[Clean] Asus X5DC laptop running very slow.

[jontye]

Hi Ken, I run this overnight, it looks like nothing found, result reads, 'Verification 100% complete'. 'Windows resource protection did not find any integrity violations'.

Jontye.

[KenB]

Hi jontye

 

Thanks for that information.

 

No malware

Nothing wrong with the hard-drive

Nothing wrong with the installation files for Windows

Checked RAM - seemingly nothing wrong here either.

We ran it in Safe Mode - still the same.

 

I am now wondering if your video "card" is somehow slowing things down.

The icons should not be over-large. This implies a resolution issue.

The resolution itself will not affect the running of the machine but if the graphics adapter is faulty - this may.

 

Take a look here and see if you can alter the resolution to a more acceptable level.

click here

[jontye]

Hi Ken, I went into Control Panel to change the screen resolution, it was set at the highest level 1366 by 768, I adjusted it to the medium level setting of 1024 by 768 which made the problem much worse, after I clicked to revert back to the original setting the screen froze and remained so for more than 5 minutes, so I again had to remove the battery before restarting the machine.

As happened the last time I had to remove the battery, on restart evrything worked as it should, for all of three minutes, then back to slow, slow, dead dead slow.

However, out of interest I closed down and restarted by opening the original user desktop, and all of the icons/text were of normal size, so possibly the resolution setting wasn't the problem, scrolling through the Control Panel I came across 'Make text and other items larger or smaller' thinking that I can't possibly make the running of the laptop any worse I opened up the link and reset the size from 125% to 100%, surprise surprise it worked and we now have normal size icons and text on the desktop.

 

Jontye.

[KenB]

we now have normal size icons and text on the desktop.

Well I'm happy to hear that at least one of your problems is solved :)

 

Slowing down after a few minutes would seem to indicate an over-heating problem.

 

Download "Speccy" from here: click here

You want the FREE version on the left.

Download it from the Piriform site.

 

Install and run Speccy.

After it scans your system it will show CPU temperature and others.

Post these here please.

 

It may be easier if you click on File > Publish Snapshot > click on Yes

Copy the URL and post this here.

 

This does not show any personal details only machine specs.

 

Laptops are notorious for gathering dust.

Dust can cause overheating.

If you can get a can of compressed air you can give it a blast through the vents.

Use short blasts as long ones tend to expel liquid ( the propellant )

I suggest that you do this outside.

[jontye]

Ken,The results, http://speccy.piriform.com/results/eA2osRhzB2Rcg1wI4XJ2APY

Jontye

[KenB]

Hi jontye

 

Thanks for the link to the Speccy results.

The CPU temperature is raised ( 59 deg ) mine has been on all day and is reading 45 deg at the moment.

 

When you ran Speccy was the machine running slow ?

Can you run Speccy again please and let me know what the CPU temperature is this time.

 

How long had the machine been running when you ran Speccy ?

 

I think your machine may benefit from a good clean - try the compressed air first.

[jontye]

Ken, I had just switched it on to read your reply, then dowloaded Speccy, so it had been running for no more than 10 minutes, while I was starting to copy the results and attach them to the thread the temp was showing 61dg, I've removed the back cover, as I did when we checked the RAM, and removed some dust, carefully, with the vacuum cleaner, then I blew compressed air through the vent and cleared dust from that.

It took a good few minutes to download and install Speccy, it's usual slow speed.

I will switch it on and run Speccy now.

Jontye.

[jontye]

Ken, http://speccy.piriform.com/results/lDKMdpHae0O3uVd8AySAZqK

From switching on to the end of the scan was just under 5 minutes, as before the temp rose to 60dg as I was copying the results, then the dam thing stopped working, 'page not responding' message, so I've had to come out of IE and start with the reply again. Jontye

[KenB]

Hi jontye,

 

Thanks for the second Speccy link.

 

Switch the machine on - leave it for 15 mins and confirm that it is running in its usual slow manner.

Then hit CTRL + ALT + DEL [ all together ]

 

This will take you to Task Manager.

There should be a Performance Tab. Click on this.

 

What is the CPU and Memory showing as a percentage ?

[ this will vary but average it out ]

 

===========

One more thing to try:

If there is a wireless switch on that machine - try switching the wireless off and see if the machine runs any better.

On mine I have a Fn key and a blue radio signal key on the top row to turn off wireless.

[ or simply unplug the router ]

 

===========

 

Just noticed that you have a 64 bit version of Windows.

3GB RAM is just about OK.

Most 64 bit systems have 4GB and more.

[KenB]

Hi jontye,

 

In addition to my post #84 ....

 

Download the Intel Processor Diagnostic Tool from here - click here

The IPDT Installer is the 3rd one down

 

This will test your CPU and give it a pass or fail.

 

There is a video here - click here

The early part of the video will explain what it does and how to use it.

 

Let us know the results

[jontye]

Hi Ken, The CPU was given a pass,

 

 

---------------------------

--- Testing Processor 1 ---

---------------------------

 

--- IPDT64 - rev 2.20.0.0.W.MP ---

 

--- Start Time: 09/27/2015 17:36:09---

 

--- Skipping Config ---

 

--- Reading CPU Manufacturer ---

Expected --> GenuineIntel

Detected --> GenuineIntel

Found --- Genuine Intel Processor ---

--- Temperature Test ---

Temperature Test Passed!!!

 

Temperature = 48 degrees C below maximum.

 

--- Reading Brand String ---

Detected Brand String:

Intel Celeron D 220 1.20GHz

 

Brand String Test Passed!!!

 

--- Reading CPU Frequency ---

Expected CPU Frequency is --> 1.20

 

Detected CPU Frequency is --> 1.51959

CPU Frequency Test Passed!!!

Expected frequency - The highest frequency at which the tested processor was manufactured to operate

Detected frequency - The frequency at which the tested processor is currently operating

Power management modes can create marginally higher or lower detected frequency

than expected frequency. Small variations in clock frequencies are common.

--- Reading FSB ---

 

Expected FSB : --> 533

Detected) FSB : --> 533

CPU FSB Test Passed!!!

 

--- Running Base Clock test ---

 

--- This CPU does not support base clock test ---

..QPI rate Test not supported..

..Skipping QPI rate Test..

Skipping QPI rate Test

 

--- Running Floating Point test ---

 

Million Floating Points per Second, MFLOPS --> 100.8

Floating Point Test Pass ---

--- Running Prime Number Generation Test ---

 

Operation Per Second--> 332290

Prime Number Generation Test Pass ---

--- Reading Cache Size ---

- Detected L1 Data Cache Size --> 1 x 32

- Detected L1 Inst Cache Size --> 1 x 32

- Detected L2 Cache Size --> 512

- Detected L3 Cache Size --> Not Detected.

 

Cache Size Test Passed!!!

 

--- Determining MMX - SSE capabilities ---

 

--- CPU FEATURES DETECTION FOR ---

--- MMX SSE ---

MMX - MMX Supported --> Yes

SSE - SSE Supported --> Yes

SSE2 - SSE2 Supported --> Yes

SSE3 - SSE3 Supported --> Yes

SSSE3 - SSSE3 Supported --> Yes

SSE4.1 - SSE4.1 Supported --> No

SSE4.2 - SSE4.2 Supported --> No

--- MMX SSE - capabilities check complete ---

MMX Test Result --- PASS

SSE Test Result --- PASS

SSE2 Test Result --- PASS

SSE3 Test Result --- PASS

SSSE3 Test Result --- PASS

SSE4.1 Test Result --- Not Tested

SSE4.2 Test Result --- Not Tested

MMX SSE Testing Passed !!

--- Determining AVX AES PCLMULQDQ capabilities ---

 

--- CPU FEATURES DETECTION FOR ---

--- AVX/AES/PCLMULQDQ ---

AVX - Advanced Vector Extensions Supported --> No

AVX OS Support - AVX Operating System Supported --> No ---> No Test Required

AES - Advanced Encryption Standard Supported --> No ---> No Test Required

PCLMULQDQ - Polys Carry-Less Multiply Supported --> No ---> No Test Required

--- AVX AES PCLMULQDQ capabilities check complete ---

AVX Compare Test Result --- Not Tested

AES Test Result --- Not Tested

PCLMULQDQ Test Result --- Not Tested

No AVX AES PCLMULQDQ Tests required

--- IMC NOT Supported on this Processor ---

..Platform Controller Hub Test not supported curent chipset..

..Skipping Platform Controller Hub Test..

Skipping Platform Controller Hub Test

 

..

..Query 4..

..

--- Querying for Intel® Integrated Graphics Device (IGD) ---

..Intel® Integrated Graphics Device not supported on this processor..

..Skipping Intel® Integrated Graphics Device Presence Test..

..

--- CPU Load ---

 

--- Load Level = 8

 

CPU Load Passed!!!

 

--- Temperature Test ---

Temperature Test Passed!!!

 

Temperature = 40 degrees C below maximum.

 

--- Test End Time: 09/27/2015 17:40:10---

 

System Information

------------------

Processor Name: Intel® Celeron® D CPU 220 @ 1.20GHz

Processor Information: Intel64 Family 6 Model 22 Stepping 1

Number of Physical Cores: 1

Number of Logical Cores: 1

Installed System Memory: 3 GB

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

Graphics Information: SiS Mirage 3 Graphics

System Product: K50C

System BIOS: 209

[jontye]

Hi Ken, The CPU average percentage is 7%, lowest 1% highest 15%, The Memory showed an average of 791.

 

I ran the CPU test and it came up with a pass, I pasted the information on a reply and posted it, but it seems to have disappeared.

 

Jontye.

[jontye]

Hi Ken, Tried scanning MSE without the Broadband connected, it seemed to work much quicker, in 2 minutes it has scanned 30,306 items, opened up Office and that seemed quicker, then I had to connect to open your site and we went back to slow mode. The SIS tray message popped up again when I switched on.

Jontye.

PS, I ran the CPU and Memory percentage test for eight minutes.

Just as I tried to post this reply the 'Not Responding' message popped up and I've had to close the page down, which took a while, then reopen to send.

[KenB]

Hi jontye

 

posted it, but it seems to have disappeared.

I don't know if you can - but I can see your CPU test results post # 86

Your CPU passed every test - so we can now rule this out.

 

The Memory showed an average of 791.

Should this read 79% ?

If so - this is high if the machine is not doing a lot.

 

Can you check the Virtual Memory setting for me please ?

click here

Don't make any changes.

Let me know if it is "Managed" or if there is a value in "Custom Setting" - let me know what this is if there is a number.

[RandyL]

Just to let everyone know. This site has been experiencing intermittent issues lately. Occasionally pages will not load.

[jontye]

Hi Ken,

Ran the CPU & Memory test again and the results are, CPU 13%, Memory 87%, nothing else being used on Laptop.

Result of the Virtual Memory Settings reads, C: (os) System Managed.

Jontye.

[KenB]

Your Virtual Memory is set how I would have it - System Managed .......so this is OK

 

I still think that your Memory ( which is RAM ) is high - especially if it is doing nothing.

 

Open Task Manager again ( CTRL + ALT + DEL ) then using the - symbol( top right ) shrink it

Now go to Youtube and run a video

Open another browser and run a second video.

Try opening Word or another program too.

Open up Task Manager from the Task Bar at the bottom.

Has "Memory" gone up significantly ?

[Plastic Nev]

Follow Kens instructions first so we can see what happens when you try opening those different things.

However there is something using a tremendous amount of resources as far as the memory (RAM) is concerned, looking at the first Speccy result you posted the link for, (Post #80) shows the RAM having 91% in use. Scroll down to the bottom of that long list to see it as in this screen shot.

 

http://i21.servimg.com/u/f21/14/68/69/96/high_r10.jpg

 

You could increase the size of the memory as it is only 3GB by buying a 2GB stick to replace the 1GB that is already there, however that on its own won't improve things by very much.

If wanting to do that you can let the Crucial website scan the system which will then tell you which type and how much RAM can be installed.

Crucial here :-

 

http://uk.crucial.com/gbr/en

 

However we need to look into what is the main culprit or culprits using all the RAM memory, again from scrolling down that Speccy report listing there are a lot of services and processes running, all of them using some amount of the RAM memory.

Ken may be able to help sort out what can be stopped and isn't needed.

 

Nev.

[jontye]

Hi Ken, The Task Manager showed CPU 16% and the Memory 93% when first opened up, I opened two you tube videos, tried to open MS word which wouldn't open, at that point the CPU was showing 100% and the Memory was much the same at 95%.

I scanned the laptop, as Nev suggested, for replacement Ram boards and I can only replace then like for like, can't increase the size of the RAM.

 

Jontye.

[KenB]

Hi jontye

 

If there is no option for increasing the RAM it looks like the Mother-board was designed for 32 bit systems.

64 bit systems usually have 4GB minimum with the option of upgrading to 16 or 32 GB ( this all depends on the actual motherboard )

 

Something is running away with the memory on that machine.

 

Please do the following:

Click the Start Orb > type in ....msconfig.exe ....ENTER

Click on the General Tab ( if not on this already )

Put a check ( click ) in "Selective Startup"

Then un-check "Load Startup Items"

 

Now click on the "Services" Tab

Put a tick ( click in ) "Hide Microsoft Services "

Then click "Disable All"

 

Click OK > Restart the Machine

 

This should help - click here

You will need to scroll down to "Windows 7 and Vista"

 

This is a clean boot process.

It removes everything from startup that isn't Microsoft related.

 

Try your machine now.

 

Can you also run a Speccy scan too so that we can compare results.

You may find that certain things don't run as before .....this is not a permanent setting.

[jontye]

http://speccy.piriform.com/results/z3Fue8UUfT7w6s4mINVhqMK

 

Ken, Results of Speccy I've just run. Will send more details from my laptop, because of all sorts of problems on this one (my wifes).

Jontye

[jontye]

Ken, First of all I checked the site of another RAM supplier, and that said it was possible to increase the RAM to 4GB.

When I went into the selective startup proceedure and restarted the laptop all sorts of wierd things happened, quite a few pop up messages came up when I tried to open MS Word, the ones I had time to read were, 'script error' SIS tray not working, two or three that I did not have time to read, MS Word did open eventually, I then tried to go online but couldn't get connected to the broadband, again the script error message came up when I opened BT Desktop Heilp.

I couldn't get connected so reset the Start Up to normal, still wouldn't connect, tried several times over the next 30 minutes or so, the only way I was able to get a broadband connection was by going back to a restore point on 27/9/15.

It looked at one time as if nothing was going to work at all, the Speccy scan that I posted was done after I'd re-connected to broadband, and even then the not responding message kept popping up.

If you can think of anything else to try I will give it one more go and if that doesn't work, I'm going to bin the machine.

Jontye.

[KenB]

Hi jontye

 

Thanks for the Speccy link again.

It is still showing a very high Memory usage.

 

=================

 

That is a very surprising result. ( error messages etc )

If all Micro-soft services etc are running the machine should run without a problem.

 

Start > type in .....msconfig.exe ....ENTER

Check that the "General Tab" settings are "normal" and and not selective.

You will need to re-boot if changes are made. [ do this later ]

 

Now look at the "Startup" tab there

Uncheck everything

Make a note of those with a tick next to them before doing this.

 

DO NOT use the internet as this will stop your Anti-Virus running.

 

Reboot.

Try the system now for speed.

 

We will need to go back and enable some of the entries afterwards.

Especially the AV entry.

[jontye]

Hi Ken, I've followed your instructions and the likes of MS Office opened much quicker, opened the CPU meter and the CPU ave was 7%, the Memory was showing 51%, the 'SIS Control Centre has Stopped Working' popped up, the laptop did NOT connect to broadband.

I closed it down and await further instructions .

 

Jontye

[KenB]

Hi jontye

 

That looks more "normal"

 

There shouldn't be anything in Start-up that would stop you connecting to the Net. ???

 

How many items were ticked in the Start-up list ?

 

You made a note of what was enabled ( ticked ) previously.

Go back to Start-Up and look for anything related to your AV. [ nothing else for the moment ]

If you still have Security Essentials it will say something like "Microsoft Security Client"

Put a tick next to that.

Apply > OK

Reboot.

 

What are the results now ?