Thread: Computer issues.

(copy/paste from blog, since I was told that I should post it here)
Normally, I don't need to ask for help with computer problems, but I don't know what to do this time.


It's been running fine for a long time, but it's been annoying lately.

Most of the time, when I lock it, the login screen is very slow. It takes... at least 15 seconds for the password to show up after I type it, and it freezes for a while after I log back in.

Also, disabling "Aero" (that glass effect) causes the computer to be nearly unusable.

Everything runs extremely slow, and it takes a few minutes just to turn Aero back on.

It was running fine until a few months ago.

Note: The CD/DVD drive can only read CDs.
I don't have anywhere to back up my files.
The problem can randomly go away - has nothing to do with what I have open.
There are no viruses, spyware, or any form of malware on the computer.

What kind of processor do you have?

Intel Core 2 Duo T5600 @ 1.83 GHz.
Shouldn't be the problem though, it's been running fine for over a year.

Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services

check to see what programs are running & which ones are on automatic startup - google each one before disabling them but something new there may be slowing down your PC especially when logging in (most can be switched to manual startup with no problems)

Start, then run MSCONFIG as admin. Disable a lot of stuff at startup then reboot.

Also, how much ram do you have, too little ram can slow you down a lot. Since you have either vista/7, you need at least 2gb to run smooth, and 4-8 for best performance.

I have 2 GB.
Also... I don't have a lot of startup programs, and my CPU usage is low + have only 45% memory in use now.

If you're absolutely sure you have nothing on your computer, then it may be time to upgrade some things. I agree with Gligar about doubling the RAM; perhaps even get a solid state drive, or format your other hard drive and do a clean install of your OS (first back up your data obviously).

I suggest backing your stuff up, then upgrading to Windows 7. Most of the problems involved with the old OS should be gone once you go to 7. If you already have 7, reinstall it. Make sure you back everything up, as this erases the old OS and everything on it.

If all else fails, it might be time to upgrade the hardware, such as getting more RAM (2GB is pretty bad now) or a new Hard Drive.

I don't have the money for any of that.

I also already said that I can't reinstall (CD/DVD drive can no longer read DVDs)
There isn't really a way for me to back up my stuff.

Originally Posted by double trouble!

I don't have the money for any of that.

I also already said that I can't reinstall (CD/DVD drive can no longer read DVDs)
There isn't really a way for me to back up my stuff.

The Windows XP disc is a CD not a DVD right? Now as for backing up files, how about a USB flash drive.

By the way, was everything resolved?

It's too scratched up to be read :/
umm... I only have a 4 gig flash drive, and it's not nearly enough for the files that I have.

The problems seem to be gone for now.