it is getting so bad that i can’t even watch videos on itunes b/c it doesn’t run smoothly. i have defragged, used the disk cleaner, deleted the files that i don’t use, checked for viruses & spyware & adware, uninstalled the old games & mp3s & documents that i don’t use. what else can i do? it is about 4 years old & i don’t expect it to be like a brand new computer but this is just ridiculous.
btw i don’t have the $ to buy any programs or anything to do it so don’t recommend that.
its a gateway
Hello nedoglover
PC kinda laptop? I’m a Mac person, but the answer would be the same I guess. Sounds like you’ve done everything you can do… How about adding more memory (RAM)? This move improved things greatly when I needed more oomph but lacked the cash to upgrade to a newer laptop. Modules are pretty cheap these days, especially for the PC crowd…
I’m facing the same problem with a slightly older Gateway laptop so I’m going to reinstall Windows. Save all your files first. Just reinstall. If that doesn’t work then I guess you’re stuck as I well may be too.
http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10315544.html?tag=mncol ccleaner might be your answer (its real name is crap cleaner
)
search the web and try to find software that can increase the RAM on your pc. if you don’t have alot of RAM, then your computer will run slowerthan normal. if that isn’t an option, then just go to one of the links posted above. i’ve heard those work very well.
There are lots of problems which make your pc slow.
Microsoft Registry Problems = Slow Computer!
Spyware/Adware
RAM
De-Fragmenting
Etc.
Below can help you speed up your pc:
I. De-Fragmenting
1. Right click of C Disk.
2. Click properties.
3. Click tools tab.
4. Click "Defragment now".
5. Click Defragment.
II. You can search which process full use you cpu, and end the process.
Under steps:
1. Right click on the TaskBar.
2. Click the Task Manager.
3. Click the processes tab.
4. Double click the CPU.
5. Fnd if the "System Idle Process" is max.
6. If not right click and click end process.
III. Manage your startups. Your excess CPU usage is due to too many programs running in the background. You can cut these to barebones by alter your msconfig. Here is how:
1. Open your Start menu.
2. Click Run
3. In the command screen type "msconfig.exe"
4. In the "system configuration utility",click either "service" or "startup" tab
5. Uncheck all programs that your are no longer using.
6. Click "OK"
Use the tool: http://downloadlk.com/themosteffectiveregistrycleaner.htm
Learn more information "why is my computer running so slow":
http://downloadlk.com/WhyIsMyComputerSlow.htm
Do you have money to buy RAM? In spite of inflation, RAM and hard drives are still very cheap (obviously a new hard drive won’t help if you’ve defragged already).
You should put as much memory (SODIMMS) in your computer as you physically can. If you’re using XP or a version of Vista that doesn’t say clearly "64 bit version" don’t get more than 4 GB. You can install it, but Windows will only let you use the first 4GB.
Call Gateway and ask them what kind of memory your computer uses and how much you can put in. You can also try http://support.gateway.com, put in your laptop’s serial number or service tag (or whatever Gateway calls it) and look up your machine to find out how much you can put in and what kind (DDR or DDR2). If you still can’t figure that out, get a free program called CPU-Z http://www.cpuid.com/cpuz.php This program will analyze your computer (like belarc but not as all encompassing) and tell you if it’s DDR or DDR2. Then go to http://newegg.com or http://tigerdirect.com and buy the cheapest 1GB or 2GB SODIMM memory modules of that type (usually laptops can handle 1GB modules, but again, check with Gateway).
Good brands are Kingston, Corsair, Crucial, Patriot, and PNY