Not using all RAM

Hi, computer is a Compaq Presario 2500, recently installed windows xp pro (a copied version) and it seems to be running pretty slowly. have to click on everything a couple of times but the computer seems to know what to do. Think its prob because Im only using 191 of my 256 RAM. nybody know how to change this? If so, could you please explain it in a very clear and simple step by step manner.
second query, using microsoft word but am unable to use the german language grammar and spell checker, it will only do english, french and spanish and i really need the german version. anything i can download from web of anywhere to get this facility? (have checked microsft itself but no luck).
really appreciaate any help! thanks.

 

First I would like to ask where you are getting the information that states you are only using 191MB out of your 256MB of RAM. Second there are several things that must be done for XP to operate smoothly when using less than 512MB.

A) you must turn off the visual styles. To do this. Right click on My Computer (can be found on desktop or start menu) > then click on properties. > a dialog box will appear > Click the tab that is labeled advanced > at the top of that tab there is a section labeled "Performance", click the settings button in that section > Another dialog box will appear > select the option "adjust for best performance" > then click apply.

B)In the same dialog box click the advanced tab and look for the section labeled "Virtual Memory" > click the Change button > a dialog box will then appear with your current virtual memory settings. Now, you will want to specify at least 3 times the amount of RAM physically installed in the machine. So if you have 256MB of RAM you want to specify at least 768 ( I personally would just go for an even Gigabyte or 1024MB) So in the custom size area put the amount you wish to specify in the initial size and the maximum size. (its a good idea to not have the size change so specify the same amount for initial and maximum) in your case 768, or if it were I 1024. > Then Click Ok, then ok again and one last ok to get out.

You may be required to restart your computer once you make this change. Hope this helps with your performance issues.

 

Could be an onboard video card that is 64MB.. which uses system RAM. ?

 

If you are using Word 2003 you can use german and spell checker. Not sure about earlier versions. If you have 2003 check Tools-Language find german and click/tick it.

There is a MS link for foreign language where you can get spell checker etc.
http://office.microsoft.com/en-us/assistance/HA011305121033.aspx

 

no, whne i was copying the office cd, it would only copy the spnish, english an french language facilities for word. i definetely dont already have german, and it is def not possible to download it from microsoft website directly, so if anyone has any other suggestions??? thanks!

 

Just curious if you have Word 2003. If you do you should have german. I do. The link I gave you is for the spell checker, not the language itself.
Sorry if this didn't help you, so hopefully somebody else will.