Laptop Slows & Stops; Restarting Helps

I have a Toshiba Satellite; Win 7 64 bit. For the past six months or so my laptop gets slower and slower and sometimes just turns off. I have run virus and malware checks without finding any issues. The temp does not seem to be too high so that seems to not be the problem. I am wondering if adding memory might help the problem. Any ideas?

 

Thanks for your response - could you tell me how to do these things?

 

To test the hard drive go to the hard drive manufacturer's website and download and run their diagnostic tool (such as SeaTools for Seagate hard drives or Data Lifeguard for Western Digital hard drives — note that theese tools will also work on some other hard drives like Maxtor or Fujitsu).

To test memory, since it's a 64-bit system, download and run MemTest for at least 7 passes. MemTest can be obtained from Major Geeks.

But, what you're describing could be solved by maximizing your RAM.

 

Or tracking down whatever is causing the memory leak/excess usage and using a saner alternative?

 

Thaks DavidGP. I have 355 free of 45o GP. That doesn't seem like a problem to me, should it?

 

I have tried running both tests and midway the computer shuts down. Will keep trying.

 

Tried Safe Mode...Networking and after a bit the computer shut down, included is the file of start ups
Thanks for your continuing help

 

What are the temperatures?
If you don't have an alternative, download Speccy.
http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/speccy.html
Also, how long before the PC turns off?

 

You haven't said how much RAM you have on that system. 2gb is the absolute bare minimum but given your start ups etc 4gb would be the recommended minimum, and 8gb - if that motherboard limit supports that - would be best. Only knowing the exact model number would enable us to know the max RAM that system will take.

 

Present RAM is 4GB - What model number are you mentioning?

The temp for motherboard is 90c and graphics at 84c

PC turns off at variable times - right now it has been on for several hours with no apparent problems.

 

The brand name and exact model number of the Toshiba system we are talking about. There are dozens of Toshiba Satellite systems. It's the only way we could find out what the maximum RAM is permissible on the Motherboard inside your one.

 

Toshiba Satellite C855D S5209; win 7 64; BTW, the memory module # is: Toshiba PC3L-12800 DDR3/DDR3L-1600MHz Computer Memory Module - 4GB

 

If those temperature readouts are correct and the machine isn't doing much work, your problem is overheating.

 

What is the cure for that - would cleaning the inside help? I had sort of expected that would help if that were my problem.

 

Cleaning the inside, checking the fan is operating, checking that inlet and exhaust vents are clear would definitely help. If the improvement isn't enough, replacing the TIM on the CPU (and GPU if it's a separate chip) would be the next stage.

Youtube should have videos (this one should cover what you need to dismantle) for your model that you can study before attempting it, if you're not confident. In the meantime, ensure the rear of the notebook is elevated, without blocking any ventilation ports, something like a chopstick or a pencil or two should help if it's on a solid surface.

 

On that system, if ever you needed it, it can support up to 16gb RAM in just 2 slots, so 2 x 2gb, 2 x 4gb or 2 x 8gb.

 

OK Thanks!

 

OK Thanks, I will check it out. Just checked Speccy again and my CPU was around 100+....seems like I need to get busy!

 

GrreatRon, to put matters in perspective...
These are my temperatures without a system fan.

 

WOW!!

 

Just got an 8gb mem card. My slot #1 is 4 gb and slot # 2 is empty. Does it make a different which slot I put the 8 gb in?

 

Yes.
But, let's keep it simple. Fit the 8 GB RAM in slot #2. If it's not recognised, swap the two around.

 

OK. Thanks.

 

I have installed the memory cards and the computer recognizes them but I don't seem to see much difference, except the machine has not shut down since. Is this to be expected?

 

The RAM speed & capacity, CPU speed & no. of cores, HDD speed & fragmentation, no. of services & processes, etc., all contribute to the overall speed of your system.

 

More RAM, longer uptime before Windows begins to choke from having to page too much data to disk.