file-netmeter-exe.html

I assume you have an HP printer of some sort, judging by the lengthy list of HP background programs. Few of these are necessary for the printer to function properly. I would contact HP about which ones to eliminate.

I know of no spyware-blocking software that needs to run in the background, unless you visit "certain sites" prone to cause these problems. Again, a program to eliminate.

Atrack is fully duplicated by the System Tray icon for NIS/NPF which displays an unmissable flashing red exclamation mark when an event you should know about has occurred. Disable by clicking on the System Tray icon for NIS/NPF and choose the "Hide Alert Tracker" menu option.

Em_Exec is used for easy access to your Logitech mouse functions, but unless you change these frequently is probably not needed.

Start there and see if things improve.

Bluehorse · Answer

Thanks for the info! I know what the netmeter is. I signed up for the Nielsen/NetRatings. I did turn off some of the things you mentioned and it seems to be working better. Thanks very much!!

osprey4 · Answer

I find it funny that Earthlink would tell you simply to turn off everything in MSCONFIG, since that disables some things you obviously need (like an anti-virus program).