replace computer or wipe clean?

randm

our dell pc is about 10 yrs old and is running so so slow, and has many problems with scripts on pages and takes nearly half hour just to start up and get the desktop up.we did have it cleaned but it didn't make that much of a difference. also microsoft xp has come to an end and for us to upgrade it says we need more memory. is it worth us getting more memory or just getting a new computer. is it possible to wipe everything and then reload on the software, would this make any difference. thanks for advice from a non techie person!

Tropez

Which Dell is it? (Model number, link if possible). Some PCs, even old ones like that, could be upgraded very cheaply to function for a few more years but in some cases it would be easier to replace the PC as the required parts may be difficult to source.

It is possible to wipe everything. You may have a Rescue Disc, or you may have a partition on your drive for creating a Rescue Disc. Using that would format your system back to its original factory condition. You can use cloud storage or inexpensive external HDDs to backup your important files prior to a format.

It may be worth considering that a 10 year old HDD could be borderline knackered and may be contributing to the slowing down of your system. There are diagnostic programs available that can diagnose it, but it'd be easier to find the right one for you if we knew what HDD you had (hence why the Dell model number will help).

randm

hi, its a dimension 5150 if thats any help.

victor2

Still working after 10 years, even if a bit slow, suggests it's given you pretty good service. I'd seriously consider replacing it.
You could probably get some ongoing use out of it with a version of Linux, effectively getting rid of XP. Could be a nice little project for you, if you do go out and buy a new system...

Tropez

randm wrote: »

hi, its a dimension 5150 if thats any help.

Thanks. Having looked at the specifications of that particular model, I would recommend replacing it with a newer system. I say this because although there are possible upgrade paths for it, I feel that for the cost of reasonable upgrades, you could honestly buy a better system. If it's the version with the Soundblaster in it though, I'd be inclined to nab that out of the system because those cards tend to hold up quite well.

NiftyDigits

It's eight years old. Can go up to 4GB RAM(four slots) and has a PCI Express x16 slot.

2GB(2x1GB) DDR2-667 PC2-5300 5300U Non-ECC DIMM Memory RAM 4 Desktop PC 240-pin £10.99

Graphics card around £20.

Worth the upgrading, even with a new HDD in the future.

randm

NiftyDigits wrote: »

It's eight years old. Can go up to 4GB RAM(four slots) and has a PCI Express x16 slot.

2GB(2x1GB) DDR2-667 PC2-5300 5300U Non-ECC DIMM Memory RAM 4 Desktop PC 240-pin £10.99

Graphics card around £20.

Worth the upgrading, even with a new HDD in the future.

what about getting it cleaned back to as new, also could i ask what HDD stands for !

Sooler

it's past it, not worth flaffing about with, buy a super duper new one. plug it in, switch it on, done.

Tropez

randm wrote: »

what about getting it cleaned back to as new, also could i ask what HDD stands for !

HDD = Hard Disk Drive. It's the device that stores your stuff. Based on the spec list I pulled up you have a 250Gb mechanical drive, which is smallish by today's standards (for mechanical drives at least).

NiftyDigits

randm wrote: »

what about getting it cleaned back to as new, also could i ask what HDD stands for !

I would recommend the upgrade and a clean install.

My PC is similarly old and I have made similar upgrades. They are very simple. You can easily fit both yourself in under thirty minutes. Tower PCs are modular in design. You just slot the parts in and then secure them was a couple of screws to the outside casing.

Unless you have some kind of disability, it is almost impossible that you will not be able to do it yourself.

£30 will make all the difference.

Norman_Castle

As another non techie I've found running Malwarebytes and editing start up using Ccleaner start up tools to disable unwanted programmes starting, can make a difference. Google any unrecognised start up programmes. Any disabled can be easily re-enabled.