Laptop suddenly very slow

Hi,

I have a Dell Vostro 1000 that was fine until a little while ago when it appeared to hang. It turned out that it hadn't stopped completely but was running amazingly slowly.

I formatted the HDD and reinstalled XP but still have the problem. I went through the Hardware (http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=182310) and Malware (http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=183474) forums.

I am thinking it may be a Windows setting up issue as I have used the Dell XP install CD and then used the Dell Drivers and utilities CD but the software doesn't appear to auto-detect all of the hardware on the laptop.

Is there a way of ensuring that all of the correct software / drivers etc. are on the laptop so I can eliminate the software side of things?

Please help as I have a just out of warranty laptop that can only serve as a door stop!

Many thanks.

Regards,
Lee

 

What kind of security system are you running? I had problems awhile ago because of BitDefender gobbling up free space until there was nothing left. My computer slowed down gradually while this was happening

 

When your laptop slows down the next time, reach underneath & see if it's hot to the touch. One of the fans may not be blowing the heat out.

 

Thanks for the responses.

The laptop is running avast free antivirus but even before it was installed (but after windows XP was freshly re-installed) the laptop was slow.

I left the laptop on for a fair while and it only got warm. Certainly not what I would think to be concerningly hot.

Any other ideas? I am at a loss.

Thanks.

Regards
Lee

 

http://support.dell.com/support/dow...mID=VOS_N_1000&hidos=WLH&hidlang=en&TabIndex=

Drivers and Downloads for your Vostro 1000 running Windows XP are located at the above link. If you don't use quick format when installing Windows will check your HDD for bad blocks. Have you checked log files for errors in Administrative Tools, specifically the event viewer.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308423

Could also be a hardware problem, right click My Computer and choose properties, does it show an amount of RAM close to the amount installed for your PC?

Just a few thoughts, Dells are fickle for sure.

-Bug-

 

Quick question, what are your system specs?

i.e., what is your current processor speed, and amount of installed memory?

Have you checked your hard drive for errors?

Have you checked your RAM memory for errors?

Since you reformatted, did the speed initially increase after the install, or did you have the same issue?


If you could quote this post and answer, that would be really cool...

 

Please see the bold bits above...
The processor speed concerns me. I used the Dell drivers disc that came with the laptop to reinstall everything but I think I might reformat again and use thw link posted by Bug.

Please let me know if I am heading in the right direction - Thank you

Regards
Lee

 

Just had a look at the original paperwork...
The processor is supposed to be a 1.8 GHz one - something wrong there!
BTW, the HDD is 60Gb with around 50Gb free.

Regards
Lee

 

Go to bios and click to default settings.

 

What we (as in us, all the Geeks, we are a loose knit team) need you to do is head over to Dell with your service tag, and get a handle on exactly what this laptop shipped with. There are many combos of this business grade laptop to be had.

Dell.com>Support>Downloads & Drivers>Enter Tag


Current procesor:

Type CPU: Microprocessor

Family: AMD Mobile Sempron
Model number: 3500+
Part number: SMS3500HAX4CM
Stepping code: NFBCF
Frequency (MHz):
3500+ (rated)
1800 (real)

Package 638-pin lidless micro-PGA
1.38" x 1.38" (3.5 cm x 3.5 cm)
Socket: Socket S1

Architecture: Microarchitecture
Processor core: Keene
Manufacturing process: 0.09 micron
Data width: 64 bit
Number of cores: 1
Floating Point Unit: Integrated
Level 1 cache size: 64 KB instruction cache
64 KB data cache
Level 2 cache size: 512 KB

Features:
MMX Technology
3DNow!
SSE
SSE2
SSE3

AMD64 technology: Enhanced Virus Protection

Low power features PowerNow! technology
On-chip peripherals Dual-channel DDR2 SDRAM memory controller
One 16-bit HyperTransport link with speeds up to 800 MHz


Electrical/Thermal parameters
V core (V) ? 1.125 / 1.15 / 1.2
Max operating temperature (°C) 95
Thermal Design Power (W) 25

 

Vostro 1000 possible configurations:

http://www.dell.com/content/products/productdetails.aspx/vostronb_1000?c=us&cs=28&l=en&s=dfb

Should you chat with Dell, please find out what chipset you have.

 

I went to the Dell website and tapped in the Service Tag number.
I formatted the laptop and reinstalled XP with the supplied CD.
I then downloaded the drivers and utilities from the Dell website and installed them.
For the most part, the laptop is fine. It is such a pity that the laptop is nearly there but randomly seems hang (or just go ultra slow) and programs become non responsive.

What I do find strange is that, under System Information, the processor speed seems to report different speeds each time I have a look at it??

Here is the spec of the laptop:
V1000 SEMPRON 3500+ (1.8GHZ/256KB)
DISPLAY : 15.4IN LCD WXGA WITH TRUELIFE
MEMORY : 1024MB (2X512) 553MHZ DDR2 DUAL
HARD DRIVE 60GB SERIAL ATA (5400RPM)
OPTICAL DRIVE : 8X DVD+/-RW DRIVE
ADAPTER : 2 WIRE 65W AC ADAPTER
BATTERY : PRIMARY 6-CELL 53W/HR LI-ION
GRAPHICS : ATI RADEON? XPRESS 1150 HYPER
MODEM : UK INTERNAL V.92 DATA, FAX & VOI
DELL WIRELESS 1390 802.11B/G MINI-PCI CA
SOFTWARE DRIVER : VOSTRO 1000
OPERATING SYSTEM : ENGLISH WINDOWS XP HO
SOFTWARE : ENGLISH MICROSOFT WORKS 9.0 W
SOFTWARE : ENGLISH ADOBE READER 8.1
SOFTWARE : UK INTERNET SERVICE PROVIDER
SOFTWARE : DELL SUPPORT CENTER 2.0

 

Are you running on battery, or are you plugged in?

I have seen the processor speed reduced when it is not plugged in. The Inspiron series 8*** series had that BIOS option.

Processors can be over/underclocked depending on the system demands.

When you get the chance, download, burn, and run this program:

http://majorgeeks.com/Memtest86_d1247.html

Let's see what kind of shape your memory is in. When this program runs, errors will be highlighted in red. I have let mine run overnight before to make well over ten passes on the sticks. I recommend doing so. If all goes well, you should have no errors at all.

If the memory checks out, we can move on to the hard drive.

 

Disregard the above post, I made a boo-boo. I'm heading off to take a nap now. :zzz

Are you running on battery, or are you plugged in?

I have seen the processor speed reduced when it is not plugged in. The Inspiron series 8*** series had that BIOS option.

Processors can be over/underclocked depending on the system demands.

When you get the chance, download, burn, and run this program:

http://majorgeeks.com/Memtest86_d1247.html

This will be a .zip file. Extract the contents, and run the application to burn the ISO to a CD. It may look a bit confusing, but it's an easy program. The most important detail is on the right side, and that would be the Err column. That should be zero when you are done.

Let's see what kind of shape your memory is in. When this program runs, errors will be highlighted in red. I have let mine run overnight before to make well over ten passes on the sticks. I recommend doing so. If all goes well, you should have no errors at all.

If the memory checks out, we can move on to the hard drive.

 

I ran the mem test overnight. It did 10 passes with no failures.

The laptop runs almost exclusively on mains as the battery life isn't too good.

HDD next I guess

 

Also, when you do a fresh install, the PC needs to, well, learn what it does. The longer it is used for tasks, the faster it will perform them, to a point of course.

When I installed my new mobo, I re-installed XP, and the browser was slow the first couple times I used it, and then again after I overclocked.

If the problem genuinely is persistent, a deeper look needs to be taken.

Here is a link to MHDD:

http://www.softpedia.com/get/System/Hard-Disk-Utils/MHDD.shtml

If all components check out, head over to malware and get a hold of Malwarebytes scanner, and Super Anti-virus.

 

Thanks for the link. Do you use the software in the same way as the memtest - burn to a CD then boot from it?

The laptop appears fine and fast for the most part but will (apparently randomly) lock up/ go ultraa slow sometimes. The app in question reports as not responding but windows itself appears to be running normally. I.e. the non responsive app can be minimised and then the laptop can be used almost normally.
The only odd thing that is consistant all of the time is that typing anything in using the keyboard is v e r y slow. It remembers all the keystrokes but takes a while for the letters to appear on the screen. I'd guess at about a second per letter.

Thanks,

Lee

 

Yep, same manner. Follow the onscreen directions, and let it run to get the report.

As for the keyboard, how long has that been going on? Also, when visiting Dell, have you looked at the updates for a newer keyboard driver? If there is one, give it a shot, it may fix the problem. Just download and run it. It will extract and install itself.

How did the laptop perform before you did the reformat?

In addition, you really don't have the most spectacular processor on the planet, and the 256K L2 cache may have something to do with your issues. And I mean MAY. As a rule the bigger the cache, the better. I just built an old Dell with a 1MB cache CPU, that blows away the same speed CPU with a 512K cache. Your laptop definitely has upgrade potential.

Also, at the bottom of this page are processors you could upgrade to. Having a larger L2 cache is a very beneficial thing. According to the specs for your laptop, the best processor for your laptop is a TL-60. The Turion X2 CPUs are dual core.

http://www.starmicro.net/SearchResult.aspx?CategoryID=112

This place is reliable, and the best deal I could find if you ever consider tweaking up the CPU.

 

I've registered and logged on just to reply to this message - as I had the same problem myself and it nearly killed me.



I hope the OP or anyone who searches for this problem finds this post and solves their problem as ATI tech support is useless.



I have a Inspiron 1501 with the 1150 xpress graphics card and had problems with slow typing and the odd browser hang.



Anyway, after much searching I've discovered it's the ati2evxx.exe problem (ATI Hotkey poller)



In task manager you may well have two of that process running. Close 'em both down and the problem should go away - obviously it's polling the keyboard in some weird way.



Anyway, to permanentely solve the problem go to control panel>administrative tools>services and look for "Ati HotKey Poller" - rightclick to get the properties and disable it.



Job done.
http://forums.amd.com/game/messageview.cfm?catid=264&threadid=97507

 

Nice catch, kiddo.

I am great with hardware, but my software needs some brushing up.

Thanks for showing this old joker a new path to follow for odd PC behavior..