Guest Peter Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two. If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP Home to XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other parts of the system would be totally solved? Thank you JB
Guest R. McCarty Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof No. Most slow computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time consuming process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons why a computer becomes sluggish. "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I >suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two. >If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP Home to >XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other parts >of the system would be totally solved? > > Thank you > > JB >
Guest Peter Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time and patience to help me... What about the upgrade? Thanks JB "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na mensagem news:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > No. Most slow computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time > consuming process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons > why a computer becomes sluggish. > > "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message > news:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >>I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I >>suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >>two. If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP >>Home to XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and >>other parts of the system would be totally solved? >> >> Thank you >> >> JB >> > >
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof No. Not in the least bit. In fact, the result would almost certainly be the opposite. -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://grystmill.com "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I >suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two. >If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP Home to >XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other parts >of the system would be totally solved? > > Thank you > > JB >
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof "just about everything" is not informative. Just what does that phrase include, in a much detail as you can manage? What have you suspected, what utilities have you run, etc.? What applications do you use regularly, and what applications are running in the background? -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://grystmill.com "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:O9qYbBQ8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time and patience > to help me... > > What about the upgrade? > > Thanks > > JB > > > > "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na mensagem > news:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> No. Most slow computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time >> consuming process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons >> why a computer becomes sluggish. >> >> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message >> news:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >>>I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I >>>suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >>>two. If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP >>>Home to XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and >>>other parts of the system would be totally solved? >>> >>> Thank you >>> >>> JB >>> >> >> > >
Guest Malke Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Peter wrote: > I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time and patience > to help me... > > What about the upgrade? It is extremely unlikely that the registry has anything to do with your computer's slowness. It is also extremely unlikely that applying an operating system upgrade will fix things. Since I have no idea what "just about everything" entails, I can't give you a specific troubleshooting path. Some things to check: 1. If the drive is in PIO mode instead of DMA. See MVP Hans-Georg Michna's page here - http://winhlp.com/?q=node/10 2. Make sure there's no problem with the RAM. 3. Boot with a Live Linux CD and see how the system responds. Still slow? Then it's hardware. If you want further help, you'll need to provide information about your computer and what you've done. Malke -- MS-MVP Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic! FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ
Guest R. McCarty Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Upgrade would NOT help. The general "Tune-Up" items include: 1. Backup your data & verify ( Preferably a full volume Image ) 2. Chkdsk C: 3. Defrag C: 4. Review and modify Startups & Watchdog apps 5. Review Event Logs and resolve ALL warnings & errors 6. Uninstall all unnecessary or unused applications *OEM computers are factory delivered with lots of questionable apps. 7. Update the "Common" applications, such as Sun Java, Adobe Reader Flash & Shockwave ( if desired ). 8. Purge System Restore 9. Bring XP fully up to date ( Service Packs, Hotfixes ) 10. Update all primary device drivers ( Video, Chipset, Sound and NIC ) 11. If using McAfee or Norton consider replacement as both inflict severe performance degradation. Optional, but beneficial A. Review System loading with TaskMgr or Performance Monitor "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:O9qYbBQ8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time and patience > to help me... > > What about the upgrade? > > Thanks > > JB > > > > "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na mensagem > news:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> No. Most slow computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time >> consuming process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons >> why a computer becomes sluggish. >> >> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message >> news:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >>>I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I >>>suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >>>two. If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP >>>Home to XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and >>>other parts of the system would be totally solved? >>> >>> Thank you >>> >>> JB >>> >> >> > >
Guest Peter Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof I did virus/trojan/spyware checks with various programs (McAfee, Kaspersky, Trend, Spybot, Ad.aware, and several others) All is clean. I uninstalled various programs to see if it helped. It did not. I know McAfee slows things down considerably especially while it looks to see if updates are needed, during download, and I suspect that it holds onto memory after that. The same happens (I thgink) with Adobe Reader 8. I am thinking of uninstalling it and trying to install an old Reader 5. I have a Toshiba laptop Satellite 1900-303, it has 256 Mb of memory which I think may be not enough to run XP Home SP3, McAfee, etc. The biggest suspect at the moment is the question of programs like McAfee and Adobe not releasing memory after download and use. Eventually, I may have to install the XP Home that comes with the computer and start all over again. That would be my fisrt 'failure' in many years using computers. I have a full XP professional and thought maybe an upgrade would be a way of cleaning things up if they need cleaning. Incidentally, I have defragmented the 30 Gb disk which only has 12 Gb in it. I do feel (I am not sure) that it runs faster in safe Mode. I have gone through the rigmarole of selective start-ups and unchecked a whole load of services and programmes from the start-up tabs in Msconfig. The problem may be slightly better but the computer is still very slow on start-up (could be due to hanshaking between the laptop, the router and McAfee all fighting for an IP address). Then, later it gets better until I open a .PDF file or there is McAfee or ASdobe downloads (I have stopped automatic downloads now). Any more ideas? Thank you for your interest. JB "Gary S. Terhune" <none> escreveu na mensagem news:eXnXjGQ8IHA.2332@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > "just about everything" is not informative. Just what does that phrase > include, in a much detail as you can manage? What have you suspected, what > utilities have you run, etc.? What applications do you use regularly, and > what applications are running in the background? > > -- > Gary S. Terhune > MS-MVP Shell/User > http://grystmill.com > > "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message > news:O9qYbBQ8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >> I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time and patience >> to help me... >> >> What about the upgrade? >> >> Thanks >> >> JB >> >> >> >> "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na mensagem >> news:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >>> No. Most slow computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time >>> consuming process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons >>> why a computer becomes sluggish. >>> >>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message >>> news:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >>>>I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I >>>>suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >>>>two. If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP >>>>Home to XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and >>>>other parts of the system would be totally solved? >>>> >>>> Thank you >>>> >>>> JB >>>> >>> >>> >> >> > >
Guest Peter Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Thanks Malke I gave some details in another message a few minutes ago. Before I start downloading progs to check PIO/DMA I wonder if it applies to my system. How do I check if RAM is ok? In Task Manager I see the 256 Mb go down to anything between 100 Mb and 15Mb just now with only IE and OE open. However, as I said elsewhere I had Adobe Reader open earlier and have not restarted since. Then I am sorry, but I don't know what a Live Linux CD is...? Thanks for your interest. JB "Malke" <malke@invalid.invalid> escreveu na mensagem news:%23rB4UHQ8IHA.5596@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > Peter wrote: > >> I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time and patience >> to help me... >> >> What about the upgrade? > > It is extremely unlikely that the registry has anything to do with your > computer's slowness. It is also extremely unlikely that applying an > operating system upgrade will fix things. Since I have no idea what "just > about everything" entails, I can't give you a specific troubleshooting > path. > > Some things to check: > > 1. If the drive is in PIO mode instead of DMA. See MVP Hans-Georg Michna's > page here - http://winhlp.com/?q=node/10 > > 2. Make sure there's no problem with the RAM. > > 3. Boot with a Live Linux CD and see how the system responds. Still slow? > Then it's hardware. > > If you want further help, you'll need to provide information about your > computer and what you've done. > > Malke > -- > MS-MVP > Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic! > FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ >
Guest Peter Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Thanks, I have done all that. System restore was suspended during my virus checks and restarted when I was sure the system was clean. I DO have errors which wre discussed in another thread (22 July ' Error 7023' I have not updated device drivers at the suggestion of Toshiba that reckoned that the original ones are fine. My suspicion there would be regarding the graphics driver. The mouse gets stuck often when the computer nearly hangs (it does not, though) and on those occasions if I close a web page it rolls down slowly as if it were a curtain. I am worried about updating drivers, because Toshiba page is not very friendly and if I end up with the wrong driver... JB "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na mensagem news:ueONoKQ8IHA.5596@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > Upgrade would NOT help. > > The general "Tune-Up" items include: > 1. Backup your data & verify ( Preferably a full volume Image ) > 2. Chkdsk C: > 3. Defrag C: > 4. Review and modify Startups & Watchdog apps > 5. Review Event Logs and resolve ALL warnings & errors > 6. Uninstall all unnecessary or unused applications > *OEM computers are factory delivered with lots of questionable apps. > 7. Update the "Common" applications, such as Sun Java, Adobe Reader > Flash & Shockwave ( if desired ). > 8. Purge System Restore > 9. Bring XP fully up to date ( Service Packs, Hotfixes ) > 10. Update all primary device drivers ( Video, Chipset, Sound and NIC ) > 11. If using McAfee or Norton consider replacement as both inflict severe > performance degradation. > > Optional, but beneficial > A. Review System loading with TaskMgr or Performance Monitor > > > "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message > news:O9qYbBQ8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... >> I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time and patience >> to help me... >> >> What about the upgrade? >> >> Thanks >> >> JB >> >> >> >> "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na mensagem >> news:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >>> No. Most slow computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time >>> consuming process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons >>> why a computer becomes sluggish. >>> >>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message >>> news:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >>>>I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I >>>>suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >>>>two. If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP >>>>Home to XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and >>>>other parts of the system would be totally solved? >>>> >>>> Thank you >>>> >>>> JB >>>> >>> >>> >> >> > >
Guest John Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:%23DYSIQQ8IHA.1196@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... > > I have a Toshiba laptop Satellite 1900-303, it has 256 Mb of memory which > I think may be not enough to run XP Home SP3, McAfee, etc. I found it here: http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?service=UK&z=129&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&PRODUCT_ID=44042#0 256MB?? *Ugh* You've got to be kidding. I bet you'd still have problem even with 512MB. > The biggest suspect at the moment is the question of programs like McAfee > and Adobe not releasing memory after download and use. No. The biggest suspect is your RAM being too little. Your laptop is busy swapping memory pages from/to your hard disk (virtual RAM). Hard disk access is veeerrryy slllloooooooowwwwwww compared to RAM. > I do feel (I am not sure) that it runs faster in safe Mode. Of course it does. That's because a lot of things don't work in safe mode. > Any more ideas? Install a total of 1GB of memory. You'll see a big difference.
Guest PA Bear [MS MVP] Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof No. See... My Computer is slow! http://miekiemoes.blogspot.com/2008/02/help-my-computer-is-slow.html -- ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear) MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Desktop Experience - since 2002 AumHa VSOP & Admin http://aumha.net DTS-L http://dts-l.net/ Peter wrote: > I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, I > suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or > two. > If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP Home to > XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other parts > of the system would be totally solved? > > Thank you > > JB
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:06:41 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: > I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. Exactly what makes you so sure? The most common cause of slowdowns these days is malware infection, even on those computers whose owners think they are clean. What anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do you run, and are they up to date? Besides the malware issue, issue the following questions: The second most common cause of performance problems is performance-robbing programs running in the background. What programs do you have starting automatically? What is your hardware configuration? What processor and how much RAM do you have? What applications do you run? Has it always been slow, or is this something new? Is it slow doing everything, or just some things? What things? What changes did you make prior to the slowdown? What new software has been installed? > However, I > suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two. Registries don't get "bumps." The thought that the registry gets filled with clutter, resulting in a slowdown, and needs to be cleaned periodically, is false, although many people unfortunately believe it. > If the reason for the slowness was there, It almost certainly is not. > would an upgrade from XP Home to > XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other parts > of the system would be totally solved? No. Emphatically no. An upgrade from Home to Professional is the easiest and most likely successful of all possible upgrades, since so little has to be changed. But the one time when any upgrade is least likely to be successful is when you are experiencing problems. An upgrade to a problem-ridden computer is most like to exacerbate problems, not solve them. You should upgrade to Professional *only* after your problems are solved, and *only* if you are sure that there's some benefit to you in doing so. Are you aware that XP Home and Professional are identical except that Professional includes a few features (mostly related to security and networking) missing from Home? Most home users don't need and would never use these extra features and will see no benefits by upgrading. For details go to http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp Also note another point, not included in any of the above: Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only five. -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Malke Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Peter wrote: > Thanks Malke > > I gave some details in another message a few minutes ago. > > Before I start downloading progs to check PIO/DMA I wonder if it applies > to my system. If you read the information at the page, it will show you how to check. There is no point in downloading and running Hans-Georg's utility if your drive isn't in PIO mode! > How do I check if RAM is ok? In Task Manager I see the 256 Mb go down to > anything between 100 Mb and 15Mb just now with only IE and OE open. > However, as I said elsewhere I had Adobe Reader open earlier and have not > restarted since. As others told you, you don't have enough memory. Add some. Your machine will never be a speed demon but more memory will make a big difference. Malke -- MS-MVP Elephant Boy Computers - Don't Panic! FAQ - http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/#FAQ
Guest Peter Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Thanks. Yes, I am aware that there is little difference. It is just that I happen to have them both anyway, if it helped. I have answered most of the questions you make in earlier messages. http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?service=UK&z=129&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&PRODUCT_ID=44042#0 I could send a Hijackthis report if you could have a look at it. Thanks JB "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem news:1aks84hob9mq0297mldnl5a0luisu5gjc0@4ax.com... > On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:06:41 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: > >> I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. > > > Exactly what makes you so sure? The most common cause of slowdowns > these days is malware infection, even on those computers whose owners > think they are clean. What anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do > you run, and are they up to date? > > Besides the malware issue, issue the following questions: > > The second most common cause of performance problems is > performance-robbing programs running in the background. What programs > do you have starting automatically? > > What is your hardware configuration? What processor and how much RAM > do you have? > > What applications do you run? Has it always been slow, or is this > something new? > > Is it slow doing everything, or just some things? What things? > > What changes did you make prior to the slowdown? What new software has > been installed? > > >> However, I >> suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >> two. > > > Registries don't get "bumps." The thought that the registry gets > filled with clutter, resulting in a slowdown, and needs to be cleaned > periodically, is false, although many people unfortunately believe it. > > >> If the reason for the slowness was there, > > > It almost certainly is not. > > >> would an upgrade from XP Home to >> XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other >> parts >> of the system would be totally solved? > > > No. Emphatically no. An upgrade from Home to Professional is the > easiest and most likely successful of all possible upgrades, since so > little has to be changed. But the one time when any upgrade is least > likely to be successful is when you are experiencing problems. An > upgrade to a problem-ridden computer is most like to exacerbate > problems, not solve them. > > You should upgrade to Professional *only* after your problems are > solved, and *only* if you are sure that there's some benefit to you in > doing so. Are you aware that XP Home and Professional are identical > except that Professional includes a few features (mostly related to > security and networking) missing from Home? Most home users don't need > and would never use these extra features and will see no benefits by > upgrading. > > For details go to > > http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp> > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp > > Also note another point, not included in any of the above: > Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only > five. > > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 16:20:55 -0700, "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> wrote: > On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:06:41 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: > > > I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. > > > Exactly what makes you so sure? The most common cause of slowdowns > these days is malware infection, even on those computers whose owners > think they are clean. What anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do > you run, and are they up to date? > > Besides the malware issue, issue the following questions: Issue? Sometimes my typos amaze even me. Sorry, that was supposed to be "answer." > > The second most common cause of performance problems is > performance-robbing programs running in the background. What programs > do you have starting automatically? > > What is your hardware configuration? What processor and how much RAM > do you have? > > What applications do you run? Has it always been slow, or is this > something new? > > Is it slow doing everything, or just some things? What things? > > What changes did you make prior to the slowdown? What new software has > been installed? > > > > However, I > > suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two. > > > Registries don't get "bumps." The thought that the registry gets > filled with clutter, resulting in a slowdown, and needs to be cleaned > periodically, is false, although many people unfortunately believe it. > > > > If the reason for the slowness was there, > > > It almost certainly is not. > > > > would an upgrade from XP Home to > > XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other parts > > of the system would be totally solved? > > > No. Emphatically no. An upgrade from Home to Professional is the > easiest and most likely successful of all possible upgrades, since so > little has to be changed. But the one time when any upgrade is least > likely to be successful is when you are experiencing problems. An > upgrade to a problem-ridden computer is most like to exacerbate > problems, not solve them. > > You should upgrade to Professional *only* after your problems are > solved, and *only* if you are sure that there's some benefit to you in > doing so. Are you aware that XP Home and Professional are identical > except that Professional includes a few features (mostly related to > security and networking) missing from Home? Most home users don't need > and would never use these extra features and will see no benefits by > upgrading. > > For details go to > > http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp> > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp > > Also note another point, not included in any of the above: > Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only > five. > > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > Please Reply to the Newsgroup -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Ken Blake, MVP Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof On Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:33:44 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: > Thanks. Yes, I am aware that there is little difference. It is just that I > happen to have them both anyway, if it helped. > > I have answered most of the questions you make in earlier messages. > http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?service=UK&z=129&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&PRODUCT_ID=44042#0 You answered some. If you don't want to answer them all, I can't help. > I could send a Hijackthis report if you could have a look at it. Sorry, no. I don't publish my E-mail address here. Besides, I'm not a Hijackthis expert. > "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem > news:1aks84hob9mq0297mldnl5a0luisu5gjc0@4ax.com... > > On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:06:41 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: > > > >> I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. > > > > > > Exactly what makes you so sure? The most common cause of slowdowns > > these days is malware infection, even on those computers whose owners > > think they are clean. What anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do > > you run, and are they up to date? > > > > Besides the malware issue, issue the following questions: > > > > The second most common cause of performance problems is > > performance-robbing programs running in the background. What programs > > do you have starting automatically? > > > > What is your hardware configuration? What processor and how much RAM > > do you have? > > > > What applications do you run? Has it always been slow, or is this > > something new? > > > > Is it slow doing everything, or just some things? What things? > > > > What changes did you make prior to the slowdown? What new software has > > been installed? > > > > > >> However, I > >> suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or > >> two. > > > > > > Registries don't get "bumps." The thought that the registry gets > > filled with clutter, resulting in a slowdown, and needs to be cleaned > > periodically, is false, although many people unfortunately believe it. > > > > > >> If the reason for the slowness was there, > > > > > > It almost certainly is not. > > > > > >> would an upgrade from XP Home to > >> XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other > >> parts > >> of the system would be totally solved? > > > > > > No. Emphatically no. An upgrade from Home to Professional is the > > easiest and most likely successful of all possible upgrades, since so > > little has to be changed. But the one time when any upgrade is least > > likely to be successful is when you are experiencing problems. An > > upgrade to a problem-ridden computer is most like to exacerbate > > problems, not solve them. > > > > You should upgrade to Professional *only* after your problems are > > solved, and *only* if you are sure that there's some benefit to you in > > doing so. Are you aware that XP Home and Professional are identical > > except that Professional includes a few features (mostly related to > > security and networking) missing from Home? Most home users don't need > > and would never use these extra features and will see no benefits by > > upgrading. > > > > For details go to > > > > http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp > > > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp> > > > > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp > > > > Also note another point, not included in any of the above: > > Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only > > five. > > > > > > -- > > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > > Please Reply to the Newsgroup > -- Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest John Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:uhT9oTQ8IHA.3336@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl... > > How do I check if RAM is ok? In Task Manager I see the 256 Mb go down to > anything between 100 Mb and 15Mb just now with only IE and OE open. THAT IS your slowness problem. In addition to IE and OE, there are tons of other background services consuming your physical RAM.
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted July 28, 2008 Posted July 28, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:%23DYSIQQ8IHA.1196@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >I did virus/trojan/spyware checks with various programs (McAfee, Kaspersky, >Trend, Spybot, Ad.aware, and several others) All is clean. > I uninstalled various programs to see if it helped. It did not. > I know McAfee slows things down considerably especially while it looks to > see if updates are needed, during download, and I suspect that it holds > onto memory after that. The same happens (I thgink) with Adobe Reader 8. > I am thinking of uninstalling it and trying to install an old Reader 5. Yes, McAfee is horrible. Recommend you uninstall it and replace with Avast! Antivirus and other tools. I use SpywareBlaster and AdAware 2007 (2008 not ready for prime time). Also, Spybot Search & Destroy, but DO NOT enable SD Helper of TeaTimer, and don't Immunize. Just use it as an on-demand scanner that you run whenever you do the rest of your maintenance. Same with SuperAntiSpyware. Adobe has just released Acrobat Reader 9. > I have a Toshiba laptop Satellite 1900-303, it has 256 Mb of memory which > I think may be not enough to run XP Home SP3, McAfee, etc. You're absolutely right. WinXP, by itself, with light-weight stuff running might be happy with 256MB, but you can't run anything more intensive, aspecially if graphics are involved (pictures, videos, etc.) > The biggest suspect at the moment is the question of programs like McAfee > and Adobe not releasing memory after download and use. Don't know about AcroReader, but get rid of McAfee. > Eventually, I may have to install the XP Home that comes with the computer > and start all over again. That would be my fisrt 'failure' in many years > using computers. I have a full XP professional and thought maybe an > upgrade would be a way of cleaning things up if they need cleaning. Nope. > Incidentally, I have defragmented the 30 Gb disk which only has 12 Gb in > it. Didn't help, did it? > I do feel (I am not sure) that it runs faster in safe Mode. I have gone > through the rigmarole of selective start-ups and unchecked a whole load of > services and programmes from the start-up tabs in Msconfig. The problem > may be slightly better but the computer is still very slow on start-up > (could be due to hanshaking between the laptop, the router and McAfee all > fighting for an IP address). Then, later it gets better until I open a > .PDF file or there is McAfee or ASdobe downloads (I have stopped automatic > downloads now). > > Any more ideas? You don't have enough RAM, it's that simple. Yes, get rid of McAfee, I don't know about AcroReader 8, but you MUST upgrade your RAM. http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Satellite%201900%20Series%20%28DDR%29(I *think* that's your model, but you need to cross-reference with themanual.)> Thank you for your interest.Sure. Glad you finally mentioned the amount of RAM you have. It simply isn'tenough and explains pretty much everything.> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> escreveu na mensagemnews:eXnXjGQ8IHA.2332@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...>> "just about everything" is not informative. Just what does that phraseinclude, in a much detail as you can manage? What have you suspected, whatutilities have you run, etc.? What applications do you use regularly, andwhat applications are running in the background?>>>> -->> Gary S. Terhune>> MS-MVP Shell/User>> http://grystmill.com>>>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in messagenews:O9qYbBQ8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...>>> I've tried just about everything. But, if you have the time andpatience to help me...>>>>>> What about the upgrade?>>>>>> Thanks>>>>>> JB>>>>>>>>>>>> "R. McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na mensagemnews:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...>>>> No. Most slow computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time>>>> consuming process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons>>>> why a computer becomes sluggish.>>>>>>>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in messagenews:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...>>>>>I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, Isuspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two.If the reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP Home toXP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other partsof the system would be totally solved?>>>>>>>>>> Thank you>>>>>>>>>> JB>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Guest Peter Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof I followed Techsupportforum 5-step suggestions to the letter: which included Panda Then, Mcafee, Kaspersky, Trend, Spybot, Ad.aware, all in safe mode. I have pruned, through Msconfig Startup and services tab, down to the minimum which includes most MS services and McAfee. On startup I have wkfud, Rundll32 cwaprops, TPtray, Mcagent, CePMTray, CeEKey, Apoint, Ctfmon, Wkdetect It has been slow for some time, It does not hang (not often anyway) I suspect low RAM, McAfee and especially Adobe Reader holding onto memory, and the need for an updated Video driver which I cant find anywhere: manufacturer : ATI type : MOBILITYT RADEONT memory : 16 MB memory type : DDR Video RAM graphics accelerator : 64 bit connected bus : AGP bus Thank you very much JB "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem news:vkms849e2l4v2nc0t1398sn9qet7uc6n7g@4ax.com... > On Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:33:44 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: > >> Thanks. Yes, I am aware that there is little difference. It is just >> that I >> happen to have them both anyway, if it helped. >> >> I have answered most of the questions you make in earlier messages. >> http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?service=UK&z=129&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&PRODUCT_ID=44042#0 > > > > You answered some. If you don't want to answer them all, I can't help. > > > >> I could send a Hijackthis report if you could have a look at it. > > > Sorry, no. I don't publish my E-mail address here. Besides, I'm not a > Hijackthis expert. > > > > >> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem >> news:1aks84hob9mq0297mldnl5a0luisu5gjc0@4ax.com... >> > On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:06:41 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: >> > >> >> I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. >> > >> > >> > Exactly what makes you so sure? The most common cause of slowdowns >> > these days is malware infection, even on those computers whose owners >> > think they are clean. What anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do >> > you run, and are they up to date? >> > >> > Besides the malware issue, issue the following questions: >> > >> > The second most common cause of performance problems is >> > performance-robbing programs running in the background. What programs >> > do you have starting automatically? >> > >> > What is your hardware configuration? What processor and how much RAM >> > do you have? >> > >> > What applications do you run? Has it always been slow, or is this >> > something new? >> > >> > Is it slow doing everything, or just some things? What things? >> > >> > What changes did you make prior to the slowdown? What new software has >> > been installed? >> > >> > >> >> However, I >> >> suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >> >> two. >> > >> > >> > Registries don't get "bumps." The thought that the registry gets >> > filled with clutter, resulting in a slowdown, and needs to be cleaned >> > periodically, is false, although many people unfortunately believe it. >> > >> > >> >> If the reason for the slowness was there, >> > >> > >> > It almost certainly is not. >> > >> > >> >> would an upgrade from XP Home to >> >> XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other >> >> parts >> >> of the system would be totally solved? >> > >> > >> > No. Emphatically no. An upgrade from Home to Professional is the >> > easiest and most likely successful of all possible upgrades, since so >> > little has to be changed. But the one time when any upgrade is least >> > likely to be successful is when you are experiencing problems. An >> > upgrade to a problem-ridden computer is most like to exacerbate >> > problems, not solve them. >> > >> > You should upgrade to Professional *only* after your problems are >> > solved, and *only* if you are sure that there's some benefit to you in >> > doing so. Are you aware that XP Home and Professional are identical >> > except that Professional includes a few features (mostly related to >> > security and networking) missing from Home? Most home users don't need >> > and would never use these extra features and will see no benefits by >> > upgrading. >> > >> > For details go to >> > >> > http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp >> > >> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp> >> > >> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp >> > >> > Also note another point, not included in any of the above: >> > Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only >> > five. >> > >> > >> > -- >> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience >> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup >> > > -- > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience > Please Reply to the Newsgroup
Guest Peter Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Thank you very much Gary I am afraid that I immunized with Spybot. Should I undo that, somehow? >Also, Spybot Search & Destroy, but DO NOT enable SD Helper of TeaTimer, and >don't Immunize. Just use it as an on-demand scanner that you run whenever >you do the rest of your maintenance. Thank you JB "Gary S. Terhune" <none> escreveu na mensagem news:e808P3Q8IHA.2064@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... > "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message > news:%23DYSIQQ8IHA.1196@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >>I did virus/trojan/spyware checks with various programs (McAfee, >>Kaspersky, Trend, Spybot, Ad.aware, and several others) All is clean. >> I uninstalled various programs to see if it helped. It did not. >> I know McAfee slows things down considerably especially while it looks to >> see if updates are needed, during download, and I suspect that it holds >> onto memory after that. The same happens (I thgink) with Adobe Reader 8. >> I am thinking of uninstalling it and trying to install an old Reader 5. > > Yes, McAfee is horrible. Recommend you uninstall it and replace with > Avast! Antivirus and other tools. I use SpywareBlaster and AdAware 2007 > (2008 not ready for prime time). Also, Spybot Search & Destroy, but DO NOT > enable SD Helper of TeaTimer, and don't Immunize. Just use it as an > on-demand scanner that you run whenever you do the rest of your > maintenance. Same with SuperAntiSpyware. > > Adobe has just released Acrobat Reader 9. > >> I have a Toshiba laptop Satellite 1900-303, it has 256 Mb of memory which >> I think may be not enough to run XP Home SP3, McAfee, etc. > > You're absolutely right. WinXP, by itself, with light-weight stuff running > might be happy with 256MB, but you can't run anything more intensive, > aspecially if graphics are involved (pictures, videos, etc.) > >> The biggest suspect at the moment is the question of programs like McAfee >> and Adobe not releasing memory after download and use. > > Don't know about AcroReader, but get rid of McAfee. > >> Eventually, I may have to install the XP Home that comes with the >> computer and start all over again. That would be my fisrt 'failure' in >> many years using computers. I have a full XP professional and thought >> maybe an upgrade would be a way of cleaning things up if they need >> cleaning. > > Nope. > >> Incidentally, I have defragmented the 30 Gb disk which only has 12 Gb in >> it. > > Didn't help, did it? > >> I do feel (I am not sure) that it runs faster in safe Mode. I have gone >> through the rigmarole of selective start-ups and unchecked a whole load >> of services and programmes from the start-up tabs in Msconfig. The >> problem may be slightly better but the computer is still very slow on >> start-up (could be due to hanshaking between the laptop, the router and >> McAfee all fighting for an IP address). Then, later it gets better until >> I open a .PDF file or there is McAfee or ASdobe downloads (I have stopped >> automatic downloads now). >> >> Any more ideas? > > You don't have enough RAM, it's that simple. Yes, get rid of McAfee, I > don't know about AcroReader 8, but you MUST upgrade your RAM. > http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Satellite%201900%20Series%20%28DDR%29(I > *think* that's your model, but you need to cross-reference with > themanual.)> Thank you for your interest.Sure. Glad you finally mentioned > the amount of RAM you have. It simply isn'tenough and explains pretty much > everything.> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> escreveu na > mensagemnews:eXnXjGQ8IHA.2332@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...>> "just about > everything" is not informative. Just what does that phraseinclude, in a > much detail as you can manage? What have you suspected, whatutilities have > you run, etc.? What applications do you use regularly, andwhat > applications are running in the background?>>>> -->> Gary S. Terhune>> > MS-MVP Shell/User>> http://grystmill.com>>>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote > in messagenews:O9qYbBQ8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...>>> I've tried just > about everything. But, if you have the time andpatience to help > me...>>>>>> What about the upgrade?>>>>>> Thanks>>>>>> JB>>>>>>>>>>>> "R. > McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na > mensagemnews:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...>>>> No. Most slow > computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time>>>> consuming > process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons>>>> why a > computer becomes sluggish.>>>>>>>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in > messagenews:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...>>>>>I have a very > slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, Isuspect that over > the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two.If the reason for > the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP Home toXP Professional > make sure that any problems withe registry and other partsof the system > would be totally solved?>>>>>>>>>> Thank you>>>>>>>>>> > JB>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof I would. IMO, the list is excessive and while I can't explain why, I've regularly had users report problems that we eventually "solved" by undoing Immunization. Others, I'm sure, may have more to say on the topic. I've found that SpywareBlaster is enough (which uses a similar methodology of adding sites to the Restricted Zone but doesn't go any farther than that.) -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://grystmill.com "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:ehD5EBR8IHA.2348@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl... > Thank you very much Gary > > I am afraid that I immunized with Spybot. Should I undo that, somehow? > > > >>Also, Spybot Search & Destroy, but DO NOT enable SD Helper of TeaTimer, >>and don't Immunize. Just use it as an on-demand scanner that you run >>whenever you do the rest of your maintenance. > > > Thank you > > JB > > > > "Gary S. Terhune" <none> escreveu na mensagem > news:e808P3Q8IHA.2064@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl... >> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message >> news:%23DYSIQQ8IHA.1196@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl... >>>I did virus/trojan/spyware checks with various programs (McAfee, >>>Kaspersky, Trend, Spybot, Ad.aware, and several others) All is clean. >>> I uninstalled various programs to see if it helped. It did not. >>> I know McAfee slows things down considerably especially while it looks >>> to see if updates are needed, during download, and I suspect that it >>> holds onto memory after that. The same happens (I thgink) with Adobe >>> Reader 8. I am thinking of uninstalling it and trying to install an old >>> Reader 5. >> >> Yes, McAfee is horrible. Recommend you uninstall it and replace with >> Avast! Antivirus and other tools. I use SpywareBlaster and AdAware 2007 >> (2008 not ready for prime time). Also, Spybot Search & Destroy, but DO >> NOT enable SD Helper of TeaTimer, and don't Immunize. Just use it as an >> on-demand scanner that you run whenever you do the rest of your >> maintenance. Same with SuperAntiSpyware. >> >> Adobe has just released Acrobat Reader 9. >> >>> I have a Toshiba laptop Satellite 1900-303, it has 256 Mb of memory >>> which I think may be not enough to run XP Home SP3, McAfee, etc. >> >> You're absolutely right. WinXP, by itself, with light-weight stuff >> running might be happy with 256MB, but you can't run anything more >> intensive, aspecially if graphics are involved (pictures, videos, etc.) >> >>> The biggest suspect at the moment is the question of programs like >>> McAfee and Adobe not releasing memory after download and use. >> >> Don't know about AcroReader, but get rid of McAfee. >> >>> Eventually, I may have to install the XP Home that comes with the >>> computer and start all over again. That would be my fisrt 'failure' in >>> many years using computers. I have a full XP professional and thought >>> maybe an upgrade would be a way of cleaning things up if they need >>> cleaning. >> >> Nope. >> >>> Incidentally, I have defragmented the 30 Gb disk which only has 12 Gb in >>> it. >> >> Didn't help, did it? >> >>> I do feel (I am not sure) that it runs faster in safe Mode. I have gone >>> through the rigmarole of selective start-ups and unchecked a whole load >>> of services and programmes from the start-up tabs in Msconfig. The >>> problem may be slightly better but the computer is still very slow on >>> start-up (could be due to hanshaking between the laptop, the router and >>> McAfee all fighting for an IP address). Then, later it gets better >>> until I open a .PDF file or there is McAfee or ASdobe downloads (I have >>> stopped automatic downloads now). >>> >>> Any more ideas? >> >> You don't have enough RAM, it's that simple. Yes, get rid of McAfee, I >> don't know about AcroReader 8, but you MUST upgrade your RAM. >> http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Satellite%201900%20Series%20%28DDR%29(I >> *think* that's your model, but you need to cross-reference with >> themanual.)> Thank you for your interest.Sure. Glad you finally mentioned >> the amount of RAM you have. It simply isn'tenough and explains pretty >> much everything.> "Gary S. Terhune" <none> escreveu na >> mensagemnews:eXnXjGQ8IHA.2332@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...>> "just about >> everything" is not informative. Just what does that phraseinclude, in a >> much detail as you can manage? What have you suspected, whatutilities >> have you run, etc.? What applications do you use regularly, andwhat >> applications are running in the background?>>>> -->> Gary S. Terhune>> >> MS-MVP Shell/User>> http://grystmill.com>>>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote >> in messagenews:O9qYbBQ8IHA.3736@TK2MSFTNGP06.phx.gbl...>>> I've tried >> just about everything. But, if you have the time andpatience to help >> me...>>>>>> What about the upgrade?>>>>>> Thanks>>>>>> JB>>>>>>>>>>>> "R. >> McCarty" <PcEngWork-NoSpam_@mindspring.com> escreveu na >> mensagemnews:%23rFQu9P8IHA.616@TK2MSFTNGP02.phx.gbl...>>>> No. Most slow >> computers can be fixed but it's a methodical and time>>>> consuming >> process. The Registry is way down on the list of reasons>>>> why a >> computer becomes sluggish.>>>>>>>> "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in >> messagenews:OC0834P8IHA.2548@TK2MSFTNGP05.phx.gbl...>>>>>I have a very >> slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. However, Isuspect that >> over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or two.If the >> reason for the slowness was there, would an upgrade from XP Home toXP >> Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other partsof >> the system would be totally solved?>>>>>>>>>> Thank you>>>>>>>>>> >> JB>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> >> > >
Guest Big_Al Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof Peter wrote: > I followed Techsupportforum 5-step suggestions to the letter: which included > Panda Then, Mcafee, Kaspersky, Trend, Spybot, Ad.aware, all in safe mode. > > I have pruned, through Msconfig Startup and services tab, down to the > minimum which includes most MS services and McAfee. On startup I have > wkfud, Rundll32 cwaprops, TPtray, Mcagent, CePMTray, CeEKey, Apoint, Ctfmon, > Wkdetect > > It has been slow for some time, It does not hang (not often anyway) > > I suspect low RAM, McAfee and especially Adobe Reader holding onto memory, > and the need for an updated Video driver which I cant find anywhere: > > manufacturer : ATI > type : MOBILITYT RADEONT > memory : 16 MB > memory type : DDR Video RAM > graphics accelerator : 64 bit > connected bus : AGP bus > > > Thank you very much > > JB > > > > "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem > news:vkms849e2l4v2nc0t1398sn9qet7uc6n7g@4ax.com... >> On Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:33:44 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: >> >>> Thanks. Yes, I am aware that there is little difference. It is just >>> that I >>> happen to have them both anyway, if it helped. >>> >>> I have answered most of the questions you make in earlier messages. >>> http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?service=UK&z=129&com..broadvision.session.new=Yes&PRODUCT_ID=44042#0 >> >> >> You answered some. If you don't want to answer them all, I can't help. >> >> >> >>> I could send a Hijackthis report if you could have a look at it. >> >> Sorry, no. I don't publish my E-mail address here. Besides, I'm not a >> Hijackthis expert. >> >> >> >> >>> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem >>> news:1aks84hob9mq0297mldnl5a0luisu5gjc0@4ax.com... >>>> On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:06:41 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: >>>> >>>>> I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. >>>> >>>> Exactly what makes you so sure? The most common cause of slowdowns >>>> these days is malware infection, even on those computers whose owners >>>> think they are clean. What anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do >>>> you run, and are they up to date? >>>> >>>> Besides the malware issue, issue the following questions: >>>> >>>> The second most common cause of performance problems is >>>> performance-robbing programs running in the background. What programs >>>> do you have starting automatically? >>>> >>>> What is your hardware configuration? What processor and how much RAM >>>> do you have? >>>> >>>> What applications do you run? Has it always been slow, or is this >>>> something new? >>>> >>>> Is it slow doing everything, or just some things? What things? >>>> >>>> What changes did you make prior to the slowdown? What new software has >>>> been installed? >>>> >>>> >>>>> However, I >>>>> suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' or >>>>> two. >>>> >>>> Registries don't get "bumps." The thought that the registry gets >>>> filled with clutter, resulting in a slowdown, and needs to be cleaned >>>> periodically, is false, although many people unfortunately believe it. >>>> >>>> >>>>> If the reason for the slowness was there, >>>> >>>> It almost certainly is not. >>>> >>>> >>>>> would an upgrade from XP Home to >>>>> XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other >>>>> parts >>>>> of the system would be totally solved? >>>> >>>> No. Emphatically no. An upgrade from Home to Professional is the >>>> easiest and most likely successful of all possible upgrades, since so >>>> little has to be changed. But the one time when any upgrade is least >>>> likely to be successful is when you are experiencing problems. An >>>> upgrade to a problem-ridden computer is most like to exacerbate >>>> problems, not solve them. >>>> >>>> You should upgrade to Professional *only* after your problems are >>>> solved, and *only* if you are sure that there's some benefit to you in >>>> doing so. Are you aware that XP Home and Professional are identical >>>> except that Professional includes a few features (mostly related to >>>> security and networking) missing from Home? Most home users don't need >>>> and would never use these extra features and will see no benefits by >>>> upgrading. >>>> >>>> For details go to >>>> >>>> http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp >>>> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp> >>>> >>>> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp >>>> >>>> Also note another point, not included in any of the above: >>>> Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only >>>> five. >>>> >>>> >>>> -- >>>> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience >>>> Please Reply to the Newsgroup >> -- >> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience >> Please Reply to the Newsgroup > > If you suspect Adobe you can try removing it and installing PDF Exchange Viewer the Free Version. The 7th on the product list. http://www.pdfxviewer.com/ I find it displays PDF files as well as Adobe and is a bit faster. I've dropped Adobe on my laptop. I tried several other programs but I had a complex PDF that none seemed to reproduce properly until I found this one. This can help but I agree with others that your memory is in dire need of help.
Guest Gary S. Terhune Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof You need better info on that display adapter. Where are you getting that info from? You might want to try Everest 2.02 http://www.majorgeeks.com/mst_Defrag_Home_Edition_d4571.html See if it doesn't give you some numbers to go along with MOBILITYT RADEONT. There are a few different ones. -- Gary S. Terhune MS-MVP Shell/User http://grystmill.com "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:Ou55H$Q8IHA.4108@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... >I followed Techsupportforum 5-step suggestions to the letter: which >included Panda Then, Mcafee, Kaspersky, Trend, Spybot, Ad.aware, all in >safe mode. > > I have pruned, through Msconfig Startup and services tab, down to the > minimum which includes most MS services and McAfee. On startup I have > wkfud, Rundll32 cwaprops, TPtray, Mcagent, CePMTray, CeEKey, Apoint, > Ctfmon, Wkdetect > > It has been slow for some time, It does not hang (not often anyway) > > I suspect low RAM, McAfee and especially Adobe Reader holding onto memory, > and the need for an updated Video driver which I cant find anywhere: > > manufacturer : ATI > type : MOBILITYT RADEONT > memory : 16 MB > memory type : DDR Video RAM > graphics accelerator : 64 bit > connected bus : AGP bus > > > Thank you very much > > JB > > > > "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem > news:vkms849e2l4v2nc0t1398sn9qet7uc6n7g@4ax.com... >> On Tue, 29 Jul 2008 00:33:44 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: >> >>> Thanks. Yes, I am aware that there is little difference. It is just >>> that I >>> happen to have them both anyway, if it helped. >>> >>> I have answered most of the questions you make in earlier messages. >>> http://uk.computers.toshiba-europe.com/cgi-bin/ToshibaCSG/jsp/SUPPORTSECTION/discontinuedProductPage.do?service=UK&z=129&com.broadvision.session.new=Yes&PRODUCT_ID=44042#0 >> >> >> >> You answered some. If you don't want to answer them all, I can't help. >> >> >> >>> I could send a Hijackthis report if you could have a look at it. >> >> >> Sorry, no. I don't publish my E-mail address here. Besides, I'm not a >> Hijackthis expert. >> >> >> >> >>> "Ken Blake, MVP" <kblake@this.is.an.invalid.domain> escreveu na mensagem >>> news:1aks84hob9mq0297mldnl5a0luisu5gjc0@4ax.com... >>> > On Mon, 28 Jul 2008 23:06:41 +0100, "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote: >>> > >>> >> I have a very slow laptop. I am sure that it is very clean. >>> > >>> > >>> > Exactly what makes you so sure? The most common cause of slowdowns >>> > these days is malware infection, even on those computers whose owners >>> > think they are clean. What anti-virus and anti-spyware programs do >>> > you run, and are they up to date? >>> > >>> > Besides the malware issue, issue the following questions: >>> > >>> > The second most common cause of performance problems is >>> > performance-robbing programs running in the background. What programs >>> > do you have starting automatically? >>> > >>> > What is your hardware configuration? What processor and how much RAM >>> > do you have? >>> > >>> > What applications do you run? Has it always been slow, or is this >>> > something new? >>> > >>> > Is it slow doing everything, or just some things? What things? >>> > >>> > What changes did you make prior to the slowdown? What new software has >>> > been installed? >>> > >>> > >>> >> However, I >>> >> suspect that over the years the Registry may have suffered a 'bump' >>> >> or >>> >> two. >>> > >>> > >>> > Registries don't get "bumps." The thought that the registry gets >>> > filled with clutter, resulting in a slowdown, and needs to be cleaned >>> > periodically, is false, although many people unfortunately believe it. >>> > >>> > >>> >> If the reason for the slowness was there, >>> > >>> > >>> > It almost certainly is not. >>> > >>> > >>> >> would an upgrade from XP Home to >>> >> XP Professional make sure that any problems withe registry and other >>> >> parts >>> >> of the system would be totally solved? >>> > >>> > >>> > No. Emphatically no. An upgrade from Home to Professional is the >>> > easiest and most likely successful of all possible upgrades, since so >>> > little has to be changed. But the one time when any upgrade is least >>> > likely to be successful is when you are experiencing problems. An >>> > upgrade to a problem-ridden computer is most like to exacerbate >>> > problems, not solve them. >>> > >>> > You should upgrade to Professional *only* after your problems are >>> > solved, and *only* if you are sure that there's some benefit to you in >>> > doing so. Are you aware that XP Home and Professional are identical >>> > except that Professional includes a few features (mostly related to >>> > security and networking) missing from Home? Most home users don't need >>> > and would never use these extra features and will see no benefits by >>> > upgrading. >>> > >>> > For details go to >>> > >>> > http://www.winsupersite.com/showcase/windowsxp_home_pro.asp >>> > >>> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/whichxp.asp> >>> > >>> > http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/home/howtobuy/choosing2.asp >>> > >>> > Also note another point, not included in any of the above: >>> > Professional allows ten concurrent network connections, and Home only >>> > five. >>> > >>> > >>> > -- >>> > Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience >>> > Please Reply to the Newsgroup >>> >> >> -- >> Ken Blake, Microsoft MVP - Windows Desktop Experience >> Please Reply to the Newsgroup > >
Guest Daave Posted July 29, 2008 Posted July 29, 2008 Re: upgrade XP Home to XP Prof "Peter" <abc@here.com> wrote in message news:Ou55H$Q8IHA.4108@TK2MSFTNGP04.phx.gbl... > I have pruned, through Msconfig Startup and services tab, down to the > minimum which includes most MS services and McAfee. If you still haven't uninstalled McAfee, you haven't pruned nearly enough! And since McAfee tends to keep its hooks in the OS (like Norton), you will need to run the special removal tool (MCPR.exe): http://service.mcafee.com/FAQDocument.aspx?id=107083&lc=1033 Replace with something much lighter like Avast. Free version available: http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html Choose the cutom installation because email scanning (Internet Mail and Outlook/Exchange) is redundant and resource-consuming. Get more RAM. It's cheap these days, and it will dramatically lessen your dependence on the pagefile. Assuming you are truly malware-free, this will be your biggest bang for the buck; 256 MB of RAM is woefully inadequate! It will be about $60 for 1 GB of RAM. Go to a reputable site like http://www.crucial.com/ and use one of their tools to determine exactly what you need. If I plugged in the right values, you will want two of these modules: http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=19763F75A5CA7304 512MB, 200-pin SODIMM, DDR PC2700 memory module CT526407
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