Why is my computer SO SLOW!?

[RcRotaryMadness]

One for the IT guys on here...

We have two packard bell windows desktops... the one I use which is on windows 7 is fine, but the other one which is slightly older runs like an old dog with arthritis.


Its an intel quad core 2.5Ghz pc running windows vista (standard home edition i think)

It has 2Gb of ram

and all it is used for is internet browsing - thats pretty much it.


But it takes forever to do anything which I don't understand as the processor in it isnt much different to the good PC.

I have done some googling and it seems clearing the system registery is supposed to help... But i'm unsure what software to use and some proper guidence on what to do..

Anything else I can do (I have already deleted old programs, files and de-fragmented the HD but its still a snail of a computer)

Any advice?

Thanks
Matt

[exiged]

I put a post up about this a while back.tried adware/ spyware sweeps,ran avg virus,deleted files and software i no longer use,defragged the hd and it was marginally better.the only real way to cure is to reformat though.

[RcRotaryMadness]

I did do a reformat ages ago and it did work well for a while.. but I was hoping for a quicker/easier fix than having to rebuild the whole machine again.. I want get to the route cause of why the PC slows down in the first place, their must be a reason.

All it needs do is run an internet browser and yet it struggles to do it - My mobile phone works faster on the 3G network! lol!

[LaurenceGough]

Don't clean the registry Microsoft recommends against this and it does not benefit in the long run.

Download and run the following weekly: [url=http://www.safer-networking.org/dl/]Download | Spybot ©[/url] This normally makes a huge difference depending on what it finds and removes.

There should be no need to reformat with Windows 7, Vista is similar...

Make sure the computer has good airflow through it, dust can build up over time.

I would download this program to check your CPU temperature: [url=http://www.techpowerup.com/downloads/2089/Real_Temp_3.70.html]Download Real Temp 3.70 | techPowerUp[/url]

Use Firefox ([url]www.getfirefox.com[/url]) or Google Chrome as your web browser.

[jimmyhorns]

Vista is terrible for this. Windows 7 is a lot better.

Essentially your computer is full of crap, windows is forever making files, slowing itself down.

Thats a very non-technical explaination.

I used to have to do it all the time on XP and windows vista (about every year or so, depends on use).

It shouldnt take much more than a few hours to copy off what you need and do a reformat, and will save you time in the long run,.

Windows 7 doesnt seem to have the same issue (yet) for me, and my linux stuff never has these issues.

[DarthMole]

downloand and install CCleaner, great for removing the clutter windows vista accumulates.

[buckers]

Try and reduce the number of processes you have running at any one time. Windows task manager will give you the info as to how many are running. Look at the bottom left hand corner.
There are loads of other things you can do to speed things up. It's lots of little things that all add up, if you do not want to format it completely, that is !
HTH

[pchristy]

I think the clue is in the bit where you said its running Windows..........!

;)

[Gingerr6]

[QUOTE=Young Gun;888830]One for the IT guys on here...

We have two packard bell windows desktops... the one I use which is on windows 7 is fine, but the other one which is slightly older runs like an old dog with arthritis.


Its an intel quad core 2.5Ghz pc running windows vista (standard home edition i think)

It has 2Gb of ram

and all it is used for is internet browsing - thats pretty much it.


But it takes forever to do anything which I don't understand as the processor in it isnt much different to the good PC.

I have done some googling and it seems clearing the system registery is supposed to help... But i'm unsure what software to use and some proper guidence on what to do..

Anything else I can do (I have already deleted old programs, files and de-fragmented the HD but its still a snail of a computer)

Any advice?

Thanks
Matt[/QUOTE]

VISTA SIMPLES.... get rid :)

[dillwhacker]

Agreed about Vista - both my Vista machines have been dog-slow, and I'm not sure 2GB of RAM is enough for Vista - not an expert though.
Win 7 and Chrome = fast and smooth for me.

[NoFixedAbode]

Download ubuntu or kubuntu. You can run from live no need to install to hd. You will find it will **** all over winblows. After you can install to hd and dual boot.

[Bronek]

Since as you say you are only using it for Internet browsing I would agree that change of the system will likely cure your problems (and bring new ones, lol). You may also try small hardware upgrade e.g. SSD , I read recently that Samsung 830 are available for a very good price. You can install one and either reinstall your old system (don't forget antivirus) or try a new one, either way will improve your computer's performance.

[RcRotaryMadness]

Thanks for all the advice chaps...

I'm going to try some of the "Clean up" solutions you've mentioned above and see how that does - If its still no good i might rebuild it with windows 7 and upgrade the ram to 4GB (max it can take for that machine)

I say might - because it might be cheaper to buy another tower with windows 7 already on it etc than buy the upgrade discs or whatever... will look into it.

Will report back with what happens.

Thanks all
Matt

[RcRotaryMadness]

The clean up kits have helped a lot in getting it running at a useable speed, so I'm happy at that, like I say It only needs to run IE so won't be spending money on any upgrades. Will just replace the pc when it wont work at all..