Author Topic: Computer running slow.....have tried all suggested solutions (Read 20976 times)

execpro22 · « **on:** May 01, 2011, 01:05:17 PM »

My computer has been running slow for about a month now and I can't figure out why. I have to restart my computer to make it run normally and then after a little bit it just slows down again.

Some things I have tried to fix this problem:

I have updated all my drivers.

I have cleaned the hard drive

I have defragged the disk

I have defragged and cleaned up registry errors

I have scanned my computer with malawarebytes and ESETnod and have used combofix

I have opened the computer case and cleaned it out

Still after all these things my computer still slows down and has to be restarted all the time.

system specs:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Operating System ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Windows Version: Windows XP (5.1.2600) Professional
License Information: execpro22
Product ID:
Product Key:

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Common Devices ***
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System Name: EP45-UD3L
Processor Name: Intel(R) Core(TM)2 Duo CPU E7400 @ 2.80GHz
Videocard Name: NVIDIA GeForce 9600 GT
Installed Memory: 3,326.42 MB
Default Printer: Microsoft XPS Document Writer

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Installed Programs ***
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Number of Installed Programs: 302 programs
Number of Running Processes: 43 processes
Internet Explorer Version: 6.0.2900.5512 (SP3)
DirectX Version: 4.09.00.0904
Office Version: 12.0.6425.1000

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
*** Windows Details ***
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Windows Version: Windows XP (5.1.2600) Professional
Latest Service Pack Installed: Service Pack 3
Installed: 7/26/2009 8:16:43 PM
Last Reboot: 5/1/2011 2:26:39 PM
Default Internet Client: C:\Program Files\Internet Explorer\iexplore.exe
Default Mail Client: C:\Program Files\Outlook Express\msimn.exe
Product ID:
Product Key:
Language: English (United States) (ID: $0409)
Country: United States (Country Code: 1)
Time zone: (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time (US & Canada)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

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Allan · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2011, 01:17:31 PM »

I just responded to you on another forum, but I'll ask the same questions here:
1) What do you mean you "cleaned the hard drive"?
2) What do you mean you "cleaned up registry errors?
3) What is new or different since the last time everything worked properly (ie, new hw, new sw, virus, error, etc)?

execpro22 · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2011, 03:28:27 PM »

1. cleaned the junk temp files out.

2. used registry mechanic to fix any registry errors

3. I started to notice a difference after comcast installed some software on my computer a month ago. I uninstalled all comcast apps, but still the problem persists.

Allan · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2011, 03:34:03 PM »

Please define "running slow". EXACTLY what are the issues and what is running slow??

1) Registry cleaners cause problems, they do not cure them. The "best" of them do little or no harm, the worst will leave your system unusable. But NONE of them do any good.

2) Can you use system restore to get to a time before the problem occurred?

3) I cleaned up your first post and eliminated all unnecessary info as well as info on your user account which you should never post on a public forum.

execpro22 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2011, 09:05:24 PM »

1. so should i un-install my registry fixer?

2. no its been too long, no good restore points

What can i do?

Linux711 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2011, 11:23:14 PM »

Quote

so should i un-install my registry fixer?

I wouldn't, just incase. Only use it in situations like this though.

Quote

What can i do?

Well the first thing I would do is open task manager. Click the processes tab and note the CPU Usage (it is located at the bottom of the window). If it is consistently above 50% when you appear to be doing nothing then mention that. Now click the performance tab and look for the section titled Physical Memory (K). Note the available memory. Also check the physical front of your computer to see if the green can light is on constantly. Don't ask why it's a picture of a can

If we can't figure out the problem after this, then I suggest you post your logs over in the malware removal forum.

jason2074 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2011, 11:37:12 PM »

Quote

My computer has been running slow for about a month now and I can't figure out why.

Quote

What is new or different since the last time everything worked properly (ie, new hw, new sw, virus, error, etc)?

You might recall something new, added or removed before the problem as Allan asked you. Also slowness in what part? Booting, opening multiple programs, browsing,gaming... Have you run any virus or spyware scans lately? Or monitored hardware temps. and made backups for all you files?

Allan · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2011, 05:40:26 AM »

Ignore the advice from Linux711 - NEVER use the registry cleaner - in ANY situation. Whether or not you uninstall it is irrelevant at this point - the damage is already done.

First please respond to my question about the specific symptoms you are experiencing (ie, WHAT is slow).

Linux711 · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2011, 10:48:15 AM »

Quote

NEVER use the registry cleaner - in ANY situation

I have used two of them for about three years now. No problems. I don't mean to argue about it, just stating my experience with them.

Quote

Well the first thing I would do is open task manager. Click the processes tab and note the CPU Usage (it is located at the bottom of the window). If it is consistently above 50% when you appear to be doing nothing then mention that. Now click the performance tab and look for the section titled Physical Memory (K). Note the available memory. Also check the physical front of your computer to see if the green can light is on constantly. Don't ask why it's a picture of a can

Allan · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2011, 10:53:22 AM »

Quote from: Linux711 on May 02, 2011, 10:48:15 AM

I have used two of them for about three years now. No problems.

I don't care.
Please do not advise people to use registry cleaners on this forum. Thank you.

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2011, 12:55:21 PM »

The OP said he tried all suggestions.
Here is one that is time consuming, but reversible.
1. Get a new hard drive.
2. Remove the old drive and store in a safe place.
3. Do a full install of the OS.
4. Measure the speed using some meaningful test.

Ant any time you can go back to using the old drive instead of the new one. Or just continuen with the new instalation. Your choice.

Allan · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2011, 12:57:04 PM »

And that's another suggestion you can ignore.

execpro22 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2011, 10:17:05 AM »

when I open the task manager and go to performance with no programs running it is at like 4% cpu usage but as soon as I start a game like mass effect it jumps to 100% cpu usage. Also Ive played this game many times on my pc and its always run real smooth and never had a significant drain of cpu usage but now when I run it it take awhile to load and sometimes will frezze for like 20 seconds.

Linux711 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2011, 10:40:32 AM »

In task manager, also check how much free Physical memory you have. Download speed fan and check your temperatures.

http://www.almico.com/sfdownload.php

execpro22 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 06, 2011, 11:05:39 AM »

3406252 total physical memory

1889572 available

cpu usage 93% this is while running the game...

Fan speed 1415 rpm

gpu-54c

Temp 1 -38c

temp 2 44c

temp 3 -2 c

temp-0c

hd0-42c

core 0-42c

core 1-39c

core-54c

Sidewinder · « **Reply #15 on:** May 06, 2011, 11:17:03 AM »

I recently had a similar problem. After endless days of scans for viruses, malware, rootkits and hardware diagnostics which all turned up negative, it turns out that CD had reverted to PIO setting instead of it's normal DMA. This was causing the system to spend much of it's time handling hardware interrupts.

Easy enough to check out:

Right Click My Computer
Click Properties
Click Hardware Tab
Click Device Manager
Find IDE Controllers in list and double click
Double Click Secondary IDE Channel
Click Advanced Setting

If the transfer mode is set to PIO that may be your problem. Check out Lame Hard Disk. Do NOT do the Quick Fix, instead scroll down to Item #6 and do the fix manually. If you're skittish about changing the registry, create a restore point or use ERUNT to back up your registry.

No guarantees, but just maybe.

execpro22 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 06, 2011, 11:47:11 AM »

Ok went and checked the secondary ide channel.

When I check there are three of them listed.

The first one says transfer node is set to dma if available for device o and 1. and current transfer mode not applicable

The second says dma if available and current transfer mode is ultra dma mode 5

The third says same as first.

Also, now I'm getting a new kind of error where the video card will crash inbetween loads of the game.....

Broni · « **Reply #17 on:** May 06, 2011, 01:16:03 PM »

What does the error say?
Is your computer slow ONLY while gaming?

Run the tool listed below WHEN your game is ON....

Download Process Explorer: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx
Unzip ProcessExplorer.zip, and double click on procexp.exe to run the program.
Click on View > Select Colunms.
In addition to already pre-selected options, make sure, the Command Line is selected, and press OK.
Go File>Save As, and save the report as Procexp.txt.
Attach the file to your next reply.

execpro22 · « **Reply #18 on:** May 06, 2011, 01:53:43 PM »

1. well The screen goes black and theres a little dash in the top left hand corner of screen that just keeps blinking. So, I restart my computer and when it comes back up a windows page opens that says my video card has failed.

2. No, not just gaming. Any application I use shows a significant slow down after using for a few minutes.

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Broni · « **Reply #19 on:** May 06, 2011, 02:17:26 PM »

Well, in this case, MassEffect.exe is using 67.69% of your CPU cycles.
I suppose, in case of demanding game, it may be OK.

What power supply do you have?

Start your game and post these results....

Download System Information for Windows (SIW free version)
No installation required.

After it scans your computer, navigate to Hardware>Sensors and post all info from there.

execpro22 · « **Reply #20 on:** May 06, 2011, 03:38:42 PM »

Dont know what power supply I have:

attached is a screen capture of siw while the game is running.

edit: just resized pic to be bigger. if its still too small just download it and blow it up....

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Broni · « **Reply #21 on:** May 06, 2011, 03:44:02 PM »

Unfortunately, it's so small, I can't see anything.

execpro22 · « **Reply #22 on:** May 07, 2011, 07:35:33 AM »

Broni · « **Reply #23 on:** May 07, 2011, 02:15:27 PM »

For the future....don't edit your replies, because I'm not getting any email notification, if you do so.
Always post new reply.
I still can't see a thing.

patio · « **Reply #24 on:** May 07, 2011, 02:24:00 PM »

Ditto...
Why bump without supplying a new image ? ?

execpro22 · « **Reply #25 on:** May 07, 2011, 08:34:25 PM »

sorry here you go.....

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patio · « **Reply #26 on:** May 07, 2011, 08:44:46 PM »

Temps look fine...

Broni · « **Reply #27 on:** May 07, 2011, 09:06:41 PM »

Download Autoruns for Windows: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx
No installation required.
Simply unzip Autoruns.zip file, and double click on autoruns.exe file to run the program.
Go File>Save, and save it as AutoRuns.txt file to know location.
You must select Text from drop-down menu as a file type:

Attach the file to your next reply.

execpro22 · « **Reply #28 on:** May 09, 2011, 08:54:09 AM »

here you go....

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execpro22 · « **Reply #29 on:** May 09, 2011, 04:48:25 PM »

also just had a new error where my display driver failed and the computer had to be restarted. Could my problems be driver related? and if so How can I fix it?

Danomann · « **Reply #30 on:** May 09, 2011, 05:02:06 PM »

if you think you have enough RAM you can go into MS-Config under system type ConservativeSwapFile=1 (that makes the cpu use all the RAM Before the Swap File (fast=ram slow=swap file aka page file)

Broni · « **Reply #31 on:** May 09, 2011, 07:32:35 PM »

Quote

Could my problems be driver related?

Possible.
Try to reinstall video driver.

execpro22 · « **Reply #32 on:** May 09, 2011, 08:54:09 PM »

have done that. I am considering just backing up all my data to an external hdd and reformatting. What do u think?

Broni · « **Reply #33 on:** May 09, 2011, 08:59:45 PM »

It may be the easiest way to find out, if this is Windows installation issue, or something else.

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #34 on:** May 09, 2011, 11:47:30 PM »

There are some free diagnostics boot CDs that may help point to a specific hardware issue. Like bad memory. That would be quicker that a full install of Windows. Here is a short list.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_live_CDs#Rescue_and_repair_live_CDs
Of course, he needs a working system that will burn the downloaded ISO.

execpro22 · « **Reply #35 on:** May 14, 2011, 11:59:38 AM »

After trying several thousand different solutions which didnt help I finally decided i'm going to format the drive. Before I do that, is there anything I should know?

Is there a way to save my favorites from firefox before formatting?

Is there any program I need to help back up my files or any tricks I should know before i proceed.

Anyway I aslo want to thank everyone who tired to help me and gave me suggestions on this forum.

Thank you all...

Broni · « **Reply #36 on:** May 14, 2011, 02:13:48 PM »

Quote

Is there a way to save my favorites from firefox before formatting?

http://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/

execpro22 · « **Reply #37 on:** May 14, 2011, 02:31:38 PM »

Thanks Broni,

Also ive never backed up my data before so is there anything I should know before reformatting?

Broni · « **Reply #38 on:** May 14, 2011, 02:38:35 PM »

Save whatever you don't want to lose.
Pictures, music, movies, documents, etc.

execpro22 · « **Reply #39 on:** May 16, 2011, 08:38:37 AM »

Bad news....

Ok so I backed up all my files to an external hdd, reformatted and put in a fresh install of xp and the computer is still slow when running apps. I checked task manager under processes and saw that System Idle Process is taking up 99 percent of cpu usage. From reading up on the subject I learned that that is normal and that when you arent running any apps SIP should be using up that much.

The problem is that when I run other apps such as winrar to extract a video or an installer to install a game it runs very slow and and SIP still is using up 99% of cpu usage. I guess the pc doesn't switch over when a task is running?

What could be the problem? I did a fresh install and reformat so I'm guessing its not software related.

Hardware?

Please give me some guidance in how to fix this problem because its really bugging me.

Broni · « **Reply #40 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:32:33 AM »

Quote

System Idle Process is taking up 99 percent of cpu usage

This is actually good news.
System Idle Process indicates CPU NOT used, which mean, in this case, your CPU usage is at 1%.

execpro22 · « **Reply #41 on:** May 16, 2011, 09:55:54 AM »

No this is not good....

Because while the system idle says 99 % I am currently running an installer for a game which is running ridiculously slow.

That means that the system is staying idle and not letting the installer use any cpu usage at all....

Do you understand what I'm saying?

Broni · « **Reply #42 on:** May 16, 2011, 10:03:13 AM »

I do, but I'm not sure, if you understood what I said.

Your computer has very good specs, so if it's still running slow after fresh installation and while CPU usage is at 1%, you must have some hardware issues.

I'd start with testing some components....

First of all...

Download System Information for Windows (SIW free version)
No installation required.

After it scans your computer, navigate to Hardware>Sensors and post all info from there.

execpro22 · « **Reply #43 on:** May 16, 2011, 10:11:59 AM »

Here you go.....

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Broni · « **Reply #44 on:** May 16, 2011, 10:22:49 AM »

That looks normal.

Run hard drive diagnostics: http://www.tacktech.com/display.cfm?ttid=287 (or http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28744&hl=hard+drive+diagnostic)
Make sure, you select tool, which is appropriate for the brand of your hard drive.
Depending on the program, it'll create bootable floppy, or bootable CD.
If downloaded file is of .iso type, use ImgBurn: http://www.imgburn.com/ to burn .iso file to a CD (select "Write image file to disc" option), to make the CD bootable.
For Toshiba hard drives, see here: http://sdd.toshiba.com/main.aspx?Path=ServicesSupport/FujitsuDrivesUSandCanada/SoftwareUtilities#diagnostic

Note : If you do not know how to set your computer to boot from CD follow the steps HERE

execpro22 · « **Reply #45 on:** May 16, 2011, 01:18:25 PM »

Ok I have a seagate hdd so i downloaded the seagate tool for windows and ran some tests. The first test I ran was called a smart check. It says it checks drive self monitoring and reporting. It passed. Then I did a short drive test which it also passed. Then I tried to do a long drive test but after awhile the program would pop uo saying that the test is taking too long and giving me suggestions why, but i could not complete that test.

What now?

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #46 on:** May 16, 2011, 01:45:02 PM »

Looks you have the same drive with the same problem: http://forums.seagate.com/t5/Barracuda-XT-Barracuda-and/ST3250310AS-problem/td-p/25380
If you read all the way to the end, he RMA'd the drive to Seagate & the problem was solved.
Coincidently, I have the same drive in this computer (#1). It did something very strange about 6 months ago, temps shot up to 50degC for a day or two, then returned to normal and has been fine ever since. I have a spare WD drive, just in case.

I'm getting 80Mb/sec on a SATA 1.5Gbps controller with this http://www.hdtune.com/

execpro22 · « **Reply #47 on:** May 16, 2011, 01:53:08 PM »

That is the same one as mine, but I don't know if he has the same problem as me. Mine doesn't take long at all to boot up or start up windows. What I am having a problem with is when I run apps, the apps run really slow, but windows itself isn't really.

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #48 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:01:21 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 16, 2011, 01:53:08 PM

That is the same one as mine...

I said that already.
That fact that it never completes SeaTools Long Drive Test is an indicator of something wrong.
I have the same drive.
I'm getting 80MB/sec on a SATA 1.5Gbps controller with this free version (v2.55) http://www.hdtune.com/download.html
Download, run it and see what you get.

Broni · « **Reply #49 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:01:27 PM »

Quote

and giving me suggestions

...which are?

Quote

i downloaded the seagate tool for windows

IF there is some problem with your hard drive, running the test from within Windows is not a good idea.
Burn .iso test to a CD and boot from it.

execpro22 · « **Reply #50 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:12:21 PM »

Computer Commando attached is my hd tune measuring test.

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execpro22 · « **Reply #51 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:14:33 PM »

Broni,

There is no iso for seagate. When I click the link u gave me there isnt a link to download an iso.

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #52 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:22:21 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 16, 2011, 02:12:21 PM

Computer Commando attached is my hd tune measuring test.

Compare yours to mine.

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execpro22 · « **Reply #53 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:28:40 PM »

My burst rate is only about 3.5 mb and yours is over 100. Also my transfer rate average is about 3.4 mb and yours is in the 80's . Does this mean my hdd is messed up or what?

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #54 on:** May 16, 2011, 02:34:39 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 16, 2011, 02:28:40 PM

My burst rate is only about 3.5 mb and yours is over 100. Also my transfer rate average is about 3.4 mb and yours is in the 80's . Does this mean my hdd is messed up or what?

That's exactly what it means!
Haven't asked what your computer is because SATA 1.5Gbps is the 1st generation & the slowest, which is what I have. Drive is 3.0Gbps but is backward compatible to 1.5.

No wonder it took so long to run the Long Test & never finished! BTW, if you want to get the ISO file, it's under Seatools for DOS.
http://www.seagate.com/www/en-us/support/downloads/seatools

My drive is the Barracuda 7200.10. Others in this series have had a high failure rate: http://www.theinquirer.net/inquirer/news/1050374/seagate-barracuda-7200-drives-failing

Drive has 2 (or 5) year warranty, run Long Test in DOS & it should return error code for RMA. You may not need to to this, since Seagate is aware of the issues. Contact them.

Found this very interesting: http://www.salvagedata.com/hard-drive/seagate-data-recovery/barracudar-720010-hard-drives/
One of the most common problems which are experienced in Seagate Barracuda disk drives (specifically with 7200.7, 7200.8, 7200.9 and 7200.10 series) relate to their read/write head components. Seagate introduced a new special coating technology in this line for the platters intended and designed to better protect the magnetic layers on the platter. The long term effect of this coating was that it caused more problems than the level of protection it offered to the drive. This protective layer tends to flake under certain environmental conditions, causing small bits of the flaky particles to stick to the read/ write heads which makes reading very unstable. When these particles get embedded in substantial quantities, the disk drive will lose track positioning. This results in failed read/write ability making user data completely inaccessible. The symptoms of such a failure are clicking, knocking, sweeping sounds:
Click on the arrows in the link to hear the sounds.

Broni · « **Reply #55 on:** May 16, 2011, 03:03:34 PM »

...

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execpro22 · « **Reply #56 on:** May 16, 2011, 03:49:26 PM »

Update

Ok I burned the iso, booted it up and ran the tests....

The short drive test passed

The long drive test passed

The acoustic test passed.

What now?

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #57 on:** May 16, 2011, 04:32:45 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 16, 2011, 03:49:26 PM

...What now?

Quote from: Computer_Commando on May 16, 2011, 02:34:39 PM

...Seagate is aware of the issues. Contact them.

execpro22 · « **Reply #58 on:** May 17, 2011, 06:41:19 AM »

so the hdd is definately the problem even though it passed the seagate tests?

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #59 on:** May 17, 2011, 01:40:16 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 17, 2011, 06:41:19 AM

so the hdd is definately the problem even though it passed the seagate tests?

Yes and Mo.
Wrong question.
The right question is: "How to fix the problem?"
He can buy a new HDD of 'the same type and about the same size and do a fresh install of the OS. If that does NOT solve the problem, he would he move on to something else.
This is not my personal idea, that is what they teach field technicians..

Computer_Commando · « **Reply #60 on:** May 17, 2011, 01:41:06 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 17, 2011, 06:41:19 AM

so the hdd is definately the problem even though it passed the seagate tests?

This is Computer Hope not Computer Diagnostics. The rest is up to you.

execpro22 · « **Reply #61 on:** May 17, 2011, 02:14:13 PM »

Quote from: Geek-9pm on May 17, 2011, 01:40:16 PM

He can buy a new HDD of 'the same type and about the same size and do a fresh install of the OS. If that does NOT solve the problem, he would he move on to something else.
This is not my personal idea, that is what they teach field technicians..

I'm probably going to do that, But what is your personal idea?

Quote from: Computer_Commando on May 17, 2011, 01:41:06 PM

This is Computer Hope not Computer Diagnostics. The rest is up to you.

Ok, sorry I thought this was a forum where people can get help on fixing their computer, my mistake.

execpro22 · « **Reply #62 on:** May 17, 2011, 02:33:39 PM »

would updating the drives firmware help?

Geek-9pm · « **Reply #63 on:** May 17, 2011, 03:37:47 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 17, 2011, 02:33:39 PM

would updating the drives firmware help?

Who knows? As said earlier, this forum is not for factory level diagnostics. Members here offer practical suggestions for helping individuals get their computers up and running. Beating a dead horse is not always a popular activity, but it seems this thread is the exception.

FYI The salvage value of Hard drives used in Personal Computers in the past year or two is very low. A non-working drive is worth less that $7, and only if you have a lot of them. A brand new drive at the wholesale level is about $50 more or less for a 250 GB SATA drive.

execpro22 · « **Reply #64 on:** May 17, 2011, 06:33:37 PM »

No firmware updates available for my hdd.

One last question......

Earlier in my post on page one a user had suggested that my controllers might be set to PIO mode instead of DMA. He told me to check the secondary controllers which I did and found they were all set to DMA.

Just now I decided to check my primary IDE channel in the device manager tab and saw that one of the primary channels was set to PIO mode. Could this be the reason for the slow down, and if so how can I change it back?

attached is a screenshot of it....

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execpro22 · « **Reply #65 on:** May 19, 2011, 03:27:51 PM »

Update.....

Last night I went into device manager and uninstalled the ide channel that was set to pio. I then restarted the computer which reinstalled the channel and when I checked it it was then reset to ultra dma 5.

The computer was running well and working fine...Then a couple of hours later I started to notice some slow down so I went and checked that same primary ide channel again and saw that it had lowered the DMA to dma 2.

Then, this morning I noticed that while watching a movie the system got real slow so I checked the channel again and found that it had reverted completely back to PIO mode.

Obviously this is where the slow down is coming from.

How do I keep my computer set at dma so It wont revert back to PIO?

Salmon Trout · « **Reply #66 on:** May 19, 2011, 03:52:37 PM »

Quote from: execpro22 on May 19, 2011, 03:27:51 PM

How do I keep my computer set at dma so It wont revert back to PIO?

The DMA setting gets downgraded one step each time the system detects (and corrects) a certain number of errors. Eventually you end up with the PIO setting. You really need to find out what's going on with the disk.

patio · « **Reply #67 on:** May 19, 2011, 04:02:26 PM »

Couldn't agree more with Salmon here...
Dropping to PIO mode is a built in Windows setting for when a HDD has 4 or more consecutive read/write errors...

Neither a 5 page thread nor all the diagnostics out there are going to fix this failing HDD.

Back up your data immediately and cut your losses...

aziz · « **Reply #68 on:** May 21, 2011, 12:58:46 AM »

Hey i suggest you to change your windows to SP2 and SP3 is not working properly ....
i hope this can solve ur problem .....

raj36562 · « **Reply #69 on:** May 22, 2011, 12:02:53 PM »

well..anyhow check ur operating system disk...?whether it is going to be almost full or free space a lot?if its lot then there might be some cause occur like getting slow speed n all?this is oneway to justify ur fault..onemore thing is to check ur control panel n delete some unwanted programs?this wil also help u....disable ur unwanted startup n unwanted applications....from msconfig.....this wil surely help u

patio · « **Reply #70 on:** May 22, 2011, 04:15:28 PM »

Quote from: raj36562 on May 22, 2011, 12:02:53 PM

well..anyhow check ur operating system disk...?whether it is going to be almost full or free space a lot?if its lot then there might be some cause occur like getting slow speed n all?this is oneway to justify ur fault..onemore thing is to check ur control panel n delete some unwanted programs?this wil also help u....disable ur unwanted startup n unwanted applications....from msconfig.....this wil surely help u

This is good...

execpro22 · « **Reply #71 on:** May 24, 2011, 05:06:11 AM »

Final update...

Ok after all downloading all these diagnostic programs and running all these different tests, doing a full reformat and install I have finally fixed the problem. The problem was my harddrive.

Instead of going out and buying a new one I decided to open up my tower and unplug and plug back in the ide cables connected to the motherboard and HDD. Apparently that has solved the problem because It has been a day and I have not recieved any crc errors in the windows event log and the primary ide channel is still set in ultra dma 5 mode.

So, the problem was that the ide cable was somehow missconnected inside the case.

That makes sense cuz I moved into a new apartment about the same time as the problem started and must have bumped the case which unseated the connection.

Thank you for all your help.

Computer Hope Forum

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