computer runs slow

[john49]

I have a 3 year old hewlett packard pc. it came with windows 98. I installed XP now it takes for ever to load once I turn it on. someone said I dont have enough memory, should I take XP off and re install 98 so it will run faster.  Thanks

[Linux711]

First give some computer specifications. If you know how much memory you have that would be good info.

Anyway, it is always better to get a new computer when you are upgrading operating systems.

[soybean]

Anyway, it is always better to get a new computer when you are upgrading operating systems.

COL.  Oh, really now?  Nonsense.  Let's get the facts on his present hardware and see where he stands.  The solution may be as simple as adding more RAM.  And, he may get along fine then.

However, john49, I'm wondering how old that computer really is.  You say about 3 years, yet it came with Win 98.  Was it new then?

[GX1_Man]

Anyway, it is always better to get a new computer when you are upgrading operating systems.

According to whom? Microsoft? 

[Raptor]

Anyway, it is always better to get a new computer when you are upgrading operating systems.

According to whom? Microsoft? 

I tend to agree with him. Saves a lot of trouble with hardware incomparability and if the person can't afford it he/she will let you know and then you can start looking for alternatives..

[john49]

Hi again, Im not sure what info you need, but  its a Pavilion 8660C,  the physical memory says 126.48MB, with available memory 12.79MB,  Virtual mem 2.00GB, with availble 1.96GB,      Im not sure of the year, it was given to me by my parents who never used it.....anything else, let me know, thanks for all help

[GX1_Man]

XP will never run well on that small amount of memory. If you don't want to upgrade that then Windows 98 is the best choice without spending any cash.

[john49]

Thanks for the info.....................its just a spare computer, mainly just used for surfing the web..........I dont want to sink alot of money into it..............do i just un install XP and 98 will automaticaly keep running or do I have to re install 98, I never un installed 98 when I installed Xp earlier..................thanks

[Raptor]

What kind of processor does it come with?

[john49]

X86 Family 6 model 8 stepping 1 genuineinel 535mhz

[Raptor]

Assuming the HDD is larger than 3GB your processor should be adequate to run Windows XP, adding 128MB RAM (Or more) will make the machine capable of running Windows XP for most things but multimedia applications. (Not even flash movies). It won't be very suitable for multi tasking either but the added security and compatability compared to Pre-Windows XP OS' is worth it alone..

[john49]

HDD is 19.0 GB.....................i did more clicking in the system page and found on another screen  that the processor is a Intel Pentium lll.....128 MB of ram, it doesnt move too slowly once the internet is logged on, but it takes awhile to get loaded after clicking the internet icon to launch it.................thanks for all help I will check into adding more RAM