Sluggish Computer need help!

[NewGuy1911]

Have an Dell Inspiron 9200 runing Windows XP. Is there some "free ware" or other sofeware that might improve this older laptop. May not be able to upgrade RAM memory. I hate free ware that leads you on and teases with some scans.

Any web sites that I should check out?

When I save up some bucks, it's time for a netbook/small laptop.

Many Thanks

[ZirconJohn]

http://www.malwarebytes.org/lp/lp4/?gclid=CIH674S51rwCFQNqfgodliwAPQ

[Brianguy]

http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download

and defrag your hd

[SMR510]

I have yet to find any free optimization software that actually helps aside from some of the cleaner programs that can help a little bit. CCleaner is probably the most used cleaner, it can fix registry errors and stuff like that but I doubt you will see any major improvements.

Best bet is to reinstall the OS but of course that involves a lot of work (moving everything off the hard drive to format it, finding all the drivers you will need, reinstalling OS and all the programs you want, etc) so I think you have the right idea to save up and just buy something new.

[NewGuy1911]

Idefrag my harddrive almost daily and do a clean.

[crufflers]

I usually start with Malwarebytes too. Then take a look at add/remove programs and get rid of as much unused cr#p as possible. It sounds like there could be a lot. Clean up files manually. If you use Outlook, make sure the database is under a gig. Delete e-mail and compact. Empty temp dirs. Cleanup My documents areas. Cleanup download directories. Then defrag.

Check your swap settings and make sure it is set to let windows manage it (virtual memory). One cheap upgrade that might help you is small solid state drive that can act as cache. SanDisk has a product called ReadyCache that works well. I added one to a system for about $40 but I don't know if they make it anymore.

**Sorry, it might not work with XP. If I see one that lists XP drivers I will post.

http://www.sandisk.com/products/ssd/sata/readycache/

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B008U3038I?tag=price301-20&m=ATVPDKIKX0DER

[Armando de la Guerra]

The problem is that your computer is a Dell. That's not fixable.

[TKM]

Turn off most of the programs that run on start up.

[NewGuy1911]

"Turn off most of the programs that run on start up."

How do I do that?

[crufflers]

The STARTUP group in your Windows Menu, via registry, or via add/remove programs.

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\Curr entVersion\Run

[Montu]

"Turn off most of the programs that run on start up."

How do I do that?

couple different ways..my favorite is to go to start > run > type in "msconfig" hit enter

this will give you a few different tabs...go to the startup tab and uncheck programs you don't want starting up...the services tab is also very useful but be sure not to disable any services you actually use...you might find your self goggling a few services.


OP,

I would hit the pc with all of the above
edit services
edit start up programs
run cccleaner
run anti virus / spyware
check disk
defrag


if that doesn't do the trick do a backup and do a clean windows install.

[d4v0s]

Download Glary 4.

Run the 1 click maintenance with "disk repair" checked. When its done, click Repair problems.

Afterwards, go into advanced tools, Click "startup items" underneath "system control" and uncheck everything except your antivirus program.

Next, Click "Defragment" under "Hard disks". Analyze the drive, and then click the down arrow next to "Defrag" and choose "Defrag and Optimize".

That will get 99% of machines out there running like brand new. Now if you still have slowness you need to benchmark your hard drive.

Download HDTune, it should open on "Benchmark". Run the read test and post a picture of your results here. I can tell you most older dell laptops should be benchmarking in the 50-60MB/s range, most hard drives needing replacement will have blips where the read speed drops to 2 or 3MB/s. This essentially means your read head is having trouble in those areas.

Additionally you can run a write test, but 99% of the time I can diagnose a bad HD just using the Read benchmark.

[NewGuy1911]

d4v0s, Does one need to buy Glary 4 for the program to work? I did try it, my computer is slow, but in the end I gave up with the program.

[d4v0s]

What caused you to give up? Did you get stuck on some of the steps?

Also, the free version is fine for home users. You don't need to buy it for it to work.

Check into the drive benchmark too. A new drive can do wonders for an old laptop.

[Wolfie_AR]

All serious responses?!?!?
What about accusations of PRON access? or warnings about clicking on links sent in Fighterpilots PMs?

Do what Montu tells you, he'll sort you out. All good advice by the way.