Computer running slow.....have tried all suggested solutions

[Danomann]

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]

Could my problems be driver related?

Possible.
Try to reinstall video driver.

[execpro22]

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

[Broni]

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

[Geek-9pm]

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]

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]

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

http://mozbackup.jasnapaka.com/

[execpro22]

Thanks Broni,


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

[Broni]

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

[execpro22]

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]

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]

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]

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]

Here you go.....

[recovering disk space - old attachment deleted by admin]

[Broni]

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