Laptop Always Been Slow - Not Sure if it's Drivers or Not?

Hi all,

A brief synopsis: My Aunt has a Dell laptop, 64-bit, running Windows Vista Basic with Service Pack 2. It was purchased brand new from Dell, and really I should have contacted Dell aeons ago when it was under warranty to sort it out! However, here we are a couple of years down the road, and I am pulling my hair out with it!

From my own checks, I believe the issue is driver related. I can't be sure though. I'm definitely not an expert! I am basing this on the fact that if I boot in Safe Mode, it runs like a dream, and I know Safe Mode uses minimal drivers. As soon as you boot into Vista, is when the troubles start. As I said it runs slowly at the best of times, and sometimes freezes all together, and generally acts up. I can't pinpoint a specific application, rhyme or reason. there does not appear to be a pattern, or at least not one that I can find.

Anyway... I installed Linux onto it some time ago, and again, it runs like a dream. Unfortunately though, my Aunt not very pc savvy. She mostly uses it to play games - and sadly Linux limits her massively in this respect. So, I've decided to give 'fixing' Windows another go.

The complete Hardware/Software report is attached.

Any help at all would be very much appreciated!

Thanks in advance,

Sarah

 

I have just realised that the Everest report does not show the motherboard! I found it via Linux instead:

linuxmint
description: Portable Computer
product: Inspiron 1545 ()
vendor: Winbond Electronics
serial: 7CGM5N1
width: 64 bits
capabilities: smbios-2.4 dmi-2.4 vsyscall64 vsyscall32
configuration: boot=normal chassis=portable uuid=44454C4C-4300-1047-804D-B7C04F354E31
*-core
description: Motherboard
product: 0G848F
vendor: Winbond Electronics
physical id: 0
serial: .7CGM5N1.CN7016608B01P9.
*-firmware
description: BIOS
vendor: Winbond Electronics
physical id: 0
version: A14
date: 12/07/2009
size: 64KiB
capacity: 15MiB
capabilities: isa pci pcmcia pnp upgrade shadowing cdboot bootselect int13floppy720 int5printscreen int9keyboard int14serial int17printer int10video acpi usb agp smartbattery biosbootspecification netboot

 

Hi my friend , welcome to MG's :major

You can inform us about service tag , on the bottom of the laptop there is a sticker , what is her antivirus ? What programmes is installed in her machine ? :wave

 

Hi Falconattack, thank you for your reply!

The service tag is 7CGM5N1. The Express Service Tag is 15990978061.

THe antivirus is AVG free edition (I just updated it from 2012 to 2013). I also have Spybot Search and Destroy and SuperAntispware installed. None of them have reported anything untoward.

I will get back to you with regard to the programs! Bear with!

 

On the bottom of the laptop there is a sticker with Model number

http://www.blisscomputers.net/images/tn_dell-pp266L_f.jpg

even go to
Start
Run msconfig
going to
Startup tab
you can remove any tick except for antivirus
Apply
Ok

vista is an nightmare own it's own with all these programmes your machine is very difficult to run properly :wave

 

Okay,

I've attached a screen print of all programs listed in the Programs and Features section of Control Panel. I hope this is what you needed?

I have also just done the MSConfig, and the only program now running now is AVG.

 

You must give your model number as suggested you in the previous post my friend , what is the free capacity of your hdd ? You can follow these steps

http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/maintenance/speed.aspx#fbid=ciaQlenU1YZ

to speed up your machine :wave

 

But only sweeper find's it problem remains the same ;/

 

Did you follow my suggestions ? :wave

 

YES.I Think it's because computer dosen't have a PCI device but it should install when installing hd audio driver

 

Please go to your post my friend :wave

 

@Benasss - I think you have posted to the wrong thread!

@Falconattack, apologies, model number is PPP41L. HD - I will get back to you on this in a moment. It's utterly locked up again! I will then try the link to see anything there can help speed up the pc.

 

Sorry that should have read PP41L! :-o

HDD is 1GB. Of that, 63.9GB is free.

I will try the link now to see anything there can help speed up the pc. As I said it has always been slow since new though. But I will see if anything helps. You never know

 

Okayyy...

Last night I tried the tips given on the Microsoft link:

- The Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool found no threats.
- I did not download Microsoft Security Essentials, as I already have AVG, and a full scan prior to my first post came back clean.
- I ran the Disk Cleanup Tool, which removed 2.24MB.
- I ran the Error Checking Utility late on and overnight. I know it had to make two changes (one was a corrupt attribute, and the other was to add an attribute. There may have been others as I fell asleep during Stage 4 of the checks lol. I awoke this morning to find it had exited the check and there was no suggestion that there was anything left to address).

I will try a disk defrag this morning to see if that helps at all. So far this morning it is running quite quickly, BUT it DOES do that sometimes, so I am loathe to assume it is all fixed yet :cry. Lol.

 

Hi again

I've run the defrag.

Since this morning the laptop has been running more quickly. I've noticed that the 'Physical Memory' percentage in the Task Manager has reduced from the usual 85ish percent down a bit. Although, saying that, it#s back up to 83% now I have opened the browser .

Still it is running more quickly right now.

Also, I must apologise - I gave you the wrong information with regard to the HDD size - it is actually 134GB. It is the memory that is 1GB! I have double checked all the other info I have supplied to you, and it is correct

Is there any reason that the physical Memory percentage should be so high? On my own laptop it varies but rarely gets anywhere near that. Bearing in mind that I run perhaps 5 programs at a time and on this laptop, I currently have nothing running by choice, except for the task manager, and this Firefox page?

 

Is it yours ?

http://www.it-echo.com/2010/02/15/d...5-6-4gb-ram-250gb-hd-9-cell-win-7-office.html

You can remove AVG because is an nightmare for many users , you can follow this

http://www.avg.com/us-en/utilities

also go to this directory

C:\Program Files\AVG

to delete any file , in case you have a problem to remove the files , this tool is the key

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Unlocker_d4660.html

you can install this

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/security-essentials-download :wave

 

Hi, yes that is the right model - although the spec from that info is a bit different. I only have 1GB of RAM, not 4. I only have 145 (that includes D Drive recovery) whereas the one on the link has 250.

There may be other differences too? If you need any more info please ask, I will be glad to supply it.

I installed AVG because previously I had McAfee and it crippled the computer even more than ever. AVG was a lot lot better. I can try Microsoft Security Essentials if you think it will help.

Do you think that is why the Physical Memory (in Task Manager) is so high? (Around 75 - 85% all the time).

 

With Intel Pentium Dual Core processor T4400 (2.20GHz) 1 gb of ram running Win 7 is the cause of physical Memory high usage , the best think is to add another 1 gb of ram i think , you can run this tool

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/

inspecting the type of your ram , even you could check your computer with this antivirus cd

http://forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=82163

burning with ( from clean computer )

http://www.majorgeeks.com/ImgBurn_d4870.html

inspecting your computer :wave

 

The laptop is running on Vista basic, not Windows 7. Does that make any difference?

 

Vista isn't good operating system but with another 1 gb of ram would be better :wave

 

Okay, thank you So you still think there could be a viruys lurking somewhere? I will see about getting a disk done and running it just to be sure.

Re the memory, you would think though that Dell would not have put together this package if it was not likely to have enough memory to cope. It's like selling a car with only a 50cc engine - it's never going to work! The memory scanner came up with the following:

http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/viewscanbyid.aspx?id=60F2C4F031D926C3http://

Since it is a laptop though I will get someone else to add the memory. I took mine apart a while ago to clean the fan... I got it back together and it works well... But I would never do it again lol.

Also, I will look into Readyboost as you mentioned before. Hopefully one way or another it will get this laptop working well.

Thanks so much for your help - the laptop is definitely running more quickly, so all the things you suggested have helped

 

Yes it's important to create this useful cd from a clean computer even Spybot Search and Destroy is creating a lot of problems , my opinion is that you have to uninstall this , this is a good programme having your machine in good performance

http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Standard_d5125.html

i find this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yQeHCjN3ods

how to upgrade your Ram memory , because some type of motherboard don't identify different type of Ram you could either to pull out your currently ram to inform us about the type etc or to buy this one

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820145172

the more Ram is better if you are able to spend more money :wave

 

Okay, thanks! I've uninstalled Spybot. I already have CCleaner on the machine and ran it last night, funnily enough!

l'll see about getting the memory. It looks very easy to install which is a major relief! If I can't ID the RAM I will let you know.

I will get a disk made up on my own laptop and see what happens with the antivirus software. I'll check back with you in due course to let you know how it went after it is all upgraded etc.

Thanks again Falconattack :wave

 

Sarah,
Given that its a Dell, you can go to their site and enter the service tag number and do two things: 1) Run their own diagnostics (Tech Support, Home User, Diagnostics), and 2) let it find the "recommended" drivers for that machine (Tech Support, Drivers Home) and compare what it tells you with what's on her machine.

Be aware (warned) in advance that their site is slow, and the download runs at half-plex speed (40 - 50 Kb/s), so downloads take a long time. They also have an ftp page for downloads that may help with locating drivers. If you need specific help with their site, post here and I'll try to help out. I've recently spent a fair amount of time there working on a newly refurbished laptop.

BearPup

 

You can remove items from start up using ccleaner , you have to go to run ccleaner , selecting Tools - Startup tab ( disable all boxes ) , as DavidGP told you perhaps many items which is at first boot is the cause of high cpu usage but vista is the main problem :wave

 

Hi all, and thanks for all your kind advice.

I've already stripped down the startup, so that all that runs now is AVG. I updated the drivers last week and left it to download overnight. Most installed without issue but a couple had errors, so I will try them again this week. I am working away for a few days but will try again when I get home midweek.

I got the new memory installed and it has definitely made a positive difference, although not as much as I'd hoped. That said I have not yet been able to run the Avira disk, because since I last wrote in here my own CD/DVD drive has gone faulty! So I will need to get that made on a friends system. What it means at the moment is that I have had to stop doing anything with my aunts laptop until I can get that done. I'll then try all your other suggestions too.

I will let you know how it goes later in the week if that's okay. As I said I'm away for a few days but will be home and free to work on it again on Thursday.

Thanks again all,

Sarah :wave

PS - @DavidGP - How can I check whether the Everest report is right or not, re the CPU?

 

Sarah,
Go to Dell.com and click on Tech Support, then Home User. Then enter your Service Tag number. It'll show you exactly what the laptop had as built. Compare that to what Everest is telling you.

I did a quick check and it says it was equipped with a Celeron CPU, but you can get the details at the dell site. I also checked and the laptop has as a possible OS Windows 7 (either 32 or 64 Bit), so if you can afford that, I'd definitely upgrade to Win 7 - that'll solve a lot of the problems.

My Dell D630, which is 2 years older than your Aunt's, positively flies with Win 7, 64 Bit with 2 GB of RAM.

BearPup

 

FalconAttack - the Avira rescue disk seems to get stuck at 'Booting the kernel'. I have tried copying again with a new disk but it is still the same. I found this article on it, but Avira never came back to anyone with a reply. Any ideas please? Thank you

Sarah

http://forum.avira.com/wbb/index.php?page=Thread&threadID=136811

 

[ Bearpup -
- The Dell site tells me that it's actually an Intel Celeron! right clicking on My Computer>Properties also confirms it is a Celeron.

Thanks for the advice. I only bought her a Vista system because I have it myself, and it works really well! Will have to see about the upgrade. Part of me really doesn't want to because, again, why have to upgrade? Dell should not sell this system configuration if it is not fit for purpose... But then as I have learnt, they seem to do that a lot! :cry Lol

 

Thanks Bearpup - But guess what? The website domes up with an error message on me when I try to run the diagnostics!: localhost:1111/IsApplicationRunning/?callback=IsExeRunningCallBack

Thanks. I will have another try at the drivers. A few didn't download due to errors, so I will let you know

 

You were right! Dell tells me it is a Celeron! Does this make any difference?

Thanks, I have a few more drivers to do, as some of them failed. Will let you know how it goes!

I got 1gb extra which is really helping a lot. I think memory was a big issue!

Please see attached .txt file from CCleaner. I have re-enabled Dell Dock at my aunts request. I left Defender on as I class it the same as AVG (Is this right or not so much? Lol) Also Flash seems to be on the list though I didn't select it? I'll run the app remover asap to see if that helps - thank you

 

Hi Sarah,
First, I hear you about Vista & Windows 7; Vista has a lousy rep, but if you're happy with it, far be for me to tell you differently.

Diagnostic error message: that could be because its looking for its own program to run, and when it doesn't find it, it gives the error message. The only thing I know how to do is to try it again and see if it wants you to download an app to launch the diagnostics.

From the Dell site:

Select a diagnostic type (e.g., full). Click the “Run Diagnostics” button, read and agree to the Terms and Conditions and launch the application.

Dell PC Diagnostics will perform a quick check to see if the application is already installed. If it isn’t installed, you will be prompted to download (50MB) and install the program.

The other (last) option is to do a live chat with a support engineer. Given that the laptop is out of warranty, they'll try to sell you an extended warranty. Just politely ignore that and you should get the help you need. BTW, and this may be ridiculously obvious, but I feel I should say it just in case, you have to do a live chat on the problem laptop.

Driver errors: there is an ftp page on their site - ftp.dell.com - then Browse_for_drivers / Laptops / your model / etc. Once you're in to the right laptop model, browse down through the list - which might not be in the obvious location (my D630 wasn't in the numerical order with the other laptops, it was way down under "DellLatitudeD630").

Once you find your laptop you can browse for the relevant drivers. Hint: look under both the standard drivers and those listed under "Historical". I'd go for the latest date available for your operating system, regardless of which list its in.

If I can help you out with anything more / else with this info or the laptop, please post here, I'm glad to help out.

Regards,
BearPup:wave

 

@Bearpup, I have emailed Dell as it doesn't matter which way I try it, it still kicks back at me with the error message :cry. What with that and the Avira Disk error I have not had a good evening lol. Still I'm not complaining. Just a bit bleary eyed .

So anyway - I've updated the pre-installed Dell Support Centre instead of doing to online scan. I'm running them now, so perhaps that will pick something up.

I haven't got back around to the drivers yet but will have a go asap. Thanks again .

 

I agree with emailing them, you can always do a live chat if you need to; its a matter of what's easiest / best for you.

As to the drivers: given the other problems, you might give them another try, but not to sweat it either. The lack of the right drivers might be the problem, or the problem(s) might be why you're getting the errors trying to load the drivers. The key drivers are the System Drivers (chipset, video, PCI, USB, ATA/IDE, Network, etc.) - check Device Manager (in Control Panel) for what's critical and missing.

Sometimes its a chicken and egg situation, and sometimes its just an inexplicable problem - my laptop lost its taskbar functionality this afternoon for no discernible reason (its what backups are for).

I'm subscribed to this thread so post here when you need something and I'll get the email and respond back to you. Happy to help - nothing worse than feeling you're alone when things aren't going right.

Take care.
Regards,
BearPup

 

An alternative choice to avira rescue cd is creating this

http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/36403/how-to-use-the-kaspersky-rescue-disk-to-clean-your-infected-pc/

i didn't work with it though , but you can try it :wave

 

Hi Sarah,

I see you had Rapport listed as being installed in the first log you uploaded, if it's still there, uninstall it, it sometimes causes odd freezes and crashes.

 

@Bearpup. Lol... My bad, I meant to say before - I tried to get Dell chat but it simply greyed out when it realised the warranty has expired! I had no other way but to email. Also - have a look at the following link (or attachment).

http://support.dell.com/support/500...upport/delldownloadcenter/ddc&DoNotRedirect=y

This is a new and improved error message from Dell - This time on the Software Downloads page!! So, no mpre driver work tonight! LOL. I swear, Dell really has it in for me at the moment!

Anyway it's 3am here I'm in the UK, so I think i'll take the hint and leave it for tonight and try again tomorrow.


Thanks all for all your help and advice. I will reply properly with updates tomorrow

 

Thanks, I will get it removed asap

 

Morning Sarah (or afternoon, or whatever),
I'm beginning to wonder...have you considered doing a clean reinstall of the Operating System? Do you have a Vista (or Dell) System Disk that you can reinstall the OS from? Or maybe a hidden partition on your hard drive that has the OS on it?

I'm asking because 1) you've done a scan and show no virus / malware installed, 2) the error messages you're getting from the Dell site, and 3) the errors you're encountering with both Everest and Avira.

My laptop is older than your Aunt's, but I can do a live chat (and have) with the only problem being their trying to sell me a new warranty, and I have no problem downloading from their site (except for their low speed). Given what you're experiencing I'm wondering if a clean start (fresh OS install) might not be a bad idea. Doing so would also wipe out any programs that are on the computer now, so you might want to back those up first, but I emphasize the word "might".

Yes, having to reinstall all the programs would be time consuming, but again, you'd be installing things clean on a clean computer. I just finished doing a clean (re-)install on my laptop because the taskbar lost functionality for no explainable reason. Rather than run the risk of their being something untoward going on, and because I have all the programs / serial numbers, I opted to do the clean reinstall.

Start to finish it took me 6 hours, but it was worth it to me to avoid the risk of something untoward happening. You'd have to re-download the 'new' drivers you've updated (Big Sigh), but it might be worth it. Its something I'd give serious consideration to if I were you; this assumes you have the needed software and feel technically comfortable doing it.

If not, or the idea turns your stomach (which I'd understand), I'd go back to getting the Avira (or equivalent) disk working, then finishing the driver downloads, then doing whatever Dell has to suggest. If you want to do a clean reinstall, I'd be happy to walk you through that process first.

Let me know what you think / decide, and I'll be back to help out any way I can.

Regards,
BearPup

 

Hi again all,

Good news and bad(ish news)!

I finally have the drivers updated, since the Dell Download page decided to work for a change lol. I didn't have any luck with with the Kapersky disk though. I verified it after burning, but it wouldn't boot. I tried it twice and the second time when I had to switch the system off without a proper shutdown, it had a fit on me and refused to start back up again. Long story short, a System Restore did the trick and so now it's all working again. To be absolutely honest though, I really don't want that to happen again, so I'm going to leave the Kapersky disk alone.

Overall I have to tell you that the system has been and IS so much better than it was before I came to this thread, even without running the boot disks. It's a lot quicker and there are no random error messages or crashes now. It's been a gradual improvement, which suggests to me it was a combination of factors to blame. Plus the memory upgrade really made a big difference.

I think if any probelems persist then I will probably do as you suggested and do a fresh install of the OS etc. But, here's hoping it won't come to that *Crosses fingers*

So... On that note.... I'm going to say thank you to you all for your help. It feels like it's been a long road but it has been very worth it

Take care all and see you around,

Sarah :wave

 

Sarah,
Glad to hear we've been of help. Its most satisfying that you're satisfied with the outcome.

I'll stay subscribed to this thread, so if you need help in the future come back here and I'll do what I can. And here's hoping you don't have to do an OS reinstall.

Best Regards,
BearPup :wave

 

Thank's for feedback , i am glad it sorted out :tas