On Going Sporadic Laptop Slowness- really need help

[hunkyzombie]

Hi there! http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/images/icons/icon7.gif i'm trying to find a reason for my laptop's sporadic but regular slowness problem.

 

This problem is most visible when im "stretching" the system somewhat, i.e. playing games. However it is also a recurring feature when im using basic microsoft programs like "works" for prolonged periods of time. All that happens is; the computer runs fine- i get perfect smoothness, but then it just slows down for 20 seconds. Then it regains smoothness.... and then slows down again. For simpler programs ("works") it runs for a few minutes before slowing down - except its more as if its going in slow motion, rather than actual jerkiness. This is the same for older games.

 

Before anyone answers though;

 

I have defragged my hard disk and all my Steam files

I've stopped all programs executing at start up, except firewall and other essentials.

I've cleaned up my whole system registery

I've scanned and removed all spy-ware and ad-ware

I have set all graphics options to minimum on my graphics control center to boost performance.

 

Ive also looked everywhere on the web - but nothing seems to talk about sporadic slowness like this. I know for a fact that my laptop can easily handle the programs im running and with everything i've done it should be working almost like new. And it does; untill this problem happens http://extremetechsupport.com/forum/images/icons/icon8.gif

 

In the space of writing this message it's done it twice. There is a sort of clicking noise when it happens. Im hoping against hope that its not something to do with my drivers changing slowly or something, as it is coming on about 2 1/2 years old. If it is can someone give advice?

 

Many thanks, 'zombie

[BeeCeeBee]

The clicking sound that you hear sounds very much like a physical problem with your hard drive. Before you do to much more investigating make sure you have a good reliable backup.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Hi Zombie

 

Welcome to FPCH

 

You've given us a fair amount of info there but what are the actual system specs like memory and cpu size?

[hunkyzombie]

sure thing; here it is: -

 

Processor: AMD Turion 64 mobile tech MT-37, MMX, 3DNow, about 1.5 GHz

Memory: 1024MB RAM

Graphics Card: ATI Mobility Radeon X1600, 256MB memory

 

Hope it helps :S doesnt seem to be much info.

[Guest Wolfeymole]

Run a check disk on the hard drive by going into Command Prompt and typing;

 

chkdsk /f

 

It will say the volume is locked/in use and would you like to schedule a check on restart, press yes.

 

Do this and get back to us if it's still the same.

[hunkyzombie]

right, i think i did everything right. it went onto a checking screen at start up, didnt find anything corrupted or anything. After playing a game for about 10 minutes it still seems pretty much the same.. it started out ok, and then gradually seemed to get worse. I did think to begin with that you'd cracked it though. Does this mean we're on the right track? Thanks a lot btw.

[BeeCeeBee]

Hunkyzombie there are people on here that know a lot more than I do and hopefully there is a solution BUT I still believe that you are in trouble with that hard drive and that there is a good chance that it may need replacing.

 

Whether I am right or wrong I can only repeat what I said about being sure you have backed up your data to another medium.

[hunkyzombie]

certainly; from past experience making backups of everything i hold dear right from the off is definately a must. So yes, everything i need is backup up atm, both webbed and on external drive. I was just wondering if there is anything at all that can be attempted to put off the inevitable disaster that is a PC :-P If experience is anything to go by though, its probably coming to the end of its life span anyway. i blame the games :-( they ruin everything.

[BeeCeeBee]

The fact that you hear a clicking sound at the same time as the lappy starts to go pear shaped is a pretty good indication that the hard drive is simply broken. (not a very technical term but probably true.)

 

Just watch this space and see if someone comes up with something otherwise perhaps a letter to Santa Clause. Sorry not really funny if it is your problem.

[BeeCeeBee]

The fact that you hear a clicking sound at the same time as the lappy starts to go pear shaped is a pretty good indication that the hard drive is simply broken. (not a very technical term but probably true.)

 

Just watch this space and see if someone comes up with something otherwise perhaps a letter to Santa Clause. Sorry not really funny if it is your problem.