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    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #1

    Dec 19, 2008, 02:42 PM
    Slow computer; any thoughts?
    I have Windows XP SP3. I tried everything CurlyBen suggested: I ran CCleaner, defragged, already had AVG Antivirus installed, ran antt-adware programs, ran Windows Update, etc. I checked msconfig but it doesn't look like there are numerous unnecessary start-up items. I tried uninstalling programs that I'm not using, like Microsoft Encyclopedia which was 360mb all on its own.

    And after all that, it still takes a long time to respond. It took over 30 seconds for just this page to load, and I'm using DSL! Any other suggestions on what to do?
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #2

    Dec 19, 2008, 02:49 PM
    After you have uninstalled stuffs, rerun ccleaner and defrag again ;)

    Also what's the spec of your machine.
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #3

    Dec 19, 2008, 03:30 PM

    One step ahead of you Ben ;)

    Now, if you could be so kind to define "spec." I know a little about computers but that's a broad term *lol*

    Something else I thought of: do you recommend a secondary firewall? Windows Defender automatically has one installed but should I download Zone Alarm or something else as a backup?
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #4

    Dec 19, 2008, 03:35 PM
    OK, if you could file in the blanks that would be great.

    Operating system:
    CPU Speed:
    RAM:
    Hard drive size and free space:
    Color:
    Left or Right Handed widget:

    Top 3 can be found when you do Properties on My Computer.
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #5

    Dec 19, 2008, 03:48 PM
    Operating system:
    Microsoft Windows XP
    Home Edition
    Version 2002
    Service Pack 3

    CPU Speed:
    2.20GHz

    RAM:
    128 MB of RAM

    Hard drive size and free space:
    Size 37.2GB, free space is 24.2GB

    Color:
    Oh, come on ;)

    Left or Right Handed widget:
    Not sure what a "widget" is but if you mean mouse, I would be a righty :D
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #6

    Dec 19, 2008, 03:51 PM
    Well for starters you have way too little RAM.
    XP works best with 512 MB+

    Just this simple addition will yield HUGE results.

    Ps the last two where a joke ;)
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #7

    Dec 19, 2008, 03:52 PM

    Kind of figured as much... I did something once on my old computer where I took the cover off and installed something in a slot. Would that be adding RAM or something else?
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #8

    Dec 19, 2008, 03:54 PM
    Yes, no, maybe ;)

    What brand are we talking here ?
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #9

    Dec 19, 2008, 03:58 PM

    I don't even remember. We bought some cheap box that had a computer-looking piece inside of it; I followed the instructions in the box. Wow, I'm soooo helpful :D
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #10

    Dec 19, 2008, 04:01 PM
    Heheh no worries

    Well you need to find out the speed of your RAM so you can get the right one.
    This little app will help: Belarc Advisor - Free Personal PC Audit

    It does a full audit of your system.

    Once you know what you need, then time for eBay.
    This will be the best place as older RAM is harder and more expensive to find.
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #11

    Dec 19, 2008, 04:05 PM

    Very awesome; I'll hop on it ASAP. Thanks a ton :D
    vingogly's Avatar
    vingogly Posts: 718, Reputation: 105
    Senior Member
    		  
    #12

    Dec 19, 2008, 04:58 PM

    A couple of add-on comments: I'd suggest maxing out your RAM. You can never have too much RAM, and it's pretty cheap these days. You'll need to do a bit of homework to figure out the largest RAM chips your slots will hold. Also, when you install RAM be sure you use the grounding strap and follow the directions carefully!
    cogs's Avatar
    cogs Posts: 415, Reputation: 27
    Full Member
    		  
    #13

    Dec 19, 2008, 11:29 PM

    If it's taking awhile for your pages to load, it may be your browser. What browser are you using? I suggest getting Firefox, and see if that doesn't speed things up.
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #14

    Dec 22, 2008, 09:08 AM

    I downloaded and ran the Belarc PC audit; I'm not sure what to do from this point. I know Curlyben said it will tell me what I need, but I'm not sure where to check.
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #15

    Dec 22, 2008, 09:21 AM
    Belarc will give you detailed specs of your machine, included the speed of your RAM.
    This is needed to ensure you get the correct type.

    If you need help deciphering it, post it up and we'll help.

    Don't worry about the Microsoft stuff as all we're really interested in is the hardware.
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
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    #16

    Dec 22, 2008, 09:44 AM

    What section is it listed under? Processor, drives, memory..
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #17

    Dec 22, 2008, 10:02 AM
    Memory ;)
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #18

    Dec 22, 2008, 10:08 AM

    Memory modules section reads as follows:

    126 Megabytes Installed Memory

    Slot 'DIMM_1' has 128 MB
    Slot 'DIMM_2' is Empty
    Curlyben's Avatar
    Curlyben Posts: 18,514, Reputation: 1860
    BossMan
    		  
    #19

    Dec 22, 2008, 11:03 AM
    Oh and the system model information.
    this8384's Avatar
    this8384 Posts: 4,564, Reputation: 485
    Ultra Member
    		  
    #20

    Dec 22, 2008, 11:04 AM

    System model info:

    Dell Computer Corporation Dimension 2400
    System Service Tag: GT05V31 (support for this PC)
    Chassis Serial Number: GT05V31
    Enclosure Type: Space-saving
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