by AK - Jeff 43 Replies latest social entertainment
192MB of RAM isn't very much. That might be why you're running slow. I'm not a computer geek, just the opposite actually, but you may need to install more RAM (or if you can afford it, get a new computer).
Reformatting wipes out all saved files and puts your PC back where it was when you first bought it. If you do have malware or a malicious bot, that will fix the problem, but the solution is pretty drastic.
Chris
How can I reformat the hard drive? Is this a difficult process? Will I lose files?
Yes. You'll loose everything.
Take a look at what's starting automagically. (start>run>winconfig take a look at the startup tab)
Also take a look at how much free space you have on you HD. Machines tend to slow down once the HD starts to fill up.
take a look at processes that are running (ctrl+shift+esc >process tab) you can sort by memory hogs, to see what's consuming your resources
Baring that, stop looking at the porn sites.
Yeah, 192MB of RAM is very low by today's standards. Upgrading will probably help, but it is hard to say how much. There are just so many factors when it comes to system performance.
As others pointed out, Windows systems typically do "slow down" over time due to adding software and hardware. I would stay away from registry cleaners. Removing registry entries will NOT speed up your computer (just like deleting files off your computer doesn't speed it up), and you run the risk of breaking things. Personally I don't trust those types of programs.
Reformatting will revert the system to a clean state, but you will need to be sure to back up your data first. You'll have to reinstall any programs you run, too. If you don't know how to reformat it, you probably shouldn't do it. It can be somewhat difficult to get all the hardware functioning again. If your system came with "Restore CDs" then you should reformat it using that method (assuming you decide to go that route). It will restore the system to the factory default state.
Other common reasons systems seem slow: age of system (processor technology), spyware, aggressive/inefficient antivirus software (what are you running?), hard drive starting to go bad, etc.
Honestly if your system is 5+ years old, forget about it. Don't waste your time. Just get a new system.
Machines tend to slow down once the HD starts to fill up.
This is technically true (files stored at the beginning of the disk are usually "faster" than the ones stored at the end of the disk which is used as the drive fills up), but the difference is usually not that noticeable in the real world.
Plus when you tell people this they think if they erase files they'll speed up their computer, which is not true.
but the difference is usually not that noticeable in the real world.
Bullshit. if he's running <200 RAM he's swapping loads of data to the HD.
Bullshit. if he's running <200 RAM he's swapping loads of data to the HD.
Correct. But the solution is to increase RAM to avoid swapping in the first place.
Correct. But the solution is to increase RAM to avoid swapping in the first place.
Wrong. You were right the first time. chuck the Compaq and upgrade to a new machine.
My real guess it the newer applications are more resource intensive, and that lil' machine just can't keep up.
If you're running IE 8, please run that fix I linked above.
You will notice a HUGE difference if you double your RAM.
Windows XP runs pretty well with 512 MB, as long as you're not doing advanced graphics/gaming stuff.
http://www.crucial.com/ is a great place to purchase RAM. Their site offers a tool that will scan your system and suggest upgrade.
I second the suggestion to use Crucial if you decide to upgrade your RAM. RAM is very cheap nowadays, so it may be worth a try before you throw in the towel and get a new system.
