Slow laptop - should I purchase something with more memory

Drum

Using laptop for 3 years; use for Internet; Skype, photos, Itunes and email. Has slowed down to the point where I wonder if I need to buy new? It is an Advent 256 MB DDR Ram - 40 GB HDD. I don't pretend to understand what this means but I am sure it will something to you techie people! Any suggestions/advice welcome. I have used defrag and disk clean - deleted my photos but no change. I keep getting messages that I don't understand

Thank you

PeterPerfect

What OS are you running? 512Mbytes of memory is minimum for XP, 1GB+ for Vista. What messages appear?

Drum

Virtual memory is low is a fequent message.

256 MB DDR Ram - 40 GB HDD does this relate to
512Mbytes of memory is minimum for XP, 1GB+ for Vista.

Sorry i am a bit out of my league here

DCFC79

As its a little old then i guess its xp, can you not upgrade the ram

almillar

If you give us the model number of your computer some kind soul will tell you if you can upgrade your RAM and even what type to buy. Usually involves carefully removing a panel from the bottom of your laptop and sliding cards in and out. 256mb isn't really enough these days if you're running a few things at the same time.
However, the Virtual Memory message points to another problem. Virtual Memory is when there isn't enough RAM (see above!) and the computer uses the (much slower) hard drive to substitute. It seems that even the hard drive isn't giving you enough 'RAM' and may be a bit full.
Goto My Computer, right click 'C' and click Properties. What does the pie diagram look like? New RAM and hard drive might be a good idea, can be done for under £50 I reckon.

prowla

Go to https://www.crucial.com/uk, where you should be able to put in the details of your system and find out what memory upgrades are available.
(You don't have to buy from them, but they are good.)

basmic

I'd recommend putting 1gb of RAM in the laptop, or more if you can afford it.

Alongside upgrading the RAM, upgrade the harddrive to a larger and faster drive - say at least 80gb, with a spin speed of 5,400rpm.

Drum

Thank you - Used 18.2 Free 14.8

Drum

ADvent 7086

Drum

prowla wrote: »

Go to where you should be able to put in the details of your system and find out what memory upgrades are available.
(You don't have to buy from them, but they are good.)

Thank you - this is the info from the website. Do I need to buy this and take to say PC World to have it installed- I am an novice!

Number of Slots:
Slot 1


Each memory slot can hold DDR PC3200,DDR PC2700 with a maximum of 1GB per slot.*
*Not to exceed manufacturer supported memory.

4743hudsonj

well it means you have one memory slot that can hold 1GB. this should be no more than £30? i would look in the manual and on the net and try to do it your self, its really easy, i did it first time fine when i wasnt savvy. plus, it would save you money.