slow computer

[osho67]

I get a feeling that my laptop has slowed down over last 3-6 months. Is there any free software I can run which might help. It may not help because the MHz is about 700-800. I have installed XP pro on the machine but that was very recently. C drive is 40 and memory is 124. If need be I can go back to Win 2000 (laptop came with it, I think)

Comments and help much appreciated.

 

[rossored]

Osho, run the tests at PC Pitstop.

They tell you the state of hard disk, whether you need a defrag, etc. Might be useful.

www.pcpitstop.com

 

[wheezergeezer]

Osho67

try running your Defrag, also so get rid of any old files that you don't use i.e. digital photo's, music files, I can't see that changing your XP back to win 2000 win make much difference !

good luck

 

[Racer]

Clear out the cache, cookies, temp files for IE, also check for spyware that is on your computer (I use Ad-Aware) www.lavasoft.de

 

[oatman]

You don't have a lot of RAM. I believe XP is greedier than Win2K so it might help to go back.
Simple answer is upgrade your RAM.

http://www.crucial.com/uk/index.asp?AID=5338677&PID=1264078

 

[osho67]

I forgot to mention few things. I am running broadband and the computer is running till 10. pm. I run defrag regularly and also clear out temp files for IE.

Will I be able to upgrade RAM? It had only 64 when I bought it and in the empty slot I added another 64.Can I remove both and put 128 each in both the slots? Laptop is compaq . I will do other things as suggested above.

Thanks to everybody for help

 

[wheezergeezer]

Osho67

The more RAM the better 512, or 256, check with the manufacture
as regards to upgrade............

 

[wheezergeezer]

PS, if you have a copy of Norton Utilities, try running that it may help.....

 

[oatman]

512 RAM will do anything, unless you're into video and all that.
Download this prog and it'll tell you all about your machine. You can then see what type of RAM you need.

http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1&subpage=5

 

[oatman]

When you've got Everest running, go to Motherboard/ SPD. That will tell you how many RAM slots you've got and the type of RAM.

 

[ilia king]

XP is much more greedy on RAM than 2000, as Oatman said 512 is enough, could you post your motherboard or laptop name as I think you could try getting the fastest 512, 3200? But that might not be supported. If you dont mind xp or 2000 try 2000.

 

[ChartMan]

RAm speed won't make any difference. Bin the 2 64K's and get 2x 256 or 1 x 512.

 

[osho67]

The machine is Compaq modek Presario series 1200. I am going to try to get 2x256 memory.I have two slots for ram-one had 64 and other was empty and I got another 64. I donot know about the memory prices and how much this might cost to put 2x256.

 

[oatman]

This is what I found at Crucial for your model.
You need the details of your motherboard. What is the maximum RAM yours will take?
http://www.crucial.com/uk/search/sr...ANDOR=AND&rowcount=20&cv=Crucial+UK&submit=Go

 

[osho67]

Thanks oatman

How do I find details of the motherboard?The exact model is 12XL222 . Your help much appreciated.

 

[oatman]

You should be able to get all the details from Everest.
http://www.lavalys.com/index.php?page=product&view=1&subpage=5
It looks like your RAM modules will only take 128 sticks. So you're stuck with a max of 256 if you've only got 2 slots.

 

[oatman]

I'm still looking :cheesy: How old is this machine? It looks like the 64mb RAM it came with is non-removable and the maximum your extra slot will take is 128. So you're stuck with 192max.
http://www.orcalogic.co.uk/asp/prodtype.asp?prodtype=1207&ft=m&st=3#
Maybe Chartman can comment.
I've never heard of these people and Kingston don't do yours. Crucial is the other one I've been to.

 

[osho67]

Thanks oatman

The machine was purchased on 10/09/2000.

 

[oatman]

There are some more links here on the right hand side
http://www.pcw.co.uk/Search
If it's right that you can only have 192mb RAM then you'd be better off going back to Win2KPro.

sorry you need to put compaq memory in the search

 

[osho67]

Thanks oatman, you have been extremely helpful. The friend who found extra 64 memory is trying to find 128 memory for me. Both the memories 2x64 are removable. Thanks again