Windows 7 Laptop So Slow!

wrkactjob

XPS M1330

I have run the repair option but get the message "startup repair can not repair this computer automatically"

[Deleted User]

Did you format the drive when you installed Windows 7? Don't bother trying to repair a new install - just format and try again.

wrkactjob

How do I format the drive?...is there an option to do this somewhere?...I'm sure I didnt originally! (wouldn't have a clue! just stuck the disc in!)

wrkactjob

Just found an old XP disk, tried to load that but got a message that XP couldn't find a hard drive! obviously it failed at that point, I think my lappy is as confused as I am, I would have thought if you boot direct from disk it would do all the hard work for you?

DatabaseError

if there's nothing you need to save (and if there is you really have messed up )
Don't bother formatting the drive..I can'r temember the exact wording, but at the beginning of the installation process there is an option to chose a partition to install to..click advanced (or more options) and just delete all the partitions, then install 7 on the available space. it will then create a formatted partition for itself (well, 2 really) and should work.

tentonine wrote: »

You can reinstall Windows 7 over itself, but that is unlikely to fix this kind of problem.

QFT. Occasionally an over the top installation is a good plan - but more often than not it isn't.

I'm also a little concerned at security suite overload, you really shouldn't need very much, microsoft security essentials (free) is pretty good and should avoid having several firewalls and maybe AV programs running at once.
...and AVG has been off most people's 'recommended' list for a while now.



EDIT - XP can't see any SATA devices without 3rd party drivers being installed...the technology is newer than the OS

[Deleted User]

When you delete partitions, the first one is for Dell diagnostics. You may also have a partition for Dell Media Direct. You don't have to keep these, but you might as well if you don't need the space or if you ever use Media Direct.

HO87

DatabaseError wrote: »

EDIT - XP can't see any SATA devices without 3rd party drivers being installed...the technology is newer than the OS

Shouldn't be a problem if the OP d/l's the Intel sata driver for his machine and saves it to a usb stick to be called on during the XP install load process.

wrkactjob

Latest effort

Thanks, there is nothing I need to save, so I am booting direct from the W7 disc popped into the bios to disable initial boots from anything other than cd/dvd and I get the "Windows is loading files..." message along the bottom and then the lappy is switching off....tried again... get past this point

Starting Windows.....

Select country and language....things are progressing!

Accept the T's and c's...check

Upgrade or Custom option

D/c on Custom...

right as per Databaseerror's advice the partition screen appears with:

Disk 0 Partion 1 Total Size 117mb Free Space 109.0mb OEM(reserved)
Disk 0 Partion 2 148.9GB 113.5GB System

Delete both....I am now left with Disk 0 Unallocated Space 149GB...dont bother to format as per above.

Now have the usual 5 processes to get through

Copying Windows Files
Expanding Windows Files
Installing Features
Installing Updates
Completeing installation

This will take a while so I'll go back to watching Top Gear on Dave while it progresses!

to be continued....

DatabaseError

I expect a happy post around now...

wrkactjob

No lappy threw a hissy fit mid process and shut down, going through the same procedure again, currently expanding files...will get there eventually I hope!