Computer help needed!!

[theman1990]

Ok so i'm computer illiterate but I have an issue...

I have a laptop here I just got from a friend, and it is slow as all get out.... It's about 2 years old, has no big programs on it, and has about 70% memory left.

When I turn it on it takes about 15 minutes to be useable. I've run AGV virus scan and Ad aware and it kept shutting down b/c of a realplayer .dll file. I uninstalled realplayer, scanned, defragged etc and still nothing.

Task manager shows no open tasks, yet the CPU usage is always 80-100%. SOMETHING is eating up the RAM

Can ANYONE please help me!!

BTW, no viruses were found, and it doesn't have lots of pics or music on it.

 

[NSXrunner]

Could be an issue with the hard drive going bad or the laptop got some kind of botware program installed in it that is hard to detect with virus and spam programs. Not quite sure how to clear those except maybe reformat the hard drive and reinstall windows. I'll have to check with some of my nerd friends to see if they know.

 

[ALSWEL]

Start/Run type 'msconfig' OK. Select startup tab. Uncheck everything. Reboot.

(I know you shouldn't uncheck everything, but the needed stuff, OS apps, will run anyways)

 

[Miner]

Unless there is some files or applications that you need, I'd wipe it down to a deleted partition and install windows XP. You would need to have a WinXP install CD (possibly makeable from the computer), and the license key from the computer. It shouldn't take more than a minute or two to boot, something, malicious or not, is not right with the software. A complete reinstall takes about 2-2.5 hours including an office package (I use open office). Troubleshooting is going to take more time than that.

If it is 2 years old it should be a fairly capable computer, although it may be a bit short on memory. 1 Gb is plenty for WinXP, even 512 is sufficient if your a typical user.

Miner

 

[sptrader]

if there is nothing special on it, I would re-format the drive and re-install the operating system.
Start fresh, instead of wasting time trying to find the problem, it's probably full of junk you don't want anyway.

 

[theman1990]

Yah I'm hesitant to wipe it b/c they will need it back (ie: they want the pics etc) so I'll try the msconfig thing first...

 

[nsx2tall]

You might try decrapifying.

 

[sptrader]

Yah I'm hesitant to wipe it b/c they will need it back (ie: they want the pics etc) so I'll try the msconfig thing first...

Just copy all of their photos,files etc. to CD first. or do a complete backup to a USB drive, about $100. You should have a backup drive anyway.

 

[theman1990]

Disabled everything on msconfig, still takes 20 mins to start!!! Runs a little faster but not much

 

[Hrant]

if there is nothing special on it, I would re-format the drive and re-install the operating system.
Start fresh, instead of wasting time trying to find the problem, it's probably full of junk you don't want anyway.

Good advice. I had an issue with connecting to the Internet, did everything to solve it, even got cable service, Geek Squad ......... installing the OS anew not only solved the problem but also dramatically sped up the computer.

As other suggested, I stored all my files on a desktop stand alone hard drive first.

 

[Miner]

Yah I'm hesitant to wipe it b/c they will need it back (ie: they want the pics etc) so I'll try the msconfig thing first...

I would copy everything out of the 'my documents' folder to the aforementioned external drive. Another tool is the MS Windows file and settings trasfer wizard. Us it to copy pretty much everything of value (documents, photos, settings etc) to the external drive, wipe the computer and use the wizard to copy the files back. You may want to talk to your friends about any files they absolutely want to keep to make sure you get them.

How much memory does this computer have? If the computer is way short on its RAM, that will cause it to boot very slowly; and run slower than one would expect. Is the HD approaching full? What kind of computer is it?

Miner

 

[prestonmay]

wow msconfig usually does the trick if unless you have malware or spyware....or HD issue....



Reboot the computer and right before the Windows Logo comes up after the POST/BIos startup, you will see an Option at the Bottom to press f8 (advance Mode) Click Safe Mode ( does the computer boot and run faster now) ...... I am going to assume you might say now...... (Do all the things you did above in safe mode)

While In Safe Mode (in this order....)


1. Msconfig (done)
2. Run Avg Spyware ( with updates) Usb Key or cd if possible....
3. DiskCleanup (start/proram/acces/System Tools
4. Defrag (start/proram/acces/System Tools)
5. Chkdsk or ScanDisk (my computer/ right click Local Disk/Properties/tools/ceck now

If all fails create another acct and login...Maybe the Profile you are in is corrupt...


Good Luck

 

[robr]

i haven't had a lot of luck with msconfig, even though it's supposed to disable everything, there are still sometimes issues unless i boot into safe mode.

pull the hard drive and give it to the person who will need the data. they can buy an external usb enclosure for it for under $20 if they ever want the data. buy a new drive, start from scratch. pretty much guaranteed to solve all your performance issues.