5 yr old Dell - is it time for a new hard disc?

MimiJane

danthemoneysavingman wrote: »

yep, go Start --> Run... and type in CMD, you can then enter "chkdsk c: /r". If doesn't run, you need to run as administrator - in this case, find the program itself (usually in C:\WINDOWS\system32), right-click and choose "run as administrator". You will prob have to restart your computer as it can't run on the operating system drive whilst logged in to windows.

Done - brief message up saying it's "clean".

grumpycrab

MimiJane wrote: »

Done - brief message up saying it's "clean".

That doesn't sound right. How about
1. go to My Computer
2. do Properties of c: drive (select c: and do right-mouse-click; select Properties)
3. select Tools tab
4. select check now
5. tick both boxes
Reboot.

John_Gray

MimiJane wrote: »

... maybe it's time for a new hard-disk...

Probably exactly the wrong time, actually, because the water-inundation of the disk manufacturing plants in Asia means that the price of hard disks has doubled and trebled, and is unlikely to reduce before well into 2012...

Heed the other advice to improve on what you've got!

zenmaster

When it's running in slo-mo try the following:

1. Press Control-Shift-Escape, i.e. press all 3 keys at the same time. This will bring up Windows Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window select the "Processes" tab.
3. Tick the "Show processes from all users" box. This will show everything that is currently running on your computer.
4. Click on "CPU" on the column heading bar near the top, just below the tabs. This will sort everything in ascending order, so click it again to reverse the sort.

Now you are looking at an ever changing list of processes showing how much computing power each is using.

In an ideal world the top of the list should be System Idle Process, showing a value of 90+ (% of CPU time). It will fluctuate, sometimes down as low as 50% but this should be very brief before returning to the high value.

Beneath that you should see other processes being switched in and out, generally using 2-4%. These too may go a bit higher for an instant.

What we are interested in is the situation where the System Idle Process is permanently at a low percentage and something else is hovering around the top of the list taking more than it's fair share of time.

Have a look and, if this is the case, report back.

PS. I've just noticed that you only have 512mb. In that case, whilst in Task Manager, also click on the Mem Usage column (again click it twice) and note the top 3 or so entries with their values.

MimiJane

grumpycrab wrote: »

That doesn't sound right. How about
1. go to My Computer
2. do Properties of c: drive (select c: and do right-mouse-click; select Properties)
3. select Tools tab
4. select check now
5. tick both boxes
Reboot.

Thanks. All done : verified each of the 5 sections and flashed up a message at the end - something about total disk space I think, but too quick to digest. No idea if anything was "corrected".

MimiJane

zenmaster wrote: »

When it's running in slo-mo try the following:

1. Press Control-Shift-Escape, i.e. press all 3 keys at the same time. This will bring up Windows Task Manager.
2. In the Task Manager window select the "Processes" tab.
3. Tick the "Show processes from all users" box. This will show everything that is currently running on your computer.
4. Click on "CPU" on the column heading bar near the top, just below the tabs. This will sort everything in ascending order, so click it again to reverse the sort.

Now you are looking at an ever changing list of processes showing how much computing power each is using.

In an ideal world the top of the list should be System Idle Process, showing a value of 90+ (% of CPU time). It will fluctuate, sometimes down as low as 50% but this should be very brief before returning to the high value.

Beneath that you should see other processes being switched in and out, generally using 2-4%. These too may go a bit higher for an instant.

What we are interested in is the situation where the System Idle Process is permanently at a low percentage and something else is hovering around the top of the list taking more than it's fair share of time.

Have a look and, if this is the case, report back.

PS. I've just noticed that you only have 512mb. In that case, whilst in Task Manager, also click on the Mem Usage column (again click it twice) and note the top 3 or so entries with their values.

Thanks ... already done this (see above). IE taking up most/a lot of space when it's "chuntering"; Avast usually comes second, but does not take up anywhere near the percentage IE does.

closed

post commit charge figures from task manager, performance

install cleanmem http://www.pcwintech.com/cleanmem (download direct download). In windows explorer, go to c:\windows\tasks, click on the clean system memory task, schedule, advanced, and change it from every 30 minutes to every 5 minutes, then ok, ok.

uninstall spyware doctor, nokia pc connectivity, spybot

Reset internet explorer to defaults under IE, tools, internet options, advanced. Also, under tools, internet options, advanced, disable script debugging

If you have a java icon in control panel, click it, advanced, misc - untick java quick starter, and untick place icon in system tray. Disable error reporting - control panel, system, advanced, error reporting, select disable error reporting and leave notify me when a critical error occurs ticked.

Install and run startuplite, accept suggested changes. http://www.malwarebytes.org/StartUpLite.exe


Go into control panel, and uninstall any IE toolbars, updaters, googleupdate, aol software, any old printer/phone/camera/usb modem software which you no longer use, anything else that you don't use - pay particular attention to software that appears in your hijackthis log, especially the O4 section.

disable ctfmon - control panel, regional and language options,languages, details, advanced, tick the Turn off advanced text services, ok


stop these running at startup using msconfig, startup tab, they can be run manually if needed.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [RoboForm] "C:\Program Files\Siber Systems\AI RoboForm\RoboTaskBarIcon.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Startup: Cyber-shot Viewer Media Check Tool.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony Picture Utility\VolumeWatcher\SPUVolumeWatcher.exe

tick and fix these using hijackthis

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe " -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe " -t (User 'Default user')
O16 - DPF: {A720EFA4-00C8-459A-8762-5CF50F24DA54} - [URL="file:///C:/WINDOWS/system32/anipaperxrun.ocx"]file:///C:/WINDOWS/system32/anipaperxrun.ocx[/URL]
O16 - DPF: {C1F8FC10-E5DB-4112-9DBF-6C3FF728D4E3} (DellSystemLite.Scanner) - http://support.euro.dell.com/systemp...SystemLite.CAB
O16 - DPF: {C1FDEE68-98D5-4F42-A4DD-D0BECF5077EB} (EPUImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/wl/acti..._v1-0-29-0.cab
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab

12. start, run, services.msc, disable these services. (make a note of any services you disable, if you have any problems related to these services subsequently, simply re-enable them)

Google update service - google update may also add a task to c:\windows\tasks that can be deleted.
SSDP Discovery Service
Remote Registry
WebClient
Distributed Link Tracking Client

and disable these if installed (assuming you don't use them)

wmpnetworksvc (windows media player network sharing)

Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe

Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe

Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe





reboot, post a fresh log, and a fresh commit charge

then backup if you don't already

seaspray1998

Personally if you have an old pc it isnt worth upgrading - the cost altogether adding new ram, hard disc and then paying someone to put it on for you if you are not techi savvy, you might as well get another more up to date second hand pc.

I got a great second hand Pentium 4 Packard bell with specs wayyyy higher of RAM, hard drive, 6 usb, sd card reader etc etc, then my old defunct pc, for only £85 from Cash Converters.

Id just sell your pc on gumtree for £50-£60 and put it towards a much better one.

Sea

googler

seaspray1998 wrote: »

Personally if you have an old pc it isnt worth upgrading - the cost altogether adding new ram, hard disc and then paying someone to put it on for you if you are not techi savvy, you might as well get another more up to date second hand pc.

I suggest to the OP if they're not tech-savvy that they take the time to LEARN and become tech-savvy.

Your attitude smacks of defeatism and letting the learning task beat you.

MimiJane

closed wrote: »

post commit charge figures from task manager, performance

install cleanmem http://www.pcwintech.com/cleanmem (download direct download). In windows explorer, go to c:\windows\tasks, click on the clean system memory task, schedule, advanced, and change it from every 30 minutes to every 5 minutes, then ok, ok.

uninstall spyware doctor, nokia pc connectivity, spybot

Reset internet explorer to defaults under IE, tools, internet options, advanced. Also, under tools, internet options, advanced, disable script debugging

If you have a java icon in control panel, click it, advanced, misc - untick java quick starter, and untick place icon in system tray. Disable error reporting - control panel, system, advanced, error reporting, select disable error reporting and leave notify me when a critical error occurs ticked.

Install and run startuplite, accept suggested changes. http://www.malwarebytes.org/StartUpLite.exe


Go into control panel, and uninstall any IE toolbars, updaters, googleupdate, aol software, any old printer/phone/camera/usb modem software which you no longer use, anything else that you don't use - pay particular attention to software that appears in your hijackthis log, especially the O4 section.

disable ctfmon - control panel, regional and language options,languages, details, advanced, tick the Turn off advanced text services, ok


stop these running at startup using msconfig, startup tab, they can be run manually if needed.

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [IgfxTray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HotKeysCmds] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Persistence] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe

O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe Reader Speed Launcher] "C:\Program Files\Adobe\Reader 9.0\Reader\Reader_sl.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Adobe ARM] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Adobe\ARM\1.0\AdobeARM.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\Java\Java Update\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [RoboForm] "C:\Program Files\Siber Systems\AI RoboForm\RoboTaskBarIcon.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MSMSGS] "C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe" /background
O4 - Startup: Cyber-shot Viewer Media Check Tool.lnk = C:\Program Files\Sony\Sony Picture Utility\VolumeWatcher\SPUVolumeWatcher.exe

tick and fix these using hijackthis

O4 - HKUS\S-1-5-18\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe " -t (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - HKUS\.DEFAULT\..\Run: [DWQueuedReporting] "c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\MICROS~1\DW\dwtrig20.exe " -t (User 'Default user')
O16 - DPF: {A720EFA4-00C8-459A-8762-5CF50F24DA54} - [URL="file:///C:/WINDOWS/system32/anipaperxrun.ocx"]file:///C:/WINDOWS/system32/anipaperxrun.ocx[/URL]
O16 - DPF: {C1F8FC10-E5DB-4112-9DBF-6C3FF728D4E3} (DellSystemLite.Scanner) - http://support.euro.dell.com/systemp...SystemLite.CAB
O16 - DPF: {C1FDEE68-98D5-4F42-A4DD-D0BECF5077EB} (EPUImageControl Class) - http://tools.ebayimg.com/eps/wl/acti..._v1-0-29-0.cab
O16 - DPF: {E2883E8F-472F-4FB0-9522-AC9BF37916A7} - http://platformdl.adobe.com/NOS/getPlusPlus/1.6/gp.cab

12. start, run, services.msc, disable these services. (make a note of any services you disable, if you have any problems related to these services subsequently, simply re-enable them)

Google update service - google update may also add a task to c:\windows\tasks that can be deleted.
SSDP Discovery Service
Remote Registry
WebClient
Distributed Link Tracking Client

and disable these if installed (assuming you don't use them)

wmpnetworksvc (windows media player network sharing)

Google Software Updater (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe

Google Update Service (gupdate) (gupdate) - Google Inc. - C:\Program Files\Google\Update\GoogleUpdate.exe

Java Quick Starter (JavaQuickStarterService) - Sun Microsystems, Inc. - C:\Program Files\Java\jre6\bin\jqs.exe





reboot, post a fresh log, and a fresh commit charge

then backup if you don't already

Thanks closed. I'll have difficulty in trying to work out how to do some of what you suggest above, but will have a go :eek:

The commit charge figures you asked for are : 732M/247

EDIT : Oh dear, stuck on the first bit trying to find the c:\windows\tasks file in IE. Located it, but can't find anything about cleaning the system memory, just "Add to Schedule".