Community Newsletter: Q&A: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer?
- 8/15/08 9:58 AM
One sentence solution to your problem
by rashidtem - 8/9/08 12:17 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Purchase a MAC. Worth each and every penny.
How much ram do you have?
by Hovi1768 - 8/9/08 12:19 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
This is question 1.
If you need ram then there is nothing you can do to to speed up your pc.
The list below will help, not cure if there is a ram shortage.
1. programs that aren't needed
Go to add/remove programs & remove them
2. how many of them have permission to start up & then run on your computer in the backround, stealing vital memory?
Do a ctrl+alt+delete to open task manager & click on the processes tab to see what's running in the backround. You will probably be mortified to see just how much is.
To turn them off
Google this term
"pcpitstop disable programs"
At The top search link you'll find a tutorials in plain english of how to stop them.
3. Spyware? it's a huge problem.
This could be adding to what ails you.
Google this term
"The Best-ever Freeware Utilities" & check out Gizmo's list.
Also the top link for this search.
Install a free copy of Ccleaner which can be found with a google search. Open it up & you can choose the options you'd like to remove what many have suggested already. this however does it @ the press of a button.
No spyware attached, but just be sure to uncheck the yahoo toolbar addon in the installation.
Ram ram ram is the key. it can be purchased for dell pc's very cheaply nowadays.
Go to crucial dot com put in your model, & they do the work, so you know exactly the ram you need & you will see just how cheap it is.
Installation is a snap.
you can find many a good video tutorial @ youtube to show you step by step how to install by just searching there for install ram tutorial
Good Luck
Simple and as "step by step" as it gets.
by Dango517 - 8/9/08 12:43 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/speed.mspx?wt_svl=10073XPHa1&mg_id=10073XPHb1
Buying RAM:
Run this scan:
http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/
Since money is no object buy what they recommend, from them. If it is, then:
Find out what those specifications mean then
Buy two 1 GB RAMS to match there specifications.
Then find a better price somewhere else.
PC + simple = oxymoron
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oxymoron
This thread untracked.
answer to the question.........
by mritunjay_8 - 8/9/08 12:45 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
5 ways to speed up your PC
By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your computer and keep it running smoothly. This article discusses how to use the tools available in Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) and Windows Vista to more efficiently maintain your computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.
Free up disk space Free up disk space
Speed up access to data Speed up access to data
Detect and repair disk errors Detect and repair disk errors
Protect your computer against spyware Protect your computer against spyware
Learn all about ReadyBoost Learn all about ReadyBoost
Free up disk space
By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you want to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
•
Remove temporary Internet files.
•
Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets).
•
Empty the Recycle Bin.
•
Remove Windows temporary files.
•
Remove optional Windows components that you don't use.
•
Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most amount of space because the browser caches each page you visit for faster access later.
To use Disk Cleanup
1.
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might be prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.
Image of Disk Cleanup dialog box
2.
In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through the content of the Files to delete list.
Image of Disk Cleanup for dialog box
Choose the files that you want to delete.
3.
Clear the check boxes for files that you don't want to delete, and then click OK.
4.
When prompted to confirm that you want to delete the specified files, click Yes.
After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner and performing better.
Top of pageTop of page
Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer.
Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.
When to run Disk Defragmenter
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you should run it too, such as when:
•
You add a large number of files.
•
Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
•
You install new programs or a new version of Windows.
To use Disk Defragmenter:
1.
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.
Image of the Disk Defragmenter dialog box
Click Analyze to start the Disk Defragmenter.
2.
In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment, and then click the Analyze button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before defragmenting it to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation process will take.
3.
To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment button. Note: In Windows Vista, there is no graphical user interface to demonstrate the progress—but your hard drive is still being defragmented.
After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.
4.
To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.
5.
To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
6.
To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, click the Close button on the title bar of the window.
Top of pageTop of page
Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.
As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.
If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.
To run the Error Checking utility:
1.
Close all open files.
2.
Click Start, and then click My Computer.
3.
In the My Computer window, right-click the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.
4.
In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.
5.
Click the Check Now button.
6.
In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.
Image of Check Disk dialog box
7.
If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.
Tip: Only select the "Automatically fix file system errors" check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.
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Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you know and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and your confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance. To combat spyware, you might want to consider using Microsoft Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and is available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2. Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software programs available.
Top of pageTop of page
Learn all about ReadyBoost
If you're using Windows Vista, you can use ReadyBoost to speed up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a system, it allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB flash drive or a memory card—to improve performance without having to add additional memory. Learn more.
What I read and what I missed reading.
by drogen1 - 8/9/08 3:32 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
No mention of Sysinternals eh? Process Explorer maybe?
First rule Gail don't click on links in blog sites. That said, and it is well advised here is the link to the Systernals Home Page:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/default.aspx
And if you actually heed proper advice go to Microsoft's Home Page, safe enough, and type in "sysinternals" in the search box. Third one down from the top of results will be the link as pasted above.
Process Explorer is the program that you want in order to see just what is taking all the process time. Post '98' stated a similar excersise but Process Explorer is far more useable than taskmanager. Taskmanager can be selected by Right-clicking the bottom bar on your desktop called the taskbar by coincidence If some program is grabbing all the processor time then all the memory in the world won't speed your system performance.
A couple stories are in order here...My niece had a lap-top that went too slow to even use. I was able to download a copy of Ad-Aware and Ad-Aware detected over 400 malcodes on her computer. Using Spybot Search & Destroy in combination with Ad-Aware I was able to pretty much get rid, but not all of the malwares. This is why your reading solutions using Spyware detectors. People who like to download entertainment have a tendency to pick up trouble-making ware as well.
Another story...My friend has a dual processor Sony Vaio desktop and the Zone Alarm firewall had completely taken over one of the processors. As it was his computer I suggested he uninstall the ZA firewall. He recovered all the computer he lost by doing that. So the point to this story is maybe just maybe a program designed and intended to keep you safe is robbing you of needed performance. Process Explorer will help you to find if that's the case or not. Is is quite similar to the already built-in taskmanager but with Process Explorer you can manipulate the program much better...stopping the selected program but not shutting it down, or lowering it's priority to get the processor's attention. I'm surprised no one mentioned any of these utilitles. Just like a bicycle, self-sufficiency is the name of the game. Get a flat, change it yourself. Know how to change it. All you need to do is master the fear of the unknown. And so it is with computers. You are your own best babysitter, not a tech. Just takes time to grapple with consternation.
When OneCare, anti-virus by Microsoft, first came out it too would grab the processor to the point even the mouse wouldn't respond. After a few Creator's Name in vain in answer to Microsoft's query as to why I was un-installing OneCare Microsoft developed a kinder gentler OneCare that didn't hog all the processor when it was worried. So these Anti-virus programs can be the culprit.
If you've already got 512 megabytes of memory adding more to make a Gigabyte may speed it up a bit. But going to 2 Gigabytes might not show any improvment. You have to make sure your page-file is activated. "Windows Key" + pause break, then "performance" then clicking the advanced tabs will get you there to see if you have your page-file in operation. Curiosity can certainly help get you there. I let Windows have all the memory for a page-file it wants, but it really isn't necessary to let it have all that much. "Allow Windows" is what I'm referring to.
OneCare has a free system scanner. If you can leave your computer alone for about twelve hours OneCare with give your computer a 'tune-up' Googling 'one care scanner' will get you there. And just who knows their software best?
You can update your drivers via Device Manager you can get that via "Windows Key" + pause break key as well. Learn to make use of the right mouse key when confronted to unknown utilities. Computer Management will have it as well.
The more I write the more confusing I sound I suspect. Just study that page link I left. If you do you'll know more than all these 139 bottles of beer on the wall, yes you will.
Speed it up
by drillerboy - 8/9/08 5:30 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I have had some experience helping a few friends that were ready to buy new computers when I knew their old ones were perfectly adequate. First I would hope you are using xp for an operating system, that being the case the easiest fix is to maximize your memory, although I have found 512mb to be quite adequate on a lot of xp systems. Next I have been surprised to find Norton utilities of various versions to be a cure worse than the disease, getting this uninstalled and replaced with Grisoft AVG is a big step in the right direction, and maybe running Adaware, both these can be downloaded free. Hard drives are cheap, gettting a new bigger one and using the old one for data backup is a neat way to go. You can buy Acronis Trueimage online and make a bootable copy of your harddrive in less than an hour in many cases. Then you can optimize the new drive with the utility built into windows. Obviously it helps to have a friend that is a bit computer savy to help.
how to keep your computer fast?
by omarshn - 8/9/08 5:47 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
dear gail
open the control panel then admistrative tools then the Services and chage the unimportant thing to manual and stop them u will improve your computer speed.
omar yousry,
sencery yours
How to speed up your computer
by btberlin - 8/9/08 5:48 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Here's the most effective way to have a computer that boots faster, runs faster, and provides the applications you need to play music, play video, browse the web, read email and do word processing.
Take your computer to a shop. Ask them to save all your documents, downloaded music, pictures, and so on. Then, ask them to install Ubuntu Linux - the latest Long-Term-Support version. Then, they will restore your data. Ubuntu will provide the applications you need to browse, do word processing, look at and manage your photos, download and listen to music, transfer music to and manage your iPod or Sansa or whatever mp3 player you use, read email, and so on.
Maintenance on your part is easy. Here's what you do to avoid viruses and trash that slows you down. Nothing.
If you absolutely MUST have windoze for a few applications you can't live without, ask them to create a second boot partition, and put a small installation of windoze on it, along with your must-have apps, like TurboTax. Alternatively, spring for a personal license for VmWare. That will allow you to run Windoze as below in a minimal way. The separate partition is safer.
Use Windoze seldom, and only for those special can't-live-without applications, and never for browsing or reading email.
Once you get over the learning period of using Ubuntu and its applications, you just won't look back or ever want Windoze again.
Ubuntu 8.04 LTS...
by psychomichael - 8/9/08 6:35 AM In reply to: How to speed up your computer by btberlinI replied before seeing your post...Ubuntu 8.04 LTS hasn't been perfected yet. I'm waiting for Intrepid Ibex before upgrading because I don't want to risk the chance of window's-like issues that have been reported. 7.10 is the most reliable at this time for all users and won't scare newbies off.
RE: Speed up
by beck2512 - 8/9/08 5:57 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
Gail!
Seen this when is searched the forums,Try this to see if this
will help you....
Start> RUN> type in MSCONFIG,then go to the last item, it will say
start up,make sure you only have a Virus running,that will protect you
from any virus,s....I only have One item Running in my start up,AVG
the rest if i need them I turn them on when I need them...
Hope this helps you Gail...
beck2512
Questions First.....
by jgilder - 8/9/08 6:07 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
I work at a place where I get this question all day long. The very first question I'm going to ask is what kind of Anti-Virus/Anti-Spyware is on your computer. I run across sooo many people who either don't have anything that's up to date or have two running at the same time. I had one customer where they kept adding security software every year one on top from the other. Gail, if you are running Norton remove it ASAP. Norton used to be a great product. It will find the viruses but, run a speed test and you'll see that on a technical specs level it uses double the amount of RAM compared to other security softwares. I wish I had a nickel for every time we fixed a person's computer by removing Norton. Also, remove or tweak any unneeded programs that are constantly running in the background that you don't need at hand. Or if your hard drive is at 80% percent capacity sometimes computers start to act crazy because it's getting tight and the files aren't pulling in and out as easy because they're running out of room. I use a 7200 rpm external hard drive for all my documents and it pulls them out in a flash (using firewire connection).
The easiest, quickest & simplest solution...
by psychomichael - 8/9/08 6:31 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
You will probably never get away from slow computer issues as long as you're using Windows. Updating drivers, downloading registry cleaners and other software that swears it will clean your hard drive, clearing your cache, etc., will not help in the long run because Windows is inherently flawed. If you want a real solution that I have used and that I personally have been satisfied with, switch to Linux. I prefer Ubuntu 7.10 and haven't had a single crash since installing on my computer. Gone forever are the days of the Blue Screen of Death. I don't recommend installing Ubuntu 8.04 because that version has not been perfected.
If you only use your computer to browse the internet, listen and download music, watch videos, use Word & Excel-type programs, you will never have a problem with the switch to linux and will find that it is far superior to anything you've ever experienced with Windows. If you never want to pay $100-$500 for a cool game or program again, linux is for you because all programs, software and games are FREE and can be downloaded from a single source.
I personally have a second computer with Windows XP that is NEVER allowed online. I use it solely for music and video editing because linux doesn't yet have good competing programs available that I like to use...but programmers are working 24/7 to change that.
So, that was MY solution. It worked for me. Take a look around at the linux alternatives like Ubuntu or even Mandriva, which has the look and feel of Windows. You can download the disc images or get free installation discs from Ubuntu or Mandriva...and can try it before installing it on your hard drive. I was skeptical for a long time, but after almost a year of using it, I'm sold.
Are you ready for a real solution?
by Robynsveil - 8/9/08 7:11 AM In reply to: The easiest, quickest & simplest solution... by psychomichaelI have to agree with PsychoMichael... to a point. From what I gather, you are somewhat of a novice in terms of maintaining your PC, software or hardware. If you are keen to learn, good ON ya, have a go at some of the advice you've read on this forum and see if you can tune up your Windows PC. Save all your important stuff first, though. Burn it to a DVD or Cds.
Spend some time reading some of the better advice on this forum... ask questions, get on other forums, ask, ask, ask. Be an annoyance. You will get answers. You might have to develop a thick skin - like you saw on here, some people can be a bit rude (even if they don't mean to be).
Do you use MSN Messenger? It's notorious for leaving a huge amount of .tmp files over time. I can't tell you the amount of times I've been asked to look at a PC that was limping along on what seemed to be its last legs and got rid of *gigabytes* of tmp files... because M$ writes such rubbish software that doesn't clean up after itself properly.
To get rid of them, you can hit WindowsKey [F] to bring up the search dialog
-> All Files and Folder
and simply enter *.tmp in the "all or part of the file name" box. Make sure the "Search Hidden Files and Folders" box is ticked under the "More Advanced Option" dropdown... M$ reckons these files are valuable enough to *hide!
I have cleaned up seriously gigabytes, Gail. And every one of these tmp files have to be checked whenever you do anything in Windows... which is one of the reasons I've gone with Linux.
That, and I love the feeling of internet safety (nil infections from viruses or spyware *without* AV or anti-spyware software installed - don't need it), the stability, dependability, computer *never* slows down, I can leave it on for days... weeks... months, if I want to. Try that with a Windows PC. I only use Windows XP for Poser 7... and never get on the net in Windows. I'm typing this in Linux, using Firefox 3.0.1.
There is so much free software. I could go on, but before I whet your appetite any further, there *is* a downside. Linux - any distro (means distribution, different program interfaces and applications are bundled with the core operating system called Linux) - is going to require a little bit more understanding of your PC than what Windows does. Unless you go out and purchase a Dell laptop with Ubuntu Linux 8.04 pre-installed, you'll have to study a bit on how the whole thing works. It's not rocket science - if I can do, *anyone* can - but it does require a bit of time and patience.
So, even though Linux may sound great, you might not be quite ready for it yet. If you feel you are, have a look at:
http://ubuntuforums.org
They're a real neat bunch of people, and very helpful. They've always been there for me when I got lost... lovely community spirit.
Good luck, Gail!
Just another reason why take it to a good XP Tech.
by Finge - 8/9/08 1:24 PM In reply to: Are you ready for a real solution? by RobynsveilGail doesn’t need alternatives. She’s got an aggravating comp that needs a good XP tech hold of it and help her make decisions about it. Learning what you all know, researching it, trying to know what works and what won’t, some advise is excellent, and some is iffy, but either way, good or bad, again out of sequence is just another nail in the coffin. To prove a point, take Messenger Live, as opposed to the 4.7 version that comes with XP. I use both myself but the Live version is tweaked to the teeth to not be a chatter-box, be secure, and do it’s job without the crap that comes from just install and go. Not a good idea. All versions of Messenger are potentially problematic due to the ever changing Net and Microsoft’s upgrades, that’s why I initiate the 4.7 version as a backup. Don’t hit me with alternatives. I have those as well. I talking Messenger because it was mentioned, and we’re on a “Gail” consumer subject, not a geek or IT-LAN party.
SQM temp files? No problem on a Consumer XP machine. Among the many edits and switches available to tame Messenger is one I created to eliminate SQM temp file buildup. Once you implement this fix, you’ll not have to worry them again. This is for the techs who deal with consumers using XP and MSN Messenger versions that generate SQM(s).
Create a notepad file in the root of C:\SQMClean.bat
Edit it and paste in these lines:
cd\
c:
attrib c:*.sqm -h
del C:*.sqm
Once the file is created, and if you currently have SQM files in the root, go ahead and execute the file. It’ll delete every SQM temp file in the root. Then for the consumers sake, change the attribute on the bat to read only and hidden.
The trick is using XP’s “Scheduled Tasks” to create a new auto using that batch file and set it to run at logon. During the setup, select the “Open Advance Properties” option then Finish. In the Task Properties, select “Run only if Logged On” despite the already selected run at logon, Apply and OK.
No more SQM’s.
This is the simplest example among tons of some seriously more complicated automatics based on the (tweaked for consumers) principle that takes care of them without their need to deal with this stuff, and help the tech in post servicing.
User’s just want to use the machine, not be out in the garage working on it all the time or be on the net constantly trying desperately to find answers in a field of briers they simply don’t understand especially when it would take the entire gambit to achieve what she wants. But for those who wish to catch a working answer to a specific problem, this a great site to go to.
Take the machine to a knowledgeable XP tech. (Why stay with XP(pro) over Vista? For a consumer or Office Setup, that’s another encyclopedia.)
Finge
add RAM
by tech532 - 8/9/08 6:36 AM In reply to: In plain English, how do I speed up a slow computer? by Lee Koo (ADMIN)
My Dell Dimension had also slowed to a virtual crawl. After reading all the forums (thank you to all the pros who share their advice), I deleted unnecessary files, got an external hard drive to off-load pictures and itunes, and then installed (myself!) more RAM. Go to the Dell website to see how much RAM your specific model can handle. That will be the major limitation. To all non-techies - do not be afraid of opening the computer. -- it was surprisingly easy and cheap.
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