Is this a problem?

[Dark Coz]

I've had a computer since the end of 2001 and it had Windows XP, 1.2 Ghz CPU, 126 MB RAM (odd), and Intel 82810 Graphics Controller. Even if I end all processes possible, it leaves me with about 90 MB of used RAM. Even so, it still runs slower than a turtle crossing the road. To make matters worse, sometimes when I hit Shut Down, Windows Explorer crashes and restarts before the shutdown, and when I access the next window or close the explorer window, all icons disappear, reappear as blanks before loading for 30 seconds. Finally, the light stayed on for almost an eternity. Should I contact PC World for something like this?

[WiLLiSTER]

Explorer is crashing and you have to ask if it's a problem?

It's kinda hard to pinpoint the problem, but I'd say your computer is dated and you have something on there messing with what little resources you have.

[stuartwood89]

Try upgrading your RAM, which will help to a certain extent. You could also try upgrading your motherboard and processor, but it's easier to just buy a new PC.

Do a virus scan, and also check for spyware as well. Go to Add/Remove Programs in Control Panel and remove absolutely anything that you don't need anymore. If you have a lot of files that you don't use anymore but might need to in the future, compress them into ZIP/RAR archives. And the usual defrag/chkdisc as well.

So that's the hard drive cleared up a bit, which will help a little.

Now what you need to do is prevent all the programs that you don't even use, but still run in the background from starting up in the first place. Examples of such programs include Nero, Windows Live Messenger (only run it when you need it) InterVideo manager etc.

You can prevent these programs from opening by accessing the settings of each program and unchecking the box that says something like 'Run when Windows starts', as well as 'Show icon in Notification Area/System Tray'. Most programs will allow you to do this. Other's you will have to edit the registry *risky* but you can get a few tools to make it easier (regcleaner for example).

Failing that, reinstall Windows. If you haven't done that since you got it, then the OS has been on your drive for nearly 7 years. After a certain amount of time Windows will start to slow down, so you need to back everything up and start again. Some people do it on a yearly basis (myself included, but not always by choice)

Hope that helps.

[helix eternal]

I'd say blow $300 and buy a new computer, it'll save a lot of stress.

[stuartwood89]

Originally Posted by helix eternal

I'd say blow $300 and buy a new computer, it'll save a lot of stress.

That too...

[red shoe paul]

Originally Posted by helix eternal

I'd say blow $300 and buy a new computer, it'll save a lot of stress.

Agreed. Because with all the new pieces of hardware, you'll be happy with your system and it will run faster having everything working together cleanly on the inside. Keep your hard drive/s if there's important information or files on them to carry over. If not, back them up, buy new hard drives which will guarantee better speeds and throw them on that.

[Reenee]

Dealhack: Free Online Coupons, Coupon Codes, Rebates, Shopping Deals - Dell, Amazon, Computers
The Bargainist | Deals, Sales & Coupons

If a computer doesn't show up today, check back tomorrow. And the next day.

[Ribos]

Originally Posted by Dark Coz

126 MB RAM

Found your problem right here.

Seriously though, while you COULD put in some effort to clean up the computer you've got... just get a new one. It doesn't even have to be an expensive new one, anything on the market is a big step up from what you've got.

[stuartwood89]

But you may want to get something that will last for a good few years. If you're after a Vista machine (and you probably would be), then I would suggest 2GB RAM and a Dual-Core processor (Core 2 Duo maybe?). Don't worry about HDD space cause you can upgrade that at a later date.

Or get someone to build one, but that defeats the object of it being the easy option.

[Ætheros]

Agreed. Speaking from experience, the best way to go is to buy a good newer computer (preferably one with good specs, at least a Gig of RAM and maybe even a dual-core processor). This will save you SO much frustration. The past three years I've been getting frustrated with all the electronics I have, because every last one of them I've either decided to put up with them being out-dated, or got them used and cheap. It's not worth it. It's like buying a crappy used car. You're going to end up putting all the money you saved into making it run mediocre. It's better to blow it all at once on something that works.

tl;dr

get a new computer.

[dieKatze88]

Originally Posted by Ætheros

Agreed. Speaking from experience, the best way to go is to buy a good newer computer (preferably one with good specs, at least a Gig of RAM and maybe even a dual-core processor). This will save you SO much frustration. The past three years I've been getting frustrated with all the electronics I have, because every last one of them I've either decided to put up with them being out-dated, or got them used and cheap. It's not worth it. It's like buying a crappy used car. You're going to end up putting all the money you saved into making it run mediocre. It's better to blow it all at once on something that works.

tl;dr

get a new computer.

For telling someone not to buy a crappy computer you sure don't know how to post fucking specs.

This is how the industry is right now for vista:
Get something with a dual core processor and speed does not matter.
Get something with at least 2gb of ram.
Profit.

These machines can be priced as low as 400 dollars for a laptop with an AMD processor that meets these specifications, but I would pay a little more for the Intel version of the same thing as it is more likely to run longer on battery than AMD's crappy mobile chipset line.

[stuartwood89]

Originally Posted by dieKatze88

This is how the industry is right now for vista:
Get something with a dual core processor and speed does not matter.
Get something with at least 2gb of ram.
Profit.

Someone agreed with me?

In this forum?

[Jacal]

Originally Posted by Reenee

Dealhack: Free Online Coupons, Coupon Codes, Rebates, Shopping Deals - Dell, Amazon, Computers
The Bargainist | Deals, Sales & Coupons

If a computer doesn't show up today, check back tomorrow. And the next day.

See also Slickdeals.net

[phuzion]

PCs show up on Woot every once and a while, too.

Woot : One Day, One Deal (SM)

[roger_max]

antiguety could be the problem
the principal problem