Slow internet on Vista desktop

Hello

So I'm trying to help someone with their computer.

It's an HP-Compaq desktop, model number SR5233WM.

I used the HP Recovery software to restore the computer to factory default (Vista, bloatware, etc.), then removed most of the bloatware (including Norton).

However, the internet is extremely slow on the computer (plugged into my 1.5MB/s ADSL connection). The following (so far) time out):

Crucial.com's scanning utility's results page times out on IE and Firefox

Adobe Flash download page loads, but clicking download gets a time out

Windows Update comes up with a firewall error (even though I've disabled ALL firewalls including Windows firewall in order to attempt to resolve the issue), the error code is 80072EFE. So, Windows Update doesn't work at all.

I'm currently downloading Vista SP1 and SP2 on another computer to install to it, in hopes that MIGHT help the issue.

I've checked the NIC in Device Manager for driver updates, it reports itself up to date. I'm using a brand new ethernet cable from the computer to my modem-router (and had the cable connected to another computer earlier, which had no connectivity/speed issues at all with the internet).

Has anyone else experienced this issue/solved it/know any internet connectivity tweaks Vista needs/could use? I'm about to pull my hair out with this one!

 

Update:

I've installed Vista SP1 and SP2, and cleaned all contacts on the NIC Ethernet connection -- no change.

This computer does only have 1GB of RAM, and in Performance section of Task Manager, it displays:

Physical Memory (MB)
Total 1014
Cached 525
Free 17

Free just want down to 16.

I can't browse the internet at all on the mentioned machine, using IE or Firefox.

Could the low RAM be the culprit?

Okay, I'm not sure I want to investigate further... I decided to open up Resource Monitor from Task Manager, and Memory was listing a few hard faults/second for several seconds... and now it's staying at 0. However, it shows only 55% Used Physical Memory...?

Even though I have a website attempting to load, Network is listing between 0-2 Kbps...

 

Okay, in fact, Resource Monitor is finding a lot of hard memory faults. Apparently, this poor thing needs more RAM if it's going to be useful... but again, is that the issue with Windows Update/other internet access?

 

1 Gig of RAM with Vista should be fine, I ran that for years with no problems.

In the performance window, what does CPU usage read? Should be at or near zero.

Did you run the Norton uninstall tool?

http://www.majorgeeks.com/Norton_Removal_Tool_SymNRT_d4749.html


Winpatrol from HERE is useful for reducing the startup programs. Not checking the box for hidden programs, I have only AVG and Winpatrol running on mine. This can make a HUGE difference.

 

Hi

CPU usage is normal, except when doing anything it will spike (but it's a Pentium, too).

I know normally 1GB RAM with Vista shouldn't be too much of an issue, but it really appears to be so in this case?

Yes, the Norton Removal Tool is the only way I ever try to uninstall Norton from a system.

Startup items (CCleaner can also manage them) are somewhat minimal. Like I said, I removed most of the bloatware after the restoration to factory settings.

My next steps would've been to try an Ubuntu Live CD to see if the internet worked any better, and then Memtest86 for testing the RAM modules. However, it seems they want to try it out and see for now, so I don't have the computer anymore.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

I disagree with thinking only 1gb ram is enough for vista. Add more ram and you will see significant improvement and speed.


http://vista.blorge.com/2008/08/20/how-much-ram-does-vista-really-need/

 

It's listed 1GB RAM for Vista system requirements. Link:

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-vista/products/system-requirements

However, it's always been my experience, whether using other peoples' computers running Vista, or even when I had Vista on my machines, that 1GB RAM had Vista crawling.

This particular desktop, however, made crawling seem fast, as far as internet usage goes. My friend apparently tested it out at his home, though, and reported it being okay... maybe somehow it was my modem-router, though I can't imagine why, since my desktop (Windows 7 x64) has fast internet, and a Vista laptop had fast internet.

I detest Vista anyhow. It just downright sucks. Personally, I think Windows 7 is the best product Microsoft has ever produced, and that includes MS Office 2010, Windows 98SE, and MS's Flight Simulator programs.