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UNSOLVED
TOO SLOW
I would like some tips on improving the performance of my PC. I have a Dimension 4600, Windows XP Pro, Cable Internet access, I do the Temp. Internet File clean-up and empty the recycle bin regularly. In spite of the fact that I went into START, RUN, typed in MSCONFIG then went into startup to eliminate certain programs from running at start-up and those that run in the background without my knowing, my PC is still running too slow. I have Spybot & Ad-Aware to eliminate Spyware and run it regularly. I have Norton Internet Security (current also). So what is left? It takes a while for some windows to open, e.g. MSWord, Excel, IE, OE...you name it, it takes several seconds and they should open up right-a-way without hesitations. Any suggestions?
Please email me at (
wna7@hotmail.com) and type in the subject line "DELL TIPS" so that I won't delete any pointers that you may have that I am ignorant about. THX!
LINDA
First, Nortons is a resource hog, and will slow down some systems as it did mine. Second, do you have enough ram installed ? Windows xp likes 512 on its own in order to run at its best. Is your hard drive full or near full, which might slow things down as well, not sure. You did not mention but don't forget to defrag the hard drive. Do you have SP-2 and all the updates installed ? Have you kept up to date the anti virus and run same ?
Dim 4400 ( 2002 )
2.6 Ghz
Bios A06
1 Gb DDR 2100
Windows XP Home
SP-2
1703 FP LCD monitor
PC-Cillin Internet SecurityMessage Edited by SR45 on 04-17-2005 07:08 PM
- Before doing anything you should gather some facts. 1 - Did your PC ever run as fast as you expected?, 2 - How much memory do you have? 3 - Did you use the Task Manager to determine available resources ? 4 - Does the Task Manager report any Resources Hogs. 5 - What process are actually running, that is actually using CPU time not just in the Process List. P.S. I am running Norton AV on all my PCs (four) and from my actual measurments it is not a resourced hog.
- It's only been within the past couple of months that my PC has been running really slow. And interestingly, you mentioning the CPU, reminded me of trying to open a link and the CPU reading was at 0%. I have enough knowledge to know with 0% something is not right. It was only when trying to open that particular link that I got this CPU reading on the bottom of the screen (leftside between window and taskbar, right of the IE symbol). Otherwise, I have never encountered any kind of CPU reading. The TASK MANAGER, I have no idea how to use it or how to read it. Memory, I have plenty.
- ?????? What am I supposed to accomplish by doing the Ctrl-Alt-Delete? Of course I did that in order to close the stupid window that would not open from that link, but even trying to shut down certain programs would not work. I continuously got a message saying that the shutting down of that program was not responding and then asked me if I wanted to send MS a report.*redface* I didn't pay attention in noticing the Ctrl-Alt-Delete was actually the Task Manager. Oooops! :smileysurprised:
Hi Amigirl
The easy way to pull up task manager is to press Ctrl+ALT+Delete at the same time. Good luck
Inspiron XPS Gen 1
3.4 H/T processor
1 gig ram
256 ddr ati 9800
15.4 wide aspect ultra sharp
wuxga(1920x1200) display
Operating system windows xp home
Service pk 2
Logitech MX750 wireless mouse
Nostromo n52 gamepadIs your computer slow just when you are on line surfing or all of the time ?Here are a couple things to try
1.Open internet explorer Click tools then click internet options select general tab click on delete cookies then delete files then clear history.Then click the advanced tab then click on the restore defaults button.
2.Go here http://www.cleanup.stevengould.org/ and download. This is a nifty and easy and free tool it get's rid of junk files that you don't need it does a better job than windows. (run often)
3.If you don't have theese three programs get them Spybot search and Destroy Also lavasoft Adware se and Spyware Blaster you can download theese free at www.download.com and www.majorgeeks.com . (run theese 3 often also)
4.Click start then run type in msconfig click on startup write down all checked programs go here to see which ones that are needed in your startup. If they arent listed as needed uncheck them http://www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php make sure all your anti virus is checked that is the most important along with a couple specific microsoft programs.You can always add one by one the ones that you can't find out what they are.Just start out with minumal things in your startup.Reeboot a screen will come up stating you made changes in startup select to use that startup and not to show again.
5.Click start then my computer then right click on local disc( c:) then click on properties then click on disc cleanup when the box appears put checks in all boxes then click ok.Then click disc cleanup again when box comes up select more options at the bottom you will see system restore click the cleanup button there only then ok.Then select the tool's tab click defragment when the defrag box comes up click the defrag button.Reboot and see if it helped. Good Luck
Inspiron XPS Gen 1
3.4 H/T processor
1 gig ram
256 ddr ati 9800
15.4 wide aspect ultra sharp
wuxga(1920x1200) display
Operating system windows xp home
Service pk 2
Logitech MX750 wireless mouse
Nostromo n52 gamepadMessage Edited by jeffcmfrt on 04-18-200506:28 PM
Message Edited by jeffcmfrt on 04-18-2005 06:28 PM
Message Edited by jeffcmfrt on 04-18-2005 06:43 PM
AMIGIRL
6 Posts
341
0
Posted April 17th, 2005 23:00
Thanks for your reply. I have plenty of RAM, 512 and I have an 80GB HD with more than 3/4 of the HD free. A defrag I did a couple of days ago, SP-2 I downloaded shortly after buying my PC (back in Oct. 2004) it gave me problems so DELL had me do a System Restore back to day 1 to get rid of it, and in the process I lost a few valuable files. I was mad about that. I did not want to go back thaaaat far and lose things. GRRRR! My anti-virus definitions are up to date as well.