Computer Help

[WeVie]

I have a question. I used to have 256mb of ram and I installed 256mb more. Here lately my computer has been running slow as can be. I have defraged and I have no virus so the only other thing that I could think of is the ram. Well now even with no windows open the running processes are using 285mb of ram. Is that the problem and if so how do I get that ram back?

[Dajesus]

Originally posted by WeVie
I have a question. I used to have 256mb of ram and I installed 256mb more. Here lately my computer has been running slow as can be. I have defraged and I have no virus so the only other thing that I could think of is the ram. Well now even with no windows open the running processes are using 285mb of ram. Is that the problem and if so how do I get that ram back?

I don't think this is ram issue. Go to your start menu and select run. Type msconfig in the box. Then hit the start up box. If you have more than 5 or 6 boxes with a check mark next to it then that is your problem. Look at the command line, the only boxes that should stay checked will have system 32, your anti virus program's maker, and your keyboard, in the command line. Uncheck the rest and hit apply. Then hit restart computer now after you hit ok. I would also get a spyware program. Something like spy sweeper or I use ad-aware simply because it is free on downloads.com.

[Muck]

DJ gave some great tips there and most likely nailed it. Spyware and TSRs are the most common culprits. I run Ad-aware and Spybot together (one then the other). Great one-two punch.

Just to be safe, what OS are you running?? Is it Windows 98 or ME?? Just want to be sure, since 512 and 9x is a no-no.

[bigbry]

Originally posted by Muck
DJ gave some great tips there and most likely nailed it. Spyware and TSRs are the most common culprits. I run Ad-aware and Spybot together (one then the other). Great one-two punch.

Just to be safe, what OS are you running?? Is it Windows 98 or ME?? Just want to be sure, since 512 and 9x is a no-no.

I just checked mine, I'm using XP. Ive got every box checked. Theres 6 tabs on my System Configuration Utility, which one should I be most concerned with? (SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI, BOOT.INI, Services, Startup) :confused:


BB

[Bling]

I just checked mine, I'm using XP. Ive got every box checked. Theres 6 tabs on my System Configuration Utility, which one should I be most concerned with? (SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI, BOOT.INI, Services, Startup)


BB

Startup. Like get rid of the AIM, YIM, MSNMessenger, Yahoo webpage, that sort of stuff off, that starts up with you. It makes your computer slow. If you need those products, then do it after your computer is started up.

[Bling]

uh...

Dajesus-

Taskbar Display Controls
Scan Registry
Task Monitor
System tray
LoadPowerProfile
STBWEBTV
AdaptecDirectCD
Audio HQ
Disc Detector
Quicktime Task
3dfx Tools
Norton Auto-Protect
ICSDCLT
Zone Zab Client
LoadPowerProfile
GoBack Polling Service
GOBack Tray Icon
Configuration Utility

Which ones are do's and don'ts?

[TerryTate]

By the way...YOU'RE WELCOME!

[Dajesus]

Originally posted by blingbling2334
uh...

Dajesus-

Taskbar Display Controls
Scan Registry
Task Monitor
System tray
LoadPowerProfile
STBWEBTV
AdaptecDirectCD
Audio HQ
Disc Detector
Quicktime Task
3dfx Tools
Norton Auto-Protect
ICSDCLT
Zone Zab Client
LoadPowerProfile
GoBack Polling Service
GOBack Tray Icon
Configuration Utility

Which ones are do's and don'ts?

I would disable all of them except your norton auto protect. DO NOT mess with anyother tab under MSCONFIG other than start up. If you do not know what you are doing you could really screw things up outside of start up. Another tip for the first guy. Look in all programs under the start menu. Look for programs like GAIN or anything with the word "share" in it. If you have those than go to add/and remove programs under the controll panel, and get rid of them. If they do not apear there go to my computer and select your hard drive. Make sure you can see all of the contents and select program files and look for a folder by the same name or any suspicious folder. Deleat said folder. If anyone else has any questions I will be online on IM at spendre666 for most of the night.

[Dajesus]

So I give you free computer advice and you don't even tell us how it worked out. You mother...I am just kidding. Did it work out for ya?

[ohall]

Originally posted by bigbry


I just checked mine, I'm using XP. Ive got every box checked. Theres 6 tabs on my System Configuration Utility, which one should I be most concerned with? (SYSTEM.INI, WIN.INI, BOOT.INI, Services, Startup) :confused:


BB

This advice given is very dangerous stuff. If you don't know what you're doing messing with the MSCONFIG can cause your OS to not function properly. Be very careful, at the veryleast make a backup of your registry before attempting any of that stuff.

Just some FYI.

I think Wevie is having memory compatibility problems. If he didn't get the correct type of RAM this could be his problem.

Oliver...

[ohall]

I recomend you all read this article. It will answer any questions have about tweaking your XP system.

http://www.tweaktown.com/document.ph...w&dId=324&3240

Oliver...

[Dajesus]

Originally posted by ohall


This advice given is very dangerous stuff. If you don't know what you're doing messing with the MSCONFIG can cause your OS to not function properly. Be very careful, at the veryleast make a backup of your registry before attempting any of that stuff.

Just some FYI.

I think Wevie is having memory compatibility problems. If he didn't get the correct type of RAM this could be his problem.

Oliver...

Unless you have a labtop you really cant do to much damage with msconfig as long as you dont touch anything but the start up tab as I advised earlier. If he baught the wrong speed his computer shouldnt boot unless he has ddr witch will automaticly down clock. If he is running 98 as Muck said he may have to much memory in the system. It doesnt sound like a memory issue though. If 250mb are being used when it is idle it has to be a process that is bogging it down, unless his motherboard or processor is malfunctioning.

[ohall]

Originally posted by Dajesus


Unless you have a labtop you really cant do to much damage with msconfig as long as you dont touch anything but the start up tab as I advised earlier. If he baught the wrong speed his computer shouldnt boot unless he has ddr witch will automaticly down clock. If he is running 98 as Muck said he may have to much memory in the system. It doesnt sound like a memory issue though. If 250mb are being used when it is idle it has to be a process that is bogging it down, unless his motherboard or processor is malfunctioning.

That's simply not true about the memory. If the CAS latency is dif that most certainly could cause what he is describing, nevermind the speed of the memory.

As far as your opinion about MSCONFIG, personally I'm glad there are ppl who think as you do. I make an $150 each month of attitudes like that. God bless America and Bill Gates.

Oliver...

[Dajesus]

Originally posted by ohall


That's simply not true about the memory. If the CAS latency is dif that most certainly could cause what he is describing, nevermind the speed of the memory.

As far as your opinion about MSCONFIG, personally I'm glad there are ppl who think as you do. I make an $150 each month of attitudes like that. God bless America and Bill Gates.

Oliver...

What in startup could you disable that would cause your computer to crash? Like I said just stay away from the other tabs. If you go in to the other tabs sure you could cause damage to your system, and may need a restore. As far as the cas, I don't think it aplies to him. I am assuming he went to best buy or circuit city and got regular cheap kingston or something = witch doesn't really come in to affect when dealing with an easy to manage store baught computer. Sure guys like us who are running Geil or Crucial in our custom sytems it would come in to play, but I doubt he knows what his bios are more less timing for his memory. You have to remember when not dealing with a custom machine thease things dont even come in to play, because they don't let you tweak timing, and FSB. Assuming it was a store baught machine his computer would have rejected the memory when it was first put in if it didnt meet his systems requirements. The only way I see it being a memory problem is if he went to the internet and baught quality memory and tried to stick it in a dell or gateway or another brand name CPU.

[Muck]

"format c:"

That will solve all your problems.