Question

slow computer

Asked by: wiggymoe

I have a dual core desktop that is running rather slow. the mouse is really sticky and jumps around a lot . also when you play audio files it plays through the track but skips through them like a shratch cd. any idea what could cause this.
for the slowness I have...
done all updates
performed defrag
ran and fixed errors using io system mechanic
ran virus scans and scans with malware bytes

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Asked On
2009-11-04 at 15:15:32ID24872934
Topic

Windows Vista

Participating Experts
3
Points
500
Comments
11

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Answers

 

by: jkratzerPosted on 2009-11-04 at 15:33:43ID: 25745336

Make sure your virtual memory settings are set appropriate for the amount of physical memory you have.
Also check to see what programs you have running.  You can get a more detailed list of what is runnign by using Process Explorer from Sysinternals.
If you are running low on disk space you may not have enough room for your virtual memory.

 

by: wiggymoePosted on 2009-11-04 at 15:42:06ID: 25745406

thanks for your reply. any other suggestions if that isn't it?

 

by: samenglishPosted on 2009-11-04 at 15:47:54ID: 25745441

If this problem has only been happening for a short time (ie. a few days) then my advice is System Restore to a time in the past that you know didn't exhibit the same symptoms.
Start - Programs - Accessories - System Tools - System Restore

I would suggest that some software has been installed and has taken over your CPU time. You could use Task Manager (just right-click the Task Bar and select it from the popup menu) - Processes tab (you can sort the processes by CPU time by clicking the CPU time column header) to see which process is the culprit.

If all else fails... go back to XP :-) (joke - honestly I'm running VIsta at home and it's not as bad as what I've heard)

 

by: joinaunionPosted on 2009-11-04 at 18:54:19ID: 25746359

What type of computer exactly?Have you got the latest bios,drivers etc....?
In device manager are there any conflicts?

 

by: wiggymoePosted on 2009-11-10 at 14:14:56ID: 25790478

it's a gateway gm5661E with a core 2 duo e4500.

 

by: joinaunionPosted on 2009-11-11 at 12:00:23ID: 25798426

Have you run the basic tools go into my computer right click c: drive then properties then tool tab run the error checking then the defrag.After that click start then in search type disk cleanup then double click it when its found.Another way is click start help and support then type disk cleanup then click start disk cleanup then click to open disk cleanup

 

by: wiggymoePosted on 2009-11-12 at 17:12:27ID: 25810510

I've tried all this and it improved a little but the fundemental error still exists.

 

by: samenglishPosted on 2009-11-18 at 00:44:29ID: 25847610

Hi wiggymoe,

With all due respect, it's highly unlikely that the error "still exists" if you used System Restore to restore your system to a time in the past before the error began exhibiting itself... but I could be wrong.

Q1) How long (number of days/weeks) has this situation existed?
Q2) did you try to restore to a date earlier than whenever this started?

or, if you don't want to System Restore that far back, then...
Q3) what software has been installed lately?
use Control Panel - Programs and Features, once the list has loaded, you can sort it by the date on which they were installed by clicking on that column header (I've included a screen dump). This exercise should at least shed some light on whether some recently installed software is the cause of the change in your computer's performance.

Keep us updated on your progress and any revelations you encounter.

 

by: wiggymoePosted on 2009-11-18 at 15:53:15ID: 25856343

hey thanks for all your help I decided to just reinstall the recovery so it should be fixed now. sorry I didn't get back to you all sooner.

By the way I am trying to install all the windows updates for vista and it's taking a long time.
In the past I've tried using some automated installers but didn't like them.
Does anyone have any they like?

 

by: samenglishPosted on 2009-11-18 at 17:55:27ID: 25856969

I just let windows update install them. Bear in mind sometimes the whole process is effected by one update requiring a restart, so keep an eye out for those. Good luck.

 

by: wiggymoePosted on 2009-11-18 at 22:00:48ID: 25857892

 ya  that's what makes it take so long and why i'm looking for an automated install thanks for your reply

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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