Slow running computer

Hey Everybody -

I thought I'd throw my question out there since I've gotten good advice from here in the past - Dell isn't much help on this issue because it's considered a software question (and therefore the tech support is not free).

I have an Inspiron 8200 with 256 MB of RAM, a Pentium 4, 1.70 GHz, and a 37 GB hard-drive (23 GB of that is free space). The problem is that my computer is EXTREMELY slow upon startup (it takes a good 6 minutes before I am able to open a browser window or program - the computer will hang/freeze if I try to do anything too early). I have tried to remedy this problem (Dell's suggestion) by running msconfig and chosen diagnostic and/or selective startup, but then I am unable to get Microsoft Word to open.

My computer is four years old and in pretty good shape, but I don't think it's "outdated" or that it should run this slowly. Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

hi czesklaj.

the first thing which come to my mind is upgrade your ram, in fact 256Mb is not big enough for XP. The other thing is your windows needs to be reinstalled, or you can use some progs like CCleaner(you can find it on MG), it can help you to delete unused files and progs from your computer, also if i'm not mistaken it can optimise the system.

 

Please see the My Computer Is Slow thread. It's just for you!

Although, I have to agree with Plaphon. 256MB of RAM really isn't enough for Windows XP.

 

I browsed the post/forum about slow computers - I think some of the information will be very helpful. Ran/downloaded CCleaner and it deleted 300+ items (probably a good thing). When I have more time, I'm going to go through and perhaps disable some services that are running. I'm also considering emailing Dell and having them quote me for the extra RAM - otherwise, there's nothing wrong with the computer and I think extra RAM would be a good investment since I plan on having this thing for a few more years.

Thanks everybody for your help and suggestions!

 

I'd check out www.crucial.com as well. They have an online analyser that will check out what RAM is fitted to your PC. Then go to various RAM suppliers, including Dell ( for comparison) to see where you get the best bang for your bucks. Bazza

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