Computer Hope
Hardware => Hardware => Topic started by: db032383 on December 29, 2011, 07:16:45 PM
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My name is Denise and I am setting up an older pc that was my main but was just to slow for us, so we bought a new dell..... but anyways im trying to set it back up so my 7 yr old can use it for school and learning games and internet but it is EXTREMELY slow... I need to know what i can do to make it faster! I dont have any setup disks for this computer it was a refurbished desktop from a friend of my inlaws and if i was to call him again to make it faster he will charge an arm and a leg.... i am usually pretty good at figuring out how to fix/put together things... so i just need to know what to do to clear it out the easiest and what to buy to make it faster! It takes over7 min just to load up the internet... any free advice would be great!!! THANKS
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Denise, can you tell us the make and model of the old computer and the operating system? That would be the best place to start. It would also help to know the specs CPU, Motherboard, ram. See of you can down load Belarc Advisor http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html (http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html) and post the specs. I presume you have a Windows OS. Don't post the key.
Your specs from Belarc should look something like this. These are mine. Obviously newer computer
Operating System System Model
Windows 7 Home Premium (x64) Service Pack 1 (build 7601)
Install Language: English (United States)
System Locale: English (United States) HP-Pavilion AY643AA-ABA s5310f
System Serial Number: 3CR94804QV
Chassis Serial Number: BB0001
Enclosure Type: Desktop
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
3.00 gigahertz AMD Athlon II X2 250
256 kilobyte primary memory cache
2048 kilobyte secondary memory cache
64-bit ready
Multi-core (2 total)
Not hyper-threaded Board: PEGATRON CORPORATION Narra6 6.01
Serial Number: 102718600000716
Bus Clock: 200 megahertz
BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. 5.14 11/04/2009
Drives Memory Modules c,d
640.03 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
575.00 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
hp DVD-RAM GH40L SCSI CdRom Device [CD-ROM drive]
Generic- Multi-Card USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 1
WDC WD64 00AAKS-65A7B SCSI Disk Device (640.13 GB) -- drive 0, s/n WD-WCASY7511239, SMART Status: Healthy 3840 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
Slot 'DIMM0' has 2048 MB
Slot 'DIMM1' has 2048 MB
Local Drive Volumes
c: (NTFS on drive 0) 628.47 GB 573.27 GB free
d: (NTFS on drive 0) 11.56 GB 1.73 GB free
Network Drives
None detected
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what is that i would be downloading and what do you mean when you say dont post the key? sorry not with the pc lingo
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Belarc advisor is a free, safe program that reads the specs of your computer so we can get an idea of how old the hardware is and why your computer might be so slow. Could be various reason it is slow. If you can get us the information another way like off the paperwork that came with your old computer that would work too.
The key I am taking about is the Windows Operating system key. It is YOUR license to the Windows Operating system you have on your old computer. Whoever holds the license holds the key to the Windows Operating system. If you look on your new Dell it should have a sticker that says Windows and then a big long number. That is your Windows Operating Key/license for your Dell. I don't know what OS you have on your Dell.
I might be able to google the specs if I know exactly the make and model of the old computer then you wouldn't have to download belarc. Especially if the old computer is that slow.
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Operating System new – server roles System Model
Windows XP Professional Service Pack 3 (build 2600)
Install Language: English (United States)
System Locale: English (United States)
Installed: 4/15/2010 5:19:26 PM Compaq Presario 061 PS513AA-ABA SR1313CL NA510 0n31411RE101KELUT00
System Serial Number: CNH4510X1V
Enclosure Type: Desktop
Processor a Main Circuit Board b
2.00 gigahertz AMD Sempron
128 kilobyte primary memory cache
512 kilobyte secondary memory cache
Not hyper-threaded Board: ASUSTek Computer INC. Kelut 2.02
Bus Clock: 166 megahertz
BIOS: Phoenix Technologies, LTD 3.11 09/02/2004
new USB Storage Use in past 30 Days (mouse over last used for details) new Hosted Virtual Machines (mouse over name for details)
Last Used
Generic USB CF Reader -- drive 2, s/n 9205291, rev 1.01 12/29/2011 9:51:23 PM
Generic USB MS Reader -- drive 4, s/n 9205291, rev 1.03 12/29/2011 9:51:23 PM
Generic USB SD Reader -- drive 1, s/n 9205291, rev 1.00 12/29/2011 9:51:23 PM
Generic USB SM Reader -- drive 3, s/n 9205291, rev 1.02 12/29/2011 9:51:23 PM
None discovered
Drives new – drive encryption Memory Modules c,d
79.98 Gigabytes Usable Hard Drive Capacity
71.63 Gigabytes Hard Drive Free Space
ASUS CRW-4832AX [Optical drive]
Generic USB CF Reader USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 2
Generic USB MS Reader USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 4
Generic USB SD Reader USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 1
Generic USB SM Reader USB Device [Hard drive] -- drive 3
ST380011A [Hard drive] (80.00 GB) -- drive 0, s/n 3JV9629W, rev 3.16, SMART Status: Healthy 448 Megabytes Usable Installed Memory
Slot 'A0' has 256 MB
Slot 'A1' has 256 MB
Local Drive Volumes new – volume encryption
c: (NTFS on drive 0) 79.98 GB 71.63 GB free
Network Drives
None discovered
Users (mouse over user name for details) Printers
local user accounts last logon
Karley 12/29/2011 9:52:03 PM (admin)
local system accounts
Administrator never (admin)
Guest never
HelpAssistant never
SUPPORT_388945a0 never
Marks a disabled account; Marks a locked account Microsoft Office Document Image Writer Driver on Microsoft Document Imaging Writer Port:
Microsoft XPS Document Writer on XPSPort:
Controllers Display
Primary IDE Channel [Controller] (2x)
Secondary IDE Channel [Controller] (2x)
Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
VIA Bus Master IDE Controller VIA/S3G UniChrome IGP [Display adapter]
DELL E156FP [Monitor] (14.9"vis, s/n XX-0Y9998-XXXXX-67B-11HL, July 2006)
Bus Adapters Multimedia
VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller (4x)
VIA USB Enhanced Host Controller Realtek AC'97 Audio for VIA (R) Audio Controller
Unimodem Half-Duplex Audio Device
Virus Protection [Back to Top] Group Policies
McAfee VirusScan Enterprise Version 8.7.0.570
Scan Engine Version 5400.1158
Virus Definitions Version 6/20/2011 Rev 6384
Realtime File Scanning On
None discovered
Communications new – connection speed & status Other Devices
Motorola SM56 Speakerphone Modem
1394 Net Adapter
3Com 3C905TX-based Ethernet Adapter (Generic)
3Com 3C905TX-based Ethernet Adapter (Generic) - Jumpstart Wireless Intermediate Driver
↑ NETGEAR WNA1100 N150 Wireless USB Adapter
primary Auto IP Address: 192.168.1.7 / 24
Gateway: 192.168.1.1
Dhcp Server: 192.168.1.1
Physical Address: E0:46:9A:1A:5C:8A
NETGEAR WNA1100 N150 Wireless USB Adapter - Jumpstart Wireless Intermediate Driver
NETGEAR WNA1100 N150 Wireless USB Adapter - Wireless Intermediate Driver
VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter
VIA Rhine II Fast Ethernet Adapter - Jumpstart Wireless Intermediate Driver
Networking Dns Server: 192.168.1.1
VIA OHCI Compliant IEEE 1394 Host Controller
Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard
PS/2 Compatible Mouse
USB Mass Storage Device
USB Root Hub (5x)
See your entire network map...
click for Belarc's System Management products
Network Map (mouse over IP address for physical address) [Back to Top]
IP Device Type Device Details Device Roles
192.168.1.1 Router Netgear / WGT624v3 DHCP Server, Gateway, Domain Name Server, Web Server
192.168.1.7 Windows XP Workstation Karley-cpq (in MSHOME)
Find your security vulnerabilities...
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Missing Microsoft Security Hotfixes [Back to Top]
These required security hotfixes were not found installed (using the 12/13/2011 Microsoft Security Bulletin Summary with definitions version 2011.12.14.4). Note: Security benchmarks require that Critical and Important severity security hotfixes must be installed.
KB2536276 - Critical (details...)
KB2544893 - Important (details...)
Q2493523 - Important (details...)
Q2507938 - Important (details...)
Q2539631 - Moderate (details...)
Q2553074 - Important (details...)
Q2553084 - Important (details...)
Q2553090 - Important (details...)
Q2564958 - Important (details...)
Q2566454 - Important (details...)
Q2567680 - Important (details...)
Q2570222 - Moderate (details...)
Q2570947 - Important (details...)
Q2572073 - Critical (details...)
Q2584052 - Important (details...)
Q2584063 - Important (details...)
Q2592799 - Important (details...)
Q2596785 - Important (details...)
Q2596843 - Important (details...)
Q2596954 - Important (details...)
Q2617986 - Critical (details...)
Q2618444 - Important (details...)
Q2618451 - Critical (details...)
Q2619339 - Critical (details...)
Q2620712 - Important (details...)
Q2624667 - Important (details...)
Q2633171 - Important (details...)
Q2639417 - Critical (details...)
Hotfixes from Microsoft Update (agent version 7.4.7600.226) install automatically. Last install: 6/21/2011 3:11:20 AM, download: 12/29/2011 9:17:33 PM, check: 12/29/2011 8:54:31 PM.
Manage all your software licenses...
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Software Licenses [Back to Top]
Belarc - Advisor 09e1140a
Microsoft - Internet Explorer 55274-640-1980926-23750 (Key:
Microsoft - Office Professional Edition 2003 73931-641-7638227-57151 (Key:
Microsoft - WebFldrs XP 12345-111-1111111-78697
Microsoft - Windows XP Professional 55274-640-1980926-23750 (Key:)
Find unused software and reduce licensing costs...
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Software Versions & Usage (mouse over i for details, click i for location) [Back to Top]
i ABBYY (BIT Software) - FineReader Version 6.0.0.2147
ı i Adobe Acrobat Version 9.4.6.252
ı i Adobe Reader and Acrobat Manager Version 1.5.5.0
i Adobe Reader Version 9.4.6.252
i Adobe Systems, Inc. - Shockwave Flash Version 10,2,159,1
ı i Apple Inc. - MobileDeviceService Version 3.3.0.0
i Apple Inc. - QuickTime QuickTime 7.6.9 (1680.9)
i Apple Software Update Version 2.1.2
ı i Atheros Communications, Inc. - JumpStart Version 2.1.0.37
ı i Atheros Configuration Service (ACS) Version 8.0.0.65
ı i Belarc, Inc. - Advisor Version 8.2f
i Cinematronics - 3D Pinball Version 5.1.2600.5512
ı i McAfee Agent Version 4.0.0.1496
ı i McAfee, Inc. - SYSCORE.14.1.0.645.x86
i McAfee, Inc. - VirusScan Enterprise Version 8.7.0
ı i McAfee, Inc. - VSCORE.14.1.0.524.x86
i Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.7.0.18066
i Microsoft Application Error Reporting Version 11.0.8163
i Microsoft Clip Organizer Version 11.0.8164
ı i Microsoft Corporation - Internet Explorer Version 8.00.6001.18702
ı i Microsoft Corporation - Messenger Version 4.7.3001
ııı i Microsoft Corporation - Office Source Engine Version 11.0.5525
i Microsoft Corporation - SelfCert Version 11.0.8164
i Microsoft Corporation - Silverlight Plug-In Version 4.0.60531.0 ı i Microsoft Corporation - Windows Installer - Unicode Version 3.1.4001.5512
i Microsoft Corporation - Windows Movie Maker Version 2.1.4028.0
i Microsoft Corporation - Windows® NetMeeting® Version 3.01
ııı i Microsoft Corporation - Zone.com Version 1.2.626.1
i Microsoft Data Access Components Version 3.525.1132.0
ııı i Microsoft Office 2003 Version 11.0.8335
i Microsoft Office Document Imaging Version 11.0.8166.2
ııı i Microsoft Office InfoPath Version 11.0.8233
i Microsoft Office Isolated Converter Environment Version 12.0.6413.1000
ııı i Microsoft Office Outlook Version 11.0.8326
i Microsoft Office Picture Manager Version 11.0.8161
i Microsoft Office Save My Settings/Profile Wizard Version 11.0.8161
i Microsoft Open XML Converter Version 12.0.6413.1000
i Microsoft® .NET Framework Version 2.0.50727.3053
i Microsoft® .NET Framework Version 3.0.6920.1427
i Microsoft® .NET Framework Version 4.0.40305.0
i Microsoft® Schedule+ for Windows 95(TM) Version 7.5
i Microsoft® Silverlight Version 4.0.60531.0
ı i Microsoft® Visual Studio .NET Version 7.00.9466
ııı i Microsoft® Windows® Operating System Version 11.0.5721.5145
i Sun Microsystems, Inc. - Java(TM) Platform SE 6 U24 Version 6.0.240.7
ı i Sun Microsystems, Inc. - Java(TM) Platform SE Auto Updater 2 0 Version 2.0.3.1
ı i Wifi Service Version 2, 1, 0, 0
ı i WNA1100 Application Version 1, 1, 4, 27
i Mouse over to see details, click to see where software is installed.
ı Marks software last used within the past 7 days.
ıı Marks software last used within the past 90 days, but over 7 days ago.
ııı Marks software last used within the past year, but over 90 days ago.
ıııı Marks software last used over 1 year ago.
Unmarked software lacks the data to determine last use.
Audit your security posture...
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Installed Microsoft Hotfixes [Back to Top]
.NET Framework 2.0 Service Pack 2
KB958481 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB976576 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB979909 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB2418241 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB2478658 on 6/21/2011 (details...)
KB2518864 on 6/21/2011 (details...)
.NET Framework 3.0 Service Pack 2
KB958483 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB976769 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB977354 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
.NET Framework 3.5 SP1
KB958484 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB963707 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB2416473 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
Compatibility Pack for the 2007 Office system
KB954711[SP] on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB972581 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2345043 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2509488 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2539530 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
KB2540162 on 5/11/2011 (details...)
KB2541012 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
Office Professional Edition 2003
KB907417 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB943973 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB947319 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB951535 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB955439 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB972580 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB974554 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB975051 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB976382 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB978551 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB980923 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB981716 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2284695 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2288613 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2289163 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2293428 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2344911 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2449798 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2509503 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2535812 on 5/11/2011 (details...)
KB2539581 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
KB2541025 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
KB2553971 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
WGA
SP0
KB892130 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
Windows Media Format 11 SDK
SP0
KB929399 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
Windows Media Player 11
SP0
KB939683 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB954154_WM11 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
Windows Media Player
SP0
KB952069_WM9 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB954155_WM9 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB968816_WM9 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB973540_WM9 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB975558_WM8 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB978695_WM9 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2378111_WM9 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
Windows XP
SP0
KB941569 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB971961-IE8 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB976662-IE8 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB980182-IE8 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB980302-IE8 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB981332-IE8 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB2482017-IE8 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2497640-IE8 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2510531-IE8 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2530548-IE8 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
KB2544521-IE8 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
SP10
MSCOMPPACKV1 on 4/15/2010 (Microsoft Compression Client Pack 1.0 for Windows XP)
KB971513 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
SP3
KB898461 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
SP4
KB923561 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB946648 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB950760 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB950762 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB950974 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB951066 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB951376-V2 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB951748 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB951978 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB952004 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB952287 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB952954 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB954459 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB954550-V5 on 4/3/2011 (details...)
KB955069 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB955759 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB956572 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB956744 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
Windows XP
SP4 (continued)
KB956802 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB956803 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB956844 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB958644 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB958869 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB959426 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB960225 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB960803 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB960859 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB961118 on 4/4/2011 (details...)
KB961501 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB967715 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB968389 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB969059 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB969947 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB970238 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB970430 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB971029 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB971468 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB971657 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB971737 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB972270 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB973354 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB973507 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB973687 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB973815 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB973869 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB973904 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB974112 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB974318 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB974392 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB974571 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB975025 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB975467 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB975560 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB975561 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB975562 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB975713 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB977816 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB977914 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB978037 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB978262 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB978338 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB978542 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB978601 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB978706 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB979306 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB979309 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB979482 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB979683 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB979687 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB980195 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB980232 on 4/15/2010 (details...)
KB980436 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB981322 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB981997 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB982132 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB982214 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB982665 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2079403 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2115168 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2121546 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2141007 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2229593 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2259922 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2296011 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2345886 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2347290 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2360937 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2387149 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2393802 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2412687 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2419632 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2423089 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2440591 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2443105 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2443685 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2476490 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
KB2476687 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2478960 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2478971 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2479628 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2479943 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2481109 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2483185 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2485376 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2485663 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2503658 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2503665 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
KB2506212 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2506223 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2507618 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2508272 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2508429 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2509553 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2511455 on 4/14/2011 (details...)
KB2524375 on 3/31/2011 (details...)
KB2535512 on 6/17/2011 (details...)
KB253
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Does that information help at all with what i can do to make it faster?
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Yes it does. Good job downloading Belarc. I have been reading through it. If were me and since the computer is just going to be used for the children, I would uninstall any unnecessary software that you might have loaded for your purposes that wasn't on the computer originally. Also, if it were me, I would uninstall McAfee and replace your antivirus with Free Avast. Programs like Norton, McAfee can add to the slow down of your computer. They are resource hogs.
Here is a free link for Avast http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download (http://www.avast.com/free-antivirus-download) Uninstall McAfee before you install Avast.
McAfee Agent Version 4.0.0.1496
ı i McAfee, Inc. - SYSCORE.14.1.0.645.x86
i McAfee, Inc. - VirusScan Enterprise Version 8.7.0
ı i McAfee, Inc. - VSCORE.14.1.0.524.x86
It also look to me like you have a ton of additional software. Frankly I can't tell what have that software is that you have loaded. I am going to try to enlist some more help from forum moderators. But this is a start.
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thanks so much i will start on that tomorrow morning and i will check back with you! right now I am running a defrag and see where that gets me!
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Here are a couple more links that should also help you in the process. Running a defrag is a good start. Just an FYI, it isn't necessary to download a program that says it will speed up your computer. There are a lot of things, like running a defrag and getting rid of software you haven't used in awhile,or in your case won't be using on this old computer that can be done manually just by taking the time. Based on your specs your computer doesn't look that old to me. It might be possible to add more ram but try these other fixes and see how that goes.
"The first step will be to clean out your MSconfig settings. This will not only make your computer boot up possibly FASTER than it did when you first got it, but it will also free up the necessary resources your computer needs to run like new. The internet will run faster, programs will load faster, and so much more" (there is more on this in the first link)
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?topic=62253.0 (http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?topic=62253.0)
I don't know what Windows OS you have on your Dell, but with the advent of Windows 7, Windows xp is also going to seem a lot slower. :)
Link Removed.
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http://www.beyourownit.com/speed-up-your-computer.html (http://www.beyourownit.com/speed-up-your-computer.html)
I generally don't trust registry cleaners as they do cause more problems than they solve-if, say, they detect a partially uninstalled program and remove all the entries pertaining to the program and the program, depends on, say, a version of the .NET Framework the registry cleaner might also remove entries pertaining to the .NET Framework. Feel free to correct me, though...
In your first post you said that "It takes up over 7 mins to load up the internet" I presume you mean your internet browser. There clearly are background processes which are slowing down your computer.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/110667/answer_line_which_background_programs_can_i_close.html (http://www.pcworld.com/article/110667/answer_line_which_background_programs_can_i_close.html)
You don't seem to have any extraneous programs. The only one I can pick out from the list is ABBYY Software FineReader(which reads OCR docs). Adobe Acrobat does handle OCR files well.
Also, check in your startup folder for any unnecessary programs that will hog system resources. (Start>All Programs>Startup)You only have 512 MB of RAM, which is going to be an issue if you are planning on running even slightly resource-intensive programs such as Photoshop Elements Starter Edition 3.0. Consider upgrading to at least 1 or optimally 2 GB of RAM.
You also have a first-generation Sempron 3000+, which is at the very bottom(look at this chart: http://www.cpubenchmark.net/low_end_cpus.html its even worse than most of the Celerons out there) of CPUs by today's standards. If you are familiar with technology, try getting your hands on an Athlon XP (socket A) and upgrade the processor.
Yeah do get rid of McAfee there are many more virus programs with a far better rate of virus detection:
(http://www.virusbtn.com/vb100/RAP/RAP-quadrant-Apr-Oct11-850.jpg)
from http://www.virusbtn.com, home of the VB100 Award
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It takes over7 min just to load up the internet...
Wireless or wired? Have you check your internet connection also or run speedtest for the result? What browsers are being used?
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You said your computer was a Dell, but Belarc says Compaq Presario.
You can't install the Compaq Windows build on a Dell because they are specific to that particular Compaq.
With the Dell Service Tag, you can get all the proper drivers directly from Dell. You could also order the Dell restore CD's for a nominal fee.
www.support.dell.com
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You said your computer was a Dell, but Belarc says Compaq Presario.
She said...
I am setting up an older pc that was my main but was just to slow for us, so we bought a new dell
It's the "older PC" that she's asking about.
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Another thing you may want to consider would be to visit Crucial.com and run the online scanner to see if it's possible to add additional RAM...probably the most cost effective of perking up an older PC...
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Thanks for all your help on this thread everyone. I told Denise I needed to bring in the big guns. ;D She should have quite a bit to go on now and I have learned a few things.
This link was just for the purpose of the video information on speeding up your computer. I agree with Transfusion regarding cleaning registry programs. As I said in my earlier post, you don't have to download a program to speed up your computer.
Link Removed.
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Thanks for all your help on this thread everyone. I told Denise I needed to bring in the big guns.
Why are you thanking us? And how did you bring in any "big guns"?
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Why are you thanking us? And how did you bring in any "big guns"?
1) because I felt like it.
2) db032383 posted her thread yesterday at 7:30pm and seemed like I was the only one trying to help her
3) and because I sent a PM late last night to Transfusion asking for his help
4)and why was my Beyourownit links removed. (you missed the one in transfusions post) I wasn't advertising, thought the forum was about helping people. Use computerhope links elsewhere all the time.
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I dont know why all the conflict I was just asking for some help! Thanks to everyone including IowaMrs for helping me out! I've done all that U have suggested now my next question is if I decide to get more RAM, How do i know what i should buy, size and (style) kind of RAM
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Another thing you may want to consider would be to visit Crucial.com and run the online scanner to see if it's possible to add additional RAM...probably the most cost effective of perking up an older PC...
As Patio suggested go here http://www.4allmemory.com/indexb.cfm?gclid=CO_c6OGkqq0CFSwBQAodhxezkw (http://www.4allmemory.com/indexb.cfm?gclid=CO_c6OGkqq0CFSwBQAodhxezkw) use it on your Compaq Presario
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Think I might have suggested the wrong scanner from crucial. http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/ (http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/) Sorry, try this. There are so many similar programs advertising on the web, it is easy to get misled.
Also, sorry about bringing conflict into your post.
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what about processors.... how do i upgrade that and is it easy to do?
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Also, sorry about bringing conflict into your post.
LOL no problem!
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what about processors.... how do i upgrade that and is it easy to do?
This computer (Compaq Presario SR1313CL) was introduced 7 years ago, (Dec 17 2004). It has a maximum RAM capacity of 1 GB, and the motherboard supports CPUs of the type known as "Socket A". These are not made any more. Personally I think it would a waste of money spending very much on this machine. The most powerful CPU you can use, if you can find a used one, is not going to make a lot of difference. I guess you could upgrade the RAM quite cheaply, you can take out the current memory and put a single 1 GB module in, the type is 184 Pin 2.5v DDR333 Non-ECC Dimm and this should cost around $30. (Check: $29.99 at Crucial) http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Presario%20SR1313CL&Cat=RAM but don't expect an astonishing transformation.
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This computer (Compaq Presario SR1313CL) was introduced 7 years ago, (Dec 17 2004). It has a maximum RAM capacity of 1 GB, and the motherboard supports CPUs of the type known as "Socket A". These are not made any more. Personally I think it would a waste of money spending very much on this machine. The most powerful CPU you can use, if you can find a used one, is not going to make a lot of difference. I guess you could upgrade the RAM quite cheaply, you can take out the current memory and put a single 1 GB module in, the type is 184 Pin 2.5v DDR333 Non-ECC Dimm and this should cost around $30. (Check: $29.99 at Crucial) http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Presario%20SR1313CL&Cat=RAM but don't expect an astonishing transformation.
So are you saying not to get a new processor for this computer because its not worth it? I cant afford to by a new computer so i though that by spend some money and putting in to the computer wouldn't hurt.... What should I do! my daughter is enjoying having her own computer but hates waiting for games and sites to load up!
will the RAM do anything beside add more memory
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This computer (Compaq Presario SR1313CL) was introduced 7 years ago, (Dec 17 2004). It has a maximum RAM capacity of 1 GB, and the motherboard supports CPUs of the type known as "Socket A". These are not made any more. Personally I think it would a waste of money spending very much on this machine. The most powerful CPU you can use, if you can find a used one, is not going to make a lot of difference. I guess you could upgrade the RAM quite cheaply, you can take out the current memory and put a single 1 GB module in, the type is 184 Pin 2.5v DDR333 Non-ECC Dimm and this should cost around $30. (Check: $29.99 at Crucial) http://www.crucial.com/store/listparts.aspx?model=Presario%20SR1313CL&Cat=RAM but don't expect an astonishing transformation.
I would trust what SalmonTrout is saying. Ram will speed it up some but as he indicated in his last post "don't expect an astonishing transformation"
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1) because I felt like it.
2) db032383 posted her thread yesterday at 7:30pm and seemed like I was the only one trying to help her
3) and because I sent a PM late last night to Transfusion asking for his help
4)and why was my Beyourownit links removed. (you missed the one in transfusions post) I wasn't advertising, thought the forum was about helping people. Use computerhope links elsewhere all the time.
The links were removed for 2 reasons...
A) Although the may have contained pertenint info to "speeding up a PC" they are flagged as malicious sites by WOT...
And B) We try to solve issues here without anyone having to pull out their wallet and spend hard-earned cash...which the above mentioned site wanted to do...
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So are you saying not to get a new processor for this computer because its not worth it?
That is precisely what he is saying.
I cant afford to by a new computer so i though that by spend some money and putting in to the computer wouldn't hurt....
It won't. But I think the point being made is that it won't really help, either. Basically, money spent on the machine would be better put towards a new one in some fashion.
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It takes over7 min just to load up the internet...
my daughter is enjoying having her own computer but hates waiting for games and sites to load up!
Apart from a couple of remarks like the above, we don't really know how "slow" it is. Reading those things I wonder quite strongly if this computer is not "slow" because it is old, perhaps it is slow because something is wrong with it. For example if the hard drive is very nearly full, is beginning to fail, or is badly fragmented, or gone into PIO mode, then the machine would seem a little sluggish. If the wireless connection needed troubleshooting. But most of those points seem to have been covered. (Viruses?) Even an entry level machine from 2004 with only 512 MB of RAM should be reasonably brisk at web surfing (unless the connection is a particularly poor one). Especially if it has a newly installed XP. Modern games are another matter. There is a lot here that we do not know. However I would put 1 GB of RAM in it and format the disk and reinstall XP and all service packs and see how it worked after that. If it was still bad I would start thinking about alternatives. This thread could meander on for quite a few more pages. Best of all would be if someone technically knowledgeable and trustworthy (maybe a relative, family friend or local nerdy teen would give this machine a thorough hands-on going-over (a tune-up) and see if there is anything obvious that needed putting right. The trouble is, if that knowledge and fitting of RAM, CMOS battery etc has to be paid for at commercial rates, like from a repair store, then you are spending a good part of the cost of a new computer or a more recently made used one.
Less expensive than a new computer would be a "modernizing kit" which would be a cheapish budget new motherboard/cpu/RAM combo deal that would fit in the case and not tax the power supply unduly.
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Or if your are really ambitious ;D, you, or someone you know could build your own. I built one a couple of months ago from a barebones kit for under $300. Taking into consideration I already had a extra monitor, keyboard, mouse and Windows 7 OEM. It was easier than I thought. The only thing I had to buy that it didn't come with was a case fan. Then I discovered I could use it to watch free HULU on my flat screen TV. But that is besides the point here. ::) Just wanted you to know there are other options.
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1626533&Sku=B69-0483 (http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=1626533&Sku=B69-0483) I am not recommending this particular kit but just giving you an idea of what is out there. I remember when I first started learning about fixing computers one of my first questions was "is there such a thing as a computer in a box, like a puzzle I could put together"? So there you have it. Of course I didn't build it until I had enough experience under my belt starting with taking my first computer apart and putting it back together. But it also is an option.