How can I speed up my PC

Buckled_Rims

Well there's loads you can do as has been mentioned.

So, you could try an old trick and create a new profile and see it that sorts out the speed issue. Your own profile might have a corrupted registry. A new profile starts fresh. Only problem is any passwords for websites need to be carried over - but that can be easy if you have a Firefox, not sure of IE.

Cheshley

go here http://www.crucial.com/uk/?click=true and run the scanner option from the homepage. This will scan your system, tell you what RAM you have installed, the maximum your Motherboard will take and recommend upgrades. I have used them numerous times, included to update 15 laptops at my former employer's.

Also agree with changing your browser, I use Firefox and find it a lot better than IE. Also keep on top of your system maintenance, run regular virus scans and also malware scans, defrag your hard drives regularly. If you have an antivirus system that runs constant live monitoring then this will eat into your available RAM like nothing else.

cooldad

stigofthedump wrote:

Ido need windows as i also use it at work (i am a teacher). Also Mrs stig and all the young stigs use the computer too.
But thanks for the idea of ubuntu.

You can partition the hard drive, and run two operating systems, or install on a disc or memory stick and boot from that.
Then you can run Windows when needed, and Ubuntu when you just want to browse.

cooldad

dodgy wrote:

fast as fupp wrote:

dodgy wrote:

fast as fupp wrote:

wipe the hard drive and install ubuntu

It's surprising how often you see that advice given on forums without any attempt to understand the needs of the original poster.

the op said he wanted a free method to speed up his pc and browser

ubuntu is free , will run fast on his spec pc and wont need reinstalling every six months

its also much more secure than windoze

Precisely, but you don't know why he chose Windows in the first place. Like I said, you should understand the requirements before you post the time honoured "install another OS" classic.

Want sensible computer advice, probably best to ask on a computer forum, otherwise random people will post random advice.

I note your 2c worth was particularly helpful

freehub

Moving to Linux is not that simple. If you want to get stuff done and proper customize it and get games and all that working on it can be a headache. The most simple solution is to spend a few quid on some ram, do a re install because no doubt the OS is full of crap.

Weejie54

freehub wrote:

More RAM, Windows Vista runs like a dog on 1gb of ram, upgrade to Windows 7 and it might run abit better on 1gb

It would be better to use the file and settings migrating facility and do a fresh install of Windows 7, then transfer the old files and settings. Upgrading from Vista will keep the crap on it. At least two gig of RAM for either Vista or Win 7.
One of my machines runs Win 7, XP, Mandriva Linux and OSx86 (Leopard) in a multi-boot configuration. All have their good and bad points.

dmch2

Aggieboy wrote:

bompington wrote:

1. Get windows 7, it's like vista but it works
2. Most computers (especially if pre-loaded with software) come with all kinds of useless junk installled, and a lot of it fires up as soon as your machine does. Simplest way to clean it up:
find & run msconfig - use it to a) switch off all non-microsoft services
b) uncheck everything in the startup tab
***BUT** do this 1 item at a time & wait a few days to see what doesn't work, cos some of these things will actually be stuff you need, e.g. antivirus

Therein lies the problem, for me and possibly other computer numpties. It's too difficult to now what's needed in the Add/Remove progs and what the programmes actually do.

If you reinstall the O/S then all the programs will get wiped out. And you'll need to worry about where all your stuff like photos etc gets stored whilst you're at it.

cooldad

freehub wrote:

Moving to Linux is not that simple. If you want to get stuff done and proper customize it and get games and all that working on it can be a headache. The most simple solution is to spend a few quid on some ram, do a re install because no doubt the OS is full of crap.

True, but I don't play games. The OP didn't mention games neither.
But any operating system that needs 2G of RAM to run, is severely bloated IMHO.

But not sure what youmean by a headache. Pretty much everything is either included (browser, Open Office) or available from Ubuntu site. Downloads are easy, and it all works first time.

father_jack

I've recently wiped my brothers laptop and put on Ubuntu. Everything works except graphics card (not full screen 800x600) But managed to get it working. Linux is still a bit nerdy, you need someone with technical knowledge setting it up (if something doesn't work) Once it's setup and running though, easy to migrate from Windows to Ubuntu.

Had to mess around with X11/Xorg.conf, terminal etc etc...and for noobs during install 800x600 selection only that would have been enough to go back to Windows.

As to speeding up PC, more RAM, fresh install go for Windows 7 (if hardware is all supported) and maybe dual boot with Ubuntu.

Pross

Hope the OP doesn't mind me hijacking the thread but my daughter has a problem with her laptop (running Windows Vista and IE but not sure of the version). When she connects to the internet it is showing a good download speed but every site you try to get onto comes up with the coonection problem warning. I suspect it may be a virus as she was getting one of those pop ups for a few weeks beforehand saying that some sort of virus has been detected but when clicked coming up with a window telling you to buy new anti-virus. I'm not sure if it is a genuine message being generated by the anti-virusdue to it being out of date or some form of virus / spyware. I have tried deleting the anti-virus in remove programmes and then reloading it but that isn't working. My next step was going to be to use the recover disk but I couldn't find it. Does anyone have any other ideas to try (baring in mind the laptop won't connect to the internet!)? Cheers.

dodgy

RichardSwt wrote:

Hi Stig,

Pretty much agree with most of the above, but it is worth saying that 1Gb of RAM isn't very much and RAM is pretty cheap these days.

It'd be well worth spending a bit of cash on upgrading that to 2Gb, 4Gb, or even 8Gb. You will be surprised the difference it makes.

No point going to 8gb using a 32bit Windows OS, Vista will only recognise roughly 3.5GB, the rest will be wasted.

dmch2

Pross wrote:

Hope the OP doesn't mind me hijacking the thread but my daughter has a problem with her laptop (running Windows Vista and IE but not sure of the version). When she connects to the internet it is showing a good download speed but every site you try to get onto comes up with the coonection problem warning. I suspect it may be a virus as she was getting one of those pop ups for a few weeks beforehand saying that some sort of virus has been detected but when clicked coming up with a window telling you to buy new anti-virus. I'm not sure if it is a genuine message being generated by the anti-virusdue to it being out of date or some form of virus / spyware. I have tried deleting the anti-virus in remove programmes and then reloading it but that isn't working. My next step was going to be to use the recover disk but I couldn't find it. Does anyone have any other ideas to try (baring in mind the laptop won't connect to the internet!)? Cheers.

Try the various cleaning programs that have been suggested. It sounds like one of those things that doesn't want to be found so doesn't broadcast it's presence in add remove programs. It may be listed as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) which is generally something you don't want unless you specifically added/downloaded a toolbar you want in the browser.

Weejie54

If you reinstall the O/S then all the programs will get wiped out. And you'll need to worry about where all your stuff like photos etc gets stored whilst you're at it.

That's where the migration facility comes in. It is a development from XP's 'file and settings transfer wizard'. Photos and the like should be backed up to removable media anyway.

Weejie54

Try the various cleaning programs that have been suggested. It sounds like one of those things that doesn't want to be found so doesn't broadcast it's presence in add remove programs. It may be listed as a BHO (Browser Helper Object) which is generally something you don't want unless you specifically added/downloaded a toolbar you want in the browser.

+1.
Spybot-Search and destroy or Hijackthis should sort it. You need to know what you are doing though.

bompington

Pross wrote:

Hope the OP doesn't mind me hijacking the thread but my daughter has a problem with her laptop (running Windows Vista and IE but not sure of the version). When she connects to the internet it is showing a good download speed but every site you try to get onto comes up with the coonection problem warning. I suspect it may be a virus as she was getting one of those pop ups for a few weeks beforehand saying that some sort of virus has been detected but when clicked coming up with a window telling you to buy new anti-virus. I'm not sure if it is a genuine message being generated by the anti-virusdue to it being out of date or some form of virus / spyware. I have tried deleting the anti-virus in remove programmes and then reloading it but that isn't working. My next step was going to be to use the recover disk but I couldn't find it. Does anyone have any other ideas to try (baring in mind the laptop won't connect to the internet!)? Cheers.

It's one of a lot of viruses that pose as antivirus software, some of them are pretty nasty and hard to get rid of, but Spybot, as mentioned above, should do it.

As for the recovery disc - two things I've discovered over a few years as the nearest thing most people get to an available expert:
1. Always back up your data (flash drive, phone, DVD). Often.
2. Always have a recovery disc (including windows reinstall) handy.

In fact if you have the wherewithall to reinstall everything from scratch it's a surefire way to clean out your computer, whether it's viruses or accumulated junk.

I have had too many people literally in tears when I've told them that their computer is stuffed beyond recovery.

Pross

Thanks all, as usual this site is a mine of information I'll try the above andif I can find the recovery disk I'll reinstall. Is there any other way to start from scratch with a PC that came with Windows pre-installed so no disk?

derm123

There are a few things you can do to speed things up. Download the following software (all free)
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysi ... 97426.aspx
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysi ... 63902.aspx

The first one removes old temporary files (crap cleaner), run this. Then run a disk cleanup and then defrag the drive. Use the auto runs to stop some of the unnecessary programs running at boot. finally run the page defrag that defrags your registry and page file.

For virus issues I use http://www.malwarebytes.org/ (the free version)

Pross

Can any of the anti-virus software work if it can't connect to the internet? As this is the problem on the laptop in question any free software that needs to access the internet won't work for me.

father_jack

For anti-virus to be useful, it needs to update the prog and database. Otherwise it'll just have older revisions and may skip over infected files on your computer.

As to reinstallation of windows from preinstalled computer, nothing legal no. Although you do have a legit serial number.....soooo

Weejie54

Is there any other way to start from scratch with a PC that came with Windows pre-installed so no disk?

Use 'magical jelly bean' (google it) to retrieve your Vista key (doesn't work with Win 7) and blag a copy of a Vista installation disk is one way.
You may have a key written on a sticker on the computer (CoA) but it doesn't necessarily correspond with the key that was used to install the operating system on your computer.

CHRISNOIR

Cheshley wrote:

go here http://www.crucial.com/uk/?click=true and run the scanner option from the homepage. This will scan your system, tell you what RAM you have installed, the maximum your Motherboard will take and recommend upgrades. I have used them numerous times, included to update 15 laptops at my former employer's.

Somene mentioned this site to me a few moths ago and I'd lost the name - cheers!

Just out of interest - how easy is it for a computing idiot (i.e. me) to re-install an OS?

Cleat Eastwood

its good practice too to run the AV in safe mode.

father_jack

easy, if the computer is blank or you don't mind wiping everything.

I could do it when I was 8, and that was MS-DOS and Windows 3.11, multiple configs and using command prompt.

So if a adult can't run GUI operating wizard for a modern OS, there's no hope.

desweller

Drop it off Beachy Head.

It'll get pretty bloody quick on its way down.

dmch2

It's also worth noting that some AV programs default to scanning every file as you access it. This can easily halve (or worse) the performance of the PC.

Provided you take care not to click on dodgy links in spam emails or go to dodgy sites you can turn this off and just get it to do a full scan every week.

father_jack

I notice no slow down with avast in default mode, I guess if you do something like gaming then disable it. But i don't bother and it's fast with it on.

dodgy

dmch2 wrote:

It's also worth noting that some AV programs default to scanning every file as you access it. This can easily halve (or worse) the performance of the PC.

Provided you take care not to click on dodgy links in spam emails or go to dodgy sites you can turn this off and just get it to do a full scan every week.

Isn't that the whole point of AV though? To save the user from themselves?

Sorry, but I think disabling real time AV protection 'as long as you're careful' is pretty bad advice.

father_jack

I'd only do it a) disable networking and b) off line gaming.

Not bad advice if you know what you're doing, and notice slow down...I know just how badly Norton slows computer down...lol. But avast? Hardly anything.

neiltb

Pross wrote:

Can any of the anti-virus software work if it can't connect to the internet? As this is the problem on the laptop in question any free software that needs to access the internet won't work for me.

father in law had the same issue, anther computer and a USB stick is your friend.

these viruses can be a bit of a pain, i did one sweep to get it going a bit and then a system restore to a few weeks back.

sloboy

Backup software that runs constantly can be a hog - the WD Smartware app is particularly appalling for this, so if that's come along with your external hard drive, that's worth a look.