[DougD]

I'm having trouble with my computer. Windows XP on a Toshiba laptop, less than a year old.The systtem has slowed considerably.When I try to open an application, such as Netscape or IE, or Word, it takes a long time to launch. Internet Explorer and Netscape take particularly long before opening. They sometimes go to white.Shutting down the system also produces a lot of END PROGRAM- This Program Is Not Responding messages. I have spent the day trying to fix this problem.I've -defragged-disk check-disck cleanup-registery cleaned (through a free registry cleaner downloaded)I've also gone into SERVICES to remove unnecessary startup programs.The problem persists.Any ideas on what I can do to get the computer to operate better?Thanks.

[mphenterprises]

The main thing that you didn't mention is virus or spyware cleaning. You are on the right path but do you have any anti-virus or anti-spyware programs? If you do not, here is a starter kit for you:Definitely get a Firewall. I would recommend Zone AlarmAVG Free is a great anti-virus programAd-Aware is a very good spyware programThere are plenty of programs out there but this will start you off. If you would like to know more, either email me or PM me and I will give you a full list of the programs I use.

[DougD]

[quote name='mphenterprises']The main thing that you didn't mention is virus or spyware cleaning. You are on the right path but do you have any anti-virus or anti-spyware programs? If you do not, here is a starter kit for you:> > > > Definitely get a Firewall. I would recommend Zone Alarm> > AVG Free is a great anti-virus program> > Ad-Aware is a very good spyware programThank you very much for your response and help.Here' is what I am using:-Ad-Aware SE Personal. (ran this a.m. with updated definitions)-The Shield antivirus and firewall-AVG Antispyware 7.5 I've also followed the steps recommended here:http://www.microsoft.com/athome/moredone/optimize.mspx(disk check, disk cleanup, defrag, etc.)This is a Toshiba satellite, Intel celeron.1.50 GHZ processor.192 MB of RAM 55 GB of hard drive memory (corrected memory HD)Which one is the MEMORY that people refer to? The 192 MB RAM?Also, this computer has these start-up files: -PalmOne registration,-LifeDrive Manager-HotSYnc Manager-Skyscape smART updateI went through RUN and SERVICES.MSC and removed many Windows start up files. Here's what's happening: after the computer starts, if you click on Netscape or IE, it takes a long time for them to come up. They turn white and sort of freeze. A few mimutes later they come on, then it seems they work fine.

[mphenterprises]

Yes, the 192 is the RAM. The 55MB may be what's called Virtual Memory, not really important at this time. But I think we may have solved your problem. 192Mbs of memory is a very low amount. For any modern system, I would advise no less than 1Gb of memory. Can you provide the Model number of your system? Once the type of memory your computer requires is found, I can point you to the right place to get more memory.:D

[SpiritWind]

{size:18px}[/size]:D Hi Doug : A slowing down of a computer is mainly caused by : 1) Unnecessary programs 2) Malware Since your 192 MB of RAM was "sufficient" at one point in time, What program(s) have you added just PRIOR to the "slowing considerably" ? I doubt "disabling" Windows Start Up files in "Services.msc" will make much of a difference !? It is true that adding more RAM will help; however, doing so MAY "hide" an underlying problem !? The only Good program you mentioned is AVG Antispyware, though I also have Ad-Aware Personal as my 3rd Choice antispyware program. I would be interested in the Results of a "Complete System Scan" of AVG Antispyware !? Never heard of "The Shield", either antivirus or firewall ; I went to their site and see it is recommended by the dubious "Computer Shopper". The are Good and sometimes FREE Alternatives, like Avast Antivirus Home Edition, which has 7 "Providers/Shields" and Excellent Support Forums. For the Best & independent info on antivirus programs, see : www.av-comparatives.org/ . And there are also Good and sometimes FREE firewalls, like Sunbelt's Kerio Personal Firewall, Sygate, and Zone Alarm . And nowadays best to have a Rootkit "Detector", like the Good & FREE "RootkitRevealer" from www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/Security/RootkitRevealer.mspx .

[pontiacmatt]

Don't forget to clean out browser cache also. I like a FREE program called CCleaner. But a virus scan and adware scan is where to start.[/b]

[DougD]

[quote name='mphenterprises']> > Can you provide the Model number of your system? Once the type of memory your computer requires is found, I can point you to the right place to get more memory. Thanks for your concern and offer to help.It's a Toshiba Satellite, L25- S119Model No. PSL2XU-OOJOOD

[DougD]

[quote name='SpiritWind']{size:18px}[/size]:D Hi Doug :> > would be interested in the Results of a "Complete System Scan" of AVG Antispyware !?I ran the-AVG anti spyware. Only thing that came up was minor tracking cookies, which I removed.Ran the Spybot Search and Destroy. Tracking cookies: Avenue A and -DoubleClick, plus-Hotbar, bookmark- IE-MS Windows Security Center AntivirusDisableNotify (registry settings)-MS Windows Security Center.FirewallDisableNotify (registry settings)Ran AdAware- nothing major.CORRECTION- my computer has this configuration:1.50 GHZ processor.192 MB of RAM 55 GB - C Drive memoryThanks for all the help here. I really appreciate it.

[mphenterprises]

Okay, your laptop supports DDR2 memory. I checked the specs and Toshiba recommends PC4200 DDR2 533MHz SDRAM 1.8V SODIMM memory modules. You can get up to 2GBS of memory in the two available slots that you have.SpiritWind is correct, adding memory may hide a virus problem. So, gather as many viable protection software that you can get. I have a suite of about 8 or 9 plus Zone Alarm Pro. Rootkit Revealer is a must if you are using P2P site or if you use the internet. (So basically everyone should get it.) :DOnce you have ruled out any harmful virus, spyware, malware, or rootkit. The next most logical solution would be the to increase the memory. I have a strong feeling that the fact that you only have 192MBs or RAM is the culprit but it is good to rule out all other options as well.Back to the specifics. Once you decide to upgrade your memory, I would still advise going to www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com to find the memory module that fits your laptop. You can do a search using the information I listed in the first paragraph. Both sites are great because they both provide user reviews so you can make a more educated purchase.

[Wayfinder]

Mphen and Spirit are correct and have set you in the right direction. Here are my basic recommendations for a "slowing down" system... some of which are echoes of the above:1. Make sure you're running at least 256mb RAM with XP, preferrably 512 or even a gig. As inexpensive as a gig of RAM is these days, it's a good idea.2. Make sure you do a complete system anti-virus and anti-spyware scan. As a note: you mentioned using 3 or 4 such programs. I would recommend deleting all of them and installing just the AVG and AVG Anti-spyware. It is entirely possible for multiple anti- programs to interfere with one another and significantly slow down a system.3. If the system still operates slowly, then you're to a section of XP that we haven't discussed yet: some inner, unknown quirk of MS OSs that just get slower as time passes. If you've been using the system for about a year, it's about that time. What to do about that? Purchase a cheap USB backup drive (you can buy a 250 gig backup drive these days for about $100) and back up all your personal data to that drive. Once that's done, do a complete system factory restore of your Windows system, then reinstall all your programs and your data. I do this at least once a year, just to make sure the system is 100% clean. I know this sounds like a lot of work, but I have found it to be the easiest way to make sure my OS is in top operating condition (I clean-start the system at least once every 6 months). Never fails to make the system work far better. That's just how it is with Windows. It's not a clean OS and over a period of time, it gets confused.

[Wayfinder]

Easier to replace laptop RAM than desktop. Make sure you get the right memory, according to manufacturer specs (if in doubt, remove the current memory and take it with you. :D )Usually, there is a screw-opening panel on the back of your computer, signified by either RAM or a picture of a memory bank. Just open that screw, and after making sure you're grounded (to dissipate static) remove the current bank. Most are angled, and require a tiny bit of maneuvering. When you put RAM back in, usually you have to insert it, then angle it at a slant to finish inserting. It's a little tricky, but not difficult. If you get two 512s instead of a single gig, make sure they're exactly the same brand and model RAM for the fastest operation.

[DougD]

[quote name='mphenterprises']Okay, your laptop supports DDR2 memory. I checked the specs and Toshiba recommends PC4200 DDR2 533MHz SDRAM 1.8V SODIMM memory modules. You can get up to 2GBS of memory in the two available slots that you have.> > > > Back to the specifics. Once you decide to upgrade your memory, I would still advise going to www.newegg.com or www.tigerdirect.com to find the memory module that fits your laptop. You can do a search using the information I listed in the first paragraph. Both sites are great because they both provide user reviews so you can make a more educated purchase.How easy is it to install laptop memory?This looks like the right memory for my laptop.http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=2863984&CatId=2267Thanks for your help.

[mphenterprises]

In my opinion, it is very easy. It's almost easier than changing the memory in a PC. There is a video about how to build a custom laptop. In that video, it shows a man installing the memory similar to installing a SIM card in a cell phone. I thought I had the link. If I can find it, I will attach it in this thread.If you have any concerns at all about opening your laptop and installing the memory, go to a friend that may be more comfortable before you go to a store. I don't think you will have any problems. :wink:

[DougD]

I removed the cover of the memory area. I did this in the kitchen with a tile floor.I touched the metal on the stove to remove static.Do I need to buy an anti-static device?Or can I replace this in a non-carpeted area?It looks fairly straightforward to remove and replace.Thanks for all the great help here.

[mphenterprises]

Do I need to buy an anti-static device? Just to be on the safe side, yes. You never know when you may need to open up your laptop or desktop. Otherwise, just make sure you discharge any static from your body by touching some form of metal, like you did. You can do a project like this on any surface, as long as you discharge the static from your body. The floor of my main workstation is carpeted. I have never had any problems because I always touch something metal before I go into either a laptop or desktop.

[SpiritWind]

{size:18px}[/size]:D Hi Doug : There are anti-static wrist straps ( probably the 1st choice ), anti-static mats and anti-static bags on the market, more than likely all available at your local computer store . For antISPYWARE programs, most Malware Experts on Support Forums usually recommend AVG Antispyware ( www.ewido.net ) and/or the FREE ver of SUPERantispyware from www.superantispyware.com . I have these 2 plus Ad-Aware ( it appears to be making a "comeback" ) on my computer .

[Wayfinder]

Simple solution is to do exactly what you did: get off the carpet, touch grounded metal with both hands prior to messing inside your computer.What metal is grounded? Best sources: toaster bare metal (toasters are almost always grounded). If the metal screw-plate of a light socket isn't painted on the head, that works. If you have a metal kitchen sink, that is just excellent. Or a metal faucet, of course (in fact, why didn't I think of that first? LOL). Faucets are great because they're not only grounded to pipe, but also grounded to water; best grouding there is. Basically, just make sure static is gone from your hands prior to messing with the computer (which can be accomplished by just grabbing the faucet with both hands... presto! Fixed).Also, not a good idea to wear wool or silk clothing during the process. LOLIt's really not all that sensitive; just general, common-sense precaution is fine.Oh, and make sure the computer is NOT turned on when removing or installing RAM. I know that sounds like a "duh" statement, but you'd be surprised what I've seen in the past... LOL. "Oh, but I figured if the computer was plugged in and turned on, then if I had any static on me it would go directly to the light socket. But man, when I pulled the RAM, sparks sure flew!" :D

[DougD]

Guys,I installed the memory tonight, in the slot above the current memory card. So there's 700 MB of memory now.I've shut the computer down and restarted.It still takes forever to launch IE and Netscape.Amy idea of what could be slowing this computer's performance?I thought the memory boost would help.

[Wayfinder]

Doug, I think we've provided about all the advice there is to provide. The memory upgrade was just one aspect of the recommendations made above. If you've boosted the memory and are still having poor performance, then continue on with the other suggestions already provided.

[DavesComputerTips]

Hello all,I'd just like to throw in a couple more things that may help.1. defrag2. startup programs!It seems that every Tom, Dick, and Harry program these days feel they have to start when Windows boots. Programs that you may only use once every 3 months are technically running all the time.The reason they do this is to speed the launch of their program. In the end it slows the launch of every program.The easiest way to correct this is to remove the startup entries from the registry. I REALLY like a program by Mike Lin called StartUp Control Panel(free). You can download it from http://www.mlin.net/StartupCPL.shtml. The program adds an applet to your control panel.Once installed (if you choose that version) go to Start>Control Panel>StartUp. Open it full screen and post screenshots of each tab. I (or someone else) can tell you which ones you can uncheck, if you are unsure.