Slow Laptop

J_B

Yes, I know - sorry

DD2 has a Dell Inspiron 1545-Q21
(Service Tag = 8BF99L1)

It has recently 'upgraded' itself to W10, but isn't on the Anniversary Edition

It has a small 150 GB HDD, but it's only got 30GB used (I think I did a format/reinstall last year)
It has 3GB RAM
It seems to be running a 32bit version of Windows but says that it has a x64-based processor
Pentium Dual Core CPU T4400 @ 2.2GHz

I've run CCleaner, Malwarebytes and an Avast 'quick scan' and disabled all start up stuff except Avast

What can 'we' do to speed this system up??

AndyPix

As you only have 3Gb Ram then there is no real need to install a 64bit OS.


This is because the biggest number that can be represented by a 32 bit binary number is 3221225472


So the operating system simply cant count any higher than that, therefore cant access memory addresses higher than that number.


The single best thing anyone can do to boost their computers speed is to add an SSD.

NiftyDigits

Strange, since the original spec shows Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, 500GB HDD and 3GB of RAM.


Perhaps a clean install of Windows 10 English International 32 bit?

Personally I would like to take the RAM to at least 4GB and put an SSD in..but that depends on budget available.

J_B

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Strange, since the original spec shows Windows 7 Home Premium 64 bit, 500GB HDD and 3GB of RAM.

Maybe I put the wrong version of Windows on iy when I re-formatted it?
Not sure where the original HD went, maybe someone changed it before purchase?

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Perhaps a clean install of Windows 10 English International 32 bit?

Perhaps indeed

NiftyDigits wrote: »

Personally I would like to take the RAM to at least 4GB and put an SSD in..but that depends on budget available.

Well, I suppose the other option is for her to spend 3/400 on a replacement, so suggestions gratefully received ...

AndyPix

You can download the windows 7 iso here
https://www.microsoft.com/en-gb/software-download/windows7


And then upgrade to windows 10 by following this : https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/accessibility/windows10upgrade


Or if you want to do a clean install, PM me and i will send you a volume license key if you need one

NiftyDigits

Why would one need someone else's volume licence key to do a clean install?

Make clear the source of the VL in so that one can make an informed choice.

He already has a key for Windows 7 64 bit.... and a DELL recovery disc.

NiftyDigits

2GB RAM module for around £11.

120 GB SSD for around £35. 240 GB for around £50.

Will be much more responsive.

J_B

NiftyDigits wrote: »

2GB RAM module for around £11.

120 GB SSD for around £35. 240 GB for around £50.

Will be much more responsive.

Any idea how much RAM it can take? (and which sort?)

Where's the best place to buy an SSD?

NiftyDigits

Can take 8GB, but not worth spending for over 4GB.
You can buy a single 2GB module to replace the 1GB module or buy a 2 x 2GB kit.
Examples: here and here

SSD depends on capacity and budget.

120GB
https://www.shop.bt.com/products/toshiba-120gb-q300-2-5--15nm-sata-6gb-s-ssd-hdts812ezsta-BX2Q.html
http://www.mymemory.co.uk/SSD-Drives/Integral/Integral-120GB-P-Series-4-SATA-III-2.5INCH-SSD-Drive

or

240GB

Toshiba 240GB Q300 2.5" 15nm SATA 6Gb/s SSD 2016 version £52.98

http://www.ebuyer.com/750754-sandisk-z410-240gb-sata-iii-2-5inch-ssd-sd8sbbu-240g-1122 £58.98

Samsung 750 EVO 250 GB £64.75

J_B

Many thanks Nifty
She starts a new job in September and "may get a new laptop with the job, I'm not sure yet", so will wait for a month and then review.

:beer:

prowla

I try and install a 64-bit OS on a 64-bit processor. even with only 3 GB RAM (though 2 GB PC2-6400 can be had for not a lot); there's more to it than just the amount of addressable memory installed.

The Dell 1645 can go slow if the battery is on its way out - how is its battery life?

However, the machine is a bit long in the tooth these days and wasn't the fastest when it was new.

The one good thing they do have is that you can upgrade the CPU, but again it's a question as to whether you'd want to do that. (I have one which I upgraded to a Core2Duo P8700, which is a bit faster than a T4400, but only marginally so.)