Dell PC running slow..

Hello Bev,

Thanks; for your answer..it is very helpful.

I have used Crucial memory adviser tool and scanned my PC. It does confirm what you are saying regarding the 3.5 GB memory maximum for 32 Bit.

On You Tube, I found a very good video, also promoting Crucial to scan one's PC to find out how much memory it has, how many slots and maximum memory capacity.

It also says that the speed of the added memory must much the speed of the memory already in place.

[View:http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsXNT6fnHmM

What confuses me is the memory for Dimension 9150 on Dell has a different memory speed (800) than the one suggested by Crucial (5300).

Crucial in its scan says that the speed on the memory in place is (5200); is it safe for me to open my PC, take out the memory card and check what the memory speed is? without causing any problem to my PC?              

Alice                                  

Hi Bev,

I have installed 4 x 1 GB from Crucial, as you suggested and removed the old memory, as suggested by Crucial for better performance.

Although the newly installed memory appears in my PC Properties, which shows that I have installed it properly, the computer speed has improved but not as much I expected.

Through Dell website I did a System Mechanic scan. 9 problem types were found.

One of them says:

Your memory level appears low (1.40 GB physical RAM available)

My PC Properties says Installed Memory (RAM): 4 GB (3.50 GB usable)??

Should I get System Mechanic, recommended by Dell, to fix all 9 problem types?

I have been using this PC for 6 years and it is definitely not running properly.

Alice

Hello Bev,

First, I want to thank you for continuing to help me with my PC issues.

With your help, I am making huge progress..:emotion-1:

I had already saved all the important Data before installing the new Crucial Memory (RAM).

So I was able to download http://www.piriform.com/CCLEANER, did a scan and fix it. It made a huge difference in my PC. It released 20 GB of storage space, and the speed of my PC is greatly enhanced.

I am not able to download http://helpdeskgeek.com/windows-xp-tips/99-ways-to-make-your-computer-blazingly-fast/; it keeps asking me "Choose the program you want to use to open this file"; which ever one I choose, Adobe Reader/ Internet Explorer .. it is not opening.

Another thing I have noticed, is that my Windows7 Disk Defragmenter is not functionning (not starting).

Thanks again for your valuable help,

Alice

Alice,

Wow, 20gb, you must be really loaded with unwanted trash.

Did you run Ccleaner's registry option?

Remember to create a backup when requested, just in case.

Never use the default Win 7 Disk defrag, I've always used Piriform's Defraggler, download the free version from Piriform's site and try using it.

Click 'defrag' and use the 'Quick Defrag' option.

Also, download Malwarebytes free version and try using, it's an excellent utility.

http://www.malwarebytes.org/lp/malware_lp?gclid=CIrN7t2E07ACFWkCQAodYzDL1Q

What Anti virus program are you running, I've been using Microsoft free Sercurity Essentials?

Bev.

Hi Alice,

Forgot to mention, I again tried the link to '99 Ways to Make Your Computer Blazingly Fast' and it works fine for me.  :emotion-43:

Bev.

Hello Bev,

Yes, I have downloaded and run/ fix it CCleaner; this is the one that has cleaned up 20 GB of Trash!

I have today downloaded/ run Deffraggler. Worked like a dream. My C: Drive was 50% fragmented; it is now fixed.

I have also downloaded AVG. now my PC is considered Good for Security. No Malware found, after downloading and running Malwarebytes.

I have downloaded and run "Free Scan" the following:

          -Reimage – which finds my PC has System stability issues

          -SpeedMaxPc – 517 faults (mainly System Problems & Junk Files)

          -SpeedPC Pro – 527 faults (mainly System Problems & Junk Files)

          -System Checkup – Recommended by Dell, now finds 7 level of faults, when I started, it found 9 levels of faults

I am a bit confused by “99 Ways to Make Your Computer Blazingly”; It has a whole list of actions to be taken. Should I go through all of them?

Thanks again for your precious help,

Alice

Alice,

Big question, is your desktop running faster now?

A warning, don't overuse these 'fix it all' programs, I never have trusted or use them, they will aways find issues, plus could end up doing more harm than good and turning your computer into a brick.

AVG is fine, but I stopped using it several years ago, in favour of Microsoft Security Essenials, together with Malwarebytes, that I run daily.

AVG can be extremely hard to completely remove from your system, I ended going into the registry, to delete the last traces of it.

Avira seems to a better Anti Virus utility, than AVG,

http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

I also use, Defraggler and Ccleaner, these I use every second day and that's it.

Regards to '99 ways....', give it a read and bookmark it for future use, you probably have already done most of what is recommended.

Bev.

Hello Bev,

Yes, my desktop is running a lot faster since using CCleaner. Major improvement!!

Yes, I have realised yesterday by downloading all these “Fix it All” programmes, they can dangerous. After reading your post, I decided to delete all of them except CCleaner.
One of them “Reimage” caused some problems, when I did delete it. I could not get rid of a webpage which became my default webpage, under its name, telling me that I had won an Iphone..then later on I started realising a few things did not work anymore, like opening links in my e-mails, or my Nike+Ipod and Internet banking link were corrupted. I deleted Internet banking link and open a new and it worked fine. I am now able to open links are fixing it. My Nike+Ipod is still not functionning.

Regarding Security, I am already using Microsoft Security Essentials; I will follow you suggestions, to continue using it alongside Malwarebytes.

I have checked out Avira; it is chargeable software. Is it worth for buying it?

http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus

Ok noted about '99 ways....'

Alice

Alice111,

There is paid and a free version of Avira, the free version work's fine, a hint don't run two A/V utilities at the same time, only download and use one, they can clash and cause really bad issues, if you want to use Avira, then remove M/S Security Essentials first, personally I'm happy just using MSE and Malwarebytes, with Windows 7+8 and XP.

There is a handy free utility called 'Revo Uninstaller' for removing software, etc, that I use to remove unwanted utilties and programs.  :emotion-5: 

Bev.