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

Weird_Nev

Sounds like you need more RAM first and foremost. 2Gb is a realistic minimum and won't cost the earth.

Then uninstall all the software you don't need/use, use spyware/adware cleaners to purge your computer of all the rubbish software that will have built up over time, and it'll feel like new!

If you have a CD or DVD burner then a back up is as simple as burning off a disc of all your precious photos/files/documents so that if the computer or hard disc does go belly up all is not lost. Do this NOW!

TakeThis

Weird_Nev wrote: »

Sounds like you need more RAM first and foremost. 2Gb is a realistic minimum and won't cost the earth.

Then uninstall all the software you don't need/use, use spyware/adware cleaners to purge your computer of all the rubbish software that will have built up over time, and it'll feel like new!

If you have a CD or DVD burner then a back up is as simple as burning off a disc of all your precious photos/files/documents so that if the computer or hard disc does go belly up all is not lost. Do this NOW!

Don't be silly. 1GB RAM is sensible.

spud17

1Gb should be fine.
No need to go as far as macman posted in #26, another 512GB. Huge :).

centretap

A couple of quick thoughts/questions

1. How much free space is there on your hard drive?
2. You say IE is main user of the processor when the system slows. Have you tried another browser such as Chrome, Opera or Firefox? It may be worth downloading one to try. If the problem doesn't occur on these it sounds like a corrupt process in IE.

MimiJane

closed : The commit figures are before following the suggestions ... haven't had the chance yet to go through everything.

Take This : I've already checked my RAM and 256mb occupies 2 of the top slots (512 total), so bottom two are empty. No idea of the spec.

donny-gal

Not sure whether the Techies would recommend this, but you can let Crucial check your system, http://www.crucial.com/uk/store/drammemory.aspx to find out what memory you need to buy, and then shop around, and delete the program afterwards. DG

SteveJH200

Yes, this is often recommended. Also bear in mind that Crucial memory is not necessarily the dearest but still shop around anyhow.

TakeThis

MimiJane wrote: »

closed : The commit figures are before following the suggestions ... haven't had the chance yet to go through everything.

Take This : I've already checked my RAM and 256mb occupies 2 of the top slots (512 total), so bottom two are empty. No idea of the spec.

That's why you should run CPU-Z as advised.

MimiJane

TakeThis wrote: »

Run CPU-Z and click on 'Memory' to see how much RAM you have installed and 'SPD' to see which slots are occupied and the specification of the RAM installed. Report back if you please.

OK ... DDR2 512mb. Slots 1 and 2 are occupied. Nanya Technology. Does this help?

TakeThis

MimiJane wrote: »

OK ... DDR2 512mb. Slots 1 and 2 are occupied. Nanya Technology. Does this help?

Max Bandwidth?