Windows XP very, very slow performance

[threeofhardts]

Hello,

My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony Vaio,
256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable to
a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about 1
1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.

The problem is the speed at which anything can be done on
her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A simple
search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. Yes,
that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can do
nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor
moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you
move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the
screen, the cursor will not move to that location until 20-
30 seconds later.

It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. By
the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was
looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
line. It takes an eternity.

There are 26 programs running in the background. I've
done some research on them and found that most, not all,
are necessary and should be left alone.

Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play
properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped
or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the
entire show. These same files play as intended on a
machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.

I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of this
issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer
has always been this slow since the day they brought it
home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and says
it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I just
remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).)

Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any
suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a loss.
Any help would be appreciated.

[Jupiter Jones]

Try these:
Run an updated virus scan.
Run Disk Cleanup checking all boxes except "Compress old files"
Run Defrag.
If you have file sharing software such as Kazaa, disable it.
Check this link:
http://www.aumha.org/a/noads.php
Run Ad-Aware (free version) or Spybot to check for spyware:
http://www.lavasoft.de/ (Update if you already have it)
Or
http://spybot.eon.net.au/ (Update if you already have it)

--
Jupiter Jones
An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/setup.asp
Please respond to newsgroup only for everyone's benefit.


"threeofhardts" > wrote in message
...
> Hello,
>
> My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony Vaio,
> 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable to
> a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about 1
> 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>
> The problem is the speed at which anything can be done on
> her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A simple
> search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. Yes,
> that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can do
> nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor
> moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you
> move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the
> screen, the cursor will not move to that location until 20-
> 30 seconds later.
>
> It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. By
> the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was
> looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
> line. It takes an eternity.
>
> There are 26 programs running in the background. I've
> done some research on them and found that most, not all,
> are necessary and should be left alone.
>
> Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play
> properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped
> or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the
> entire show. These same files play as intended on a
> machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>
> I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of this
> issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer
> has always been this slow since the day they brought it
> home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and says
> it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I just
> remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).)
>
> Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any
> suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a loss.
> Any help would be appreciated.

[threeofhardts]

Hello Jupiter,

I should have listed what we've tried so far.

1. Regular virus scans using P-cillin
2. Disk defrag
3. Empty temp folders daily
4. Dumpped several programs they don't use.

None of these have ever made a difference in the
performance. They don't have any file sharing programs
because it takes forever to download anything. I'm sure
they don't have Ad Aware or Spybot - will check into
that. But I doubt it would make a difference. The
computer's always been this slow, from day one.

I'll check out the link a aumha.org. Thanks


>-----Original Message-----
>Try these:
>Run an updated virus scan.
>Run Disk Cleanup checking all boxes except "Compress old
files"
>Run Defrag.
>If you have file sharing software such as Kazaa, disable
it.
>Check this link:
>http://www.aumha.org/a/noads.php
>Run Ad-Aware (free version) or Spybot to check for
spyware:
>http://www.lavasoft.de/ (Update if you already have it)
>Or
>http://spybot.eon.net.au/ (Update if you already have it)
>
>--
>Jupiter Jones
>An easier way to read newsgroup messages:
>http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/newsgroups/se
tup.asp
>Please respond to newsgroup only for everyone's benefit.
>
>
>"threeofhardts" > wrote in message
...
>> Hello,
>>
>> My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony Vaio,
>> 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable
to
>> a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about 1
>> 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>>
>> The problem is the speed at which anything can be done
on
>> her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A
simple
>> search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes.
Yes,
>> that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can
do
>> nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor
>> moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you
>> move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the
>> screen, the cursor will not move to that location until
20-
>> 30 seconds later.
>>
>> It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow.
By
>> the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was
>> looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
>> line. It takes an eternity.
>>
>> There are 26 programs running in the background. I've
>> done some research on them and found that most, not all,
>> are necessary and should be left alone.
>>
>> Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play
>> properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped
>> or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the
>> entire show. These same files play as intended on a
>> machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>>
>> I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of
this
>> issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer
>> has always been this slow since the day they brought it
>> home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and says
>> it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I just
>> remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).)
>>
>> Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any
>> suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a loss.
>> Any help would be appreciated.
>
>
>.
>

[mrtee]

Just an observation, has your sister checked with Sony support (or the =
retailer that it was purchased from) in the last 1=BD years to find out =
why it is running so slow? The machine is probably out of warranty by =
now. It's really not fair to blame the OS (after 530 days) for what =
sounds like a manufacturers problem.

--=20
Just my 2=A2 worth
Jeff
_____in response to_____
"threeofhardts" > wrote in message =
...
| Hello,
|=20
| My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony Vaio,=20
| 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable to=20
| a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about 1=20
| 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
|=20
| The problem is the speed at which anything can be done on=20
| her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A simple=20
| search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. Yes,=20
| that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can do=20
| nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor=20
| moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you=20
| move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the=20
| screen, the cursor will not move to that location until 20-
| 30 seconds later.
|=20
| It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. By=20
| the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was=20
| looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
| line. It takes an eternity.
|=20
| There are 26 programs running in the background. I've=20
| done some research on them and found that most, not all,=20
| are necessary and should be left alone.
|=20
| Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play=20
| properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped=20
| or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the=20
| entire show. These same files play as intended on a=20
| machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
|=20
| I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of this=20
| issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer=20
| has always been this slow since the day they brought it=20
| home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and says=20
| it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I just=20
| remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).) =20
|=20
| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any=20
| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a loss. =20
| Any help would be appreciated.


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
Version: 6.0.471 / Virus Database: 269 - Release Date: 4/10/2003

[threeofhardts]

I'm not sure if they have checked with Sony. They don't=20
use the computer all that much except for some surfing, e-
mail and a couple games. They are very computer=20
illiterate, really. They've depended on the advice of=20
their son-in-law, who isn't bothered by the slow=20
performance.

The reason it bothers me so much is because I maintain a=20
web site for them and use their computer often, uploading=20
pictures, etc.

My reason for wondering about Windows XP is because it is=20
a very heavy OS and seeing 26 programs running in the=20
background really threw me. I'm wondering if they just=20
don't have enough RAM to run it properly. =20

My machine is very similar to their's but has an AMD=20
Athlon processor, runs Windows Me and is lightning quick. =20
Other older computers I've used, running Windows 98 are=20
very quick also. My brother has a new computer with=20
Windows XP and is having similar problems. That's the=20
reason I blame Windows XP. I've never seen anything so=20
slow.


>-----Original Message-----
>Just an observation, has your sister checked with Sony=20
support (or the retailer that it was purchased from) in=20
the last 1=BD years to find out why it is running so slow? =20
The machine is probably out of warranty by now. It's=20
really not fair to blame the OS (after 530 days) for what=20
sounds like a manufacturers problem.
>
>--=20
>Just my 2=A2 worth
> Jeff
>_____in response to_____
>"threeofhardts" > wrote in message=20
...
>| Hello,
>|=20
>| My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony=20
Vaio,=20
>| 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable=20
to=20
>| a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about=20
1=20
>| 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>|=20
>| The problem is the speed at which anything can be done=20
on=20
>| her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A=20
simple=20
>| search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. =20
Yes,=20
>| that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can=20
do=20
>| nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor=20
>| moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you=20
>| move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the=20
>| screen, the cursor will not move to that location until=20
20-
>| 30 seconds later.
>|=20
>| It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. =20
By=20
>| the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was=20
>| looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
>| line. It takes an eternity.
>|=20
>| There are 26 programs running in the background. I've=20
>| done some research on them and found that most, not=20
all,=20
>| are necessary and should be left alone.
>|=20
>| Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play=20
>| properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped=20
>| or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the=20
>| entire show. These same files play as intended on a=20
>| machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>|=20
>| I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of=20
this=20
>| issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer=20
>| has always been this slow since the day they brought it=20
>| home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and=20
says=20
>| it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I=20
just=20
>| remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).) =20
>|=20
>| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any=20
>| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a=20
loss. =20
>| Any help would be appreciated.
>
>
>---
>Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
>Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
>Version: 6.0.471 / Virus Database: 269 - Release Date:=20
4/10/2003
>.
>

[mrtee]

Well, right now my machine is running 40 processes, CPU usage is about =
20% on a PIII with 512 MB RAM. My machine is running fine. =20

Really, check with Sony to see if there are any known problems or fixes.

--=20
Just my 2=A2 worth
Jeff
_____in response to_____
"threeofhardts" > wrote in message =
...
I'm not sure if they have checked with Sony. They don't=20
use the computer all that much except for some surfing, e-
mail and a couple games. They are very computer=20
illiterate, really. They've depended on the advice of=20
their son-in-law, who isn't bothered by the slow=20
performance.

The reason it bothers me so much is because I maintain a=20
web site for them and use their computer often, uploading=20
pictures, etc.

My reason for wondering about Windows XP is because it is=20
a very heavy OS and seeing 26 programs running in the=20
background really threw me. I'm wondering if they just=20
don't have enough RAM to run it properly. =20

My machine is very similar to their's but has an AMD=20
Athlon processor, runs Windows Me and is lightning quick. =20
Other older computers I've used, running Windows 98 are=20
very quick also. My brother has a new computer with=20
Windows XP and is having similar problems. That's the=20
reason I blame Windows XP. I've never seen anything so=20
slow.


>-----Original Message-----
>Just an observation, has your sister checked with Sony=20
support (or the retailer that it was purchased from) in=20
the last 1=BD years to find out why it is running so slow? =20
The machine is probably out of warranty by now. It's=20
really not fair to blame the OS (after 530 days) for what=20
sounds like a manufacturers problem.
>
>--=20
>Just my 2=A2 worth
> Jeff
>_____in response to_____
>"threeofhardts" > wrote in message=20
...
>| Hello,
>|=20
>| My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony=20
Vaio,=20
>| 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable=20
to=20
>| a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about=20
1=20
>| 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>|=20
>| The problem is the speed at which anything can be done=20
on=20
>| her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A=20
simple=20
>| search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. =20
Yes,=20
>| that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can=20
do=20
>| nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor=20
>| moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you=20
>| move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the=20
>| screen, the cursor will not move to that location until=20
20-
>| 30 seconds later.
>|=20
>| It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. =20
By=20
>| the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was=20
>| looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
>| line. It takes an eternity.
>|=20
>| There are 26 programs running in the background. I've=20
>| done some research on them and found that most, not=20
all,=20
>| are necessary and should be left alone.
>|=20
>| Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play=20
>| properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped=20
>| or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the=20
>| entire show. These same files play as intended on a=20
>| machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>|=20
>| I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of=20
this=20
>| issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer=20
>| has always been this slow since the day they brought it=20
>| home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and=20
says=20
>| it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I=20
just=20
>| remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).) =20
>|=20
>| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any=20
>| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a=20
loss. =20
>| Any help would be appreciated.

Well, right now my machine is running 40 processes, CPU usage is about =
20% on a PIII with 512 MB RAM. My machine is running fine. =20

Really, check with Sony to see if there are any known problems or fixes.

--=20
Just my 2=A2 worth
Jeff
_____in response to_____
"threeofhardts" > wrote in message =
...
I'm not sure if they have checked with Sony. They don't=20
use the computer all that much except for some surfing, e-
mail and a couple games. They are very computer=20
illiterate, really. They've depended on the advice of=20
their son-in-law, who isn't bothered by the slow=20
performance.

The reason it bothers me so much is because I maintain a=20
web site for them and use their computer often, uploading=20
pictures, etc.

My reason for wondering about Windows XP is because it is=20
a very heavy OS and seeing 26 programs running in the=20
background really threw me. I'm wondering if they just=20
don't have enough RAM to run it properly. =20

My machine is very similar to their's but has an AMD=20
Athlon processor, runs Windows Me and is lightning quick. =20
Other older computers I've used, running Windows 98 are=20
very quick also. My brother has a new computer with=20
Windows XP and is having similar problems. That's the=20
reason I blame Windows XP. I've never seen anything so=20
slow.


>-----Original Message-----
>Just an observation, has your sister checked with Sony=20
support (or the retailer that it was purchased from) in=20
the last 1=BD years to find out why it is running so slow? =20
The machine is probably out of warranty by now. It's=20
really not fair to blame the OS (after 530 days) for what=20
sounds like a manufacturers problem.
>
>--=20
>Just my 2=A2 worth
> Jeff
>_____in response to_____
>"threeofhardts" > wrote in message=20
...
>| Hello,
>|=20
>| My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony=20
Vaio,=20
>| 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable=20
to=20
>| a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about=20
1=20
>| 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>|=20
>| The problem is the speed at which anything can be done=20
on=20
>| her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A=20
simple=20
>| search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. =20
Yes,=20
>| that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can=20
do=20
>| nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor=20
>| moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you=20
>| move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the=20
>| screen, the cursor will not move to that location until=20
20-
>| 30 seconds later.
>|=20
>| It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. =20
By=20
>| the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was=20
>| looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
>| line. It takes an eternity.
>|=20
>| There are 26 programs running in the background. I've=20
>| done some research on them and found that most, not=20
all,=20
>| are necessary and should be left alone.
>|=20
>| Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play=20
>| properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped=20
>| or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the=20
>| entire show. These same files play as intended on a=20
>| machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>|=20
>| I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of=20
this=20
>| issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer=20
>| has always been this slow since the day they brought it=20
>| home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and=20
says=20
>| it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I=20
just=20
>| remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).) =20
>|=20
>| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any=20
>| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a=20
loss. =20
>| Any help would be appreciated.

[Nicolai P. Zwar]

threeofhardts wrote:

>>| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any
>>| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a loss.

The hardware (256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor) is absolutely
sufficient to run Windows XP efficiently. Even if it's a Celeron
processor, you should be able to work decently with the machine. Have
you tried starting the PC in safety mode to check if it is faster then?
Could be a screwed up installation, too, or wrong settings in the BIOS.
And as fast as the webpages and downloads are concerned: how fast is
your Internet connection?



--
Nicolai Zwar

"There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of
others."
Niccolo Machiavelli

[Unknown]

Go to MS site and read KB item Q815411.
"threeofhardts" > wrote in message
...
I'm not sure if they have checked with Sony. They don't
use the computer all that much except for some surfing, e-
mail and a couple games. They are very computer
illiterate, really. They've depended on the advice of
their son-in-law, who isn't bothered by the slow
performance.

The reason it bothers me so much is because I maintain a
web site for them and use their computer often, uploading
pictures, etc.

My reason for wondering about Windows XP is because it is
a very heavy OS and seeing 26 programs running in the
background really threw me. I'm wondering if they just
don't have enough RAM to run it properly.

My machine is very similar to their's but has an AMD
Athlon processor, runs Windows Me and is lightning quick.
Other older computers I've used, running Windows 98 are
very quick also. My brother has a new computer with
Windows XP and is having similar problems. That's the
reason I blame Windows XP. I've never seen anything so
slow.


>-----Original Message-----
>Just an observation, has your sister checked with Sony
support (or the retailer that it was purchased from) in
the last 1½ years to find out why it is running so slow?
The machine is probably out of warranty by now. It's
really not fair to blame the OS (after 530 days) for what
sounds like a manufacturers problem.
>
>--
>Just my 2¢ worth
> Jeff
>_____in response to_____
>"threeofhardts" > wrote in message
...
>| Hello,
>|
>| My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony
Vaio,
>| 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable
to
>| a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about
1
>| 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>|
>| The problem is the speed at which anything can be done
on
>| her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A
simple
>| search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes.
Yes,
>| that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can
do
>| nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor
>| moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you
>| move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the
>| screen, the cursor will not move to that location until
20-
>| 30 seconds later.
>|
>| It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow.
By
>| the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was
>| looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
>| line. It takes an eternity.
>|
>| There are 26 programs running in the background. I've
>| done some research on them and found that most, not
all,
>| are necessary and should be left alone.
>|
>| Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play
>| properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped
>| or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the
>| entire show. These same files play as intended on a
>| machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>|
>| I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of
this
>| issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer
>| has always been this slow since the day they brought it
>| home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and
says
>| it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I
just
>| remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).)
>|
>| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any
>| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a
loss.
>| Any help would be appreciated.
>
>
>---
>Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
>Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
>Version: 6.0.471 / Virus Database: 269 - Release Date:
4/10/2003
>.
>

[Gerry Cornell]

Try some housekeeping:

1. In Outlook Express empty your Deleted Items folder.

2. In Outlook Express run File, Folder, Compact All whilst OFFLINE.

3. Remove Temporary Internet Files by selecting Start, Control Panel, =
Internet Options, General tab, Delete Files and check box for "Delete =
all offline content".

4. Empty Recycle Bin.

Have you looked in Event Viewer for error messages?=20

1. To open Event Viewer, click Start, click Control Panel, double-click =
Administrative Tools, double-click Event Viewer and select System for =
system errors or Application for application errors. Look for Error in =
the Type column and double click on Error to reveal a Description of the =
error. This can be copied by using Clipboard Viewer (see later).
=20
2. Part of the Description of the error will include a link, which you =
should double click for further information and you can copy using copy =
and paste.
http://go.microsoft.com/fw.link/events.asp
(Please note the hyperlink above is for illustration purposes only)

3. For some errors you will find "+ Related Knowledge Base Article", =
which if double clicked takes you to the Knowledge Base Article =
containing a suggested solution.

There always seems to be a step 2 but not always a step 3.=20

A tip for posting copies of Error Reports (Step 1). Run Event Viewer and =
double click on the error you want to copy. In the window which appears =
is a button resembling two pages. Double click the button and close =
Event Viewer. Now start your message ( email )and do a paste into the =
body of the message. This will paste the info from the Event Viewer =
Error Report complete with links into the message. Make sure this is the =
first paste after exiting from Event Viewer. It can be helpful to place =
a shortcut to Event Viewer on your Desktop.

--=20
~~~~~~


Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
FCA

Stourport, Worcs, England
Enquire, plan and execute.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Please tell the newsgroup how any=20
suggested solution worked for you.
http://dts-l.org/goodpost.htm
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"threeofhardts" > wrote in message =
...
I'm not sure if they have checked with Sony. They don't=20
use the computer all that much except for some surfing, e-
mail and a couple games. They are very computer=20
illiterate, really. They've depended on the advice of=20
their son-in-law, who isn't bothered by the slow=20
performance.

The reason it bothers me so much is because I maintain a=20
web site for them and use their computer often, uploading=20
pictures, etc.

My reason for wondering about Windows XP is because it is=20
a very heavy OS and seeing 26 programs running in the=20
background really threw me. I'm wondering if they just=20
don't have enough RAM to run it properly. =20

My machine is very similar to their's but has an AMD=20
Athlon processor, runs Windows Me and is lightning quick. =20
Other older computers I've used, running Windows 98 are=20
very quick also. My brother has a new computer with=20
Windows XP and is having similar problems. That's the=20
reason I blame Windows XP. I've never seen anything so=20
slow.


>-----Original Message-----
>Just an observation, has your sister checked with Sony=20
support (or the retailer that it was purchased from) in=20
the last 1=BD years to find out why it is running so slow? =20
The machine is probably out of warranty by now. It's=20
really not fair to blame the OS (after 530 days) for what=20
sounds like a manufacturers problem.
>
>--=20
>Just my 2=A2 worth
> Jeff
>_____in response to_____
>"threeofhardts" > wrote in message=20
...
>| Hello,
>|=20
>| My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony=20
Vaio,=20
>| 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable=20
to=20
>| a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about=20
1=20
>| 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>|=20
>| The problem is the speed at which anything can be done=20
on=20
>| her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A=20
simple=20
>| search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. =20
Yes,=20
>| that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can=20
do=20
>| nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor=20
>| moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you=20
>| move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the=20
>| screen, the cursor will not move to that location until=20
20-
>| 30 seconds later.
>|=20
>| It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. =20
By=20
>| the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was=20
>| looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
>| line. It takes an eternity.
>|=20
>| There are 26 programs running in the background. I've=20
>| done some research on them and found that most, not=20
all,=20
>| are necessary and should be left alone.
>|=20
>| Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play=20
>| properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped=20
>| or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the=20
>| entire show. These same files play as intended on a=20
>| machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>|=20
>| I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of=20
this=20
>| issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer=20
>| has always been this slow since the day they brought it=20
>| home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and=20
says=20
>| it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I=20
just=20
>| remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).) =20
>|=20
>| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any=20
>| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a=20
loss. =20
>| Any help would be appreciated.
>
>
>---
>Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
>Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
>Version: 6.0.471 / Virus Database: 269 - Release Date:=20
4/10/2003
>.
>

[Rose Chavira]

Hi, 3 o'hardts:

General house-keeping won't help that Vaio run faster, and it sounds
like you've already tried that anyway. Most likely Sony shipped it
with a crummy OEM installation of Windows XP (you didn't say which
release of XP: Home Edition is buggy; Professional is VERY stable &
fast). It's amazing how a poor installation of Windows can bring a
machine to a crawl.

In this situation, I would reinstall Windows. You should start by
backing up the user data (to floppy, CD-R, or Zip), then find the
install disks shipped with the machine (might be called "Quick
Restore" or something similar). Then follow the instructions to wipe
the drive & restore the Factory Install. Sony can supply a
replacement set if the discs have been misplaced.

If you restore Windows, and the machine still performs poorly, the
only way to improve performance would be to purchase a copy of Windows
XP Pro & install from scratch. This can be expensive for a home user,
as the programs included in the Sony image might also have to be
purchased separately. But sometimes it's the only way.

Hope this helps.
-Rose Chavira, MCSE 2000

"threeofhardts" > wrote in message >...
> I'm not sure if they have checked with Sony. They don't
> use the computer all that much except for some surfing, e-
> mail and a couple games. They are very computer
> illiterate, really. They've depended on the advice of
> their son-in-law, who isn't bothered by the slow
> performance.
>
> The reason it bothers me so much is because I maintain a
> web site for them and use their computer often, uploading
> pictures, etc.
>
> My reason for wondering about Windows XP is because it is
> a very heavy OS and seeing 26 programs running in the
> background really threw me. I'm wondering if they just
> don't have enough RAM to run it properly.
>
> My machine is very similar to their's but has an AMD
> Athlon processor, runs Windows Me and is lightning quick.
> Other older computers I've used, running Windows 98 are
> very quick also. My brother has a new computer with
> Windows XP and is having similar problems. That's the
> reason I blame Windows XP. I've never seen anything so
> slow.
>
>
> >-----Original Message-----
> >Just an observation, has your sister checked with Sony
> support (or the retailer that it was purchased from) in
> the last 1 years to find out why it is running so slow?
> The machine is probably out of warranty by now. It's
> really not fair to blame the OS (after 530 days) for what
> sounds like a manufacturers problem.
> >
> >--
> >Just my 2 worth
> > Jeff
> > in response to
> >"threeofhardts" > wrote in message
> ...
> >| Hello,
> >|
> >| My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony
> Vaio,
> >| 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable
> to
> >| a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about
> 1
> >| 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
> >|
> >| The problem is the speed at which anything can be done
> on
> >| her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A
> simple
> >| search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes.
> Yes,
> >| that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can
> do
> >| nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor
> >| moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you
> >| move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the
> >| screen, the cursor will not move to that location until
> 20-
> >| 30 seconds later.
> >|
> >| It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow.
> By
> >| the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was
> >| looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
> >| line. It takes an eternity.
> >|
> >| There are 26 programs running in the background. I've
> >| done some research on them and found that most, not
> all,
> >| are necessary and should be left alone.
> >|
> >| Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play
> >| properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped
> >| or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the
> >| entire show. These same files play as intended on a
> >| machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
> >|
> >| I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of
> this
> >| issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer
> >| has always been this slow since the day they brought it
> >| home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and
> says
> >| it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I
> just
> >| remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).)
> >|
> >| Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any
> >| suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a
> loss.
> >| Any help would be appreciated.
> >
> >
> >---
> >Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
> >Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
> >Version: 6.0.471 / Virus Database: 269 - Release Date:
> 4/10/2003
> >.
> >

[Amos VanHorn]

Hi there -

I found your post because I was about to pull my hair out after
upgrading to XP. It was the dog-slowest OS I have ever seen. I have
been running 2000 for some time and loved it, but everyone at work was
giving me flack, so I decided to try and upgrade. After almost crying
over the worst performance I have ever seen, I decided to search for
similar experiences in this newsgroup - and once gain I stumbled
accross your post.

Someone who replied below suggested a defrag, etc to boost
performance. Well when I opened the control panel to find the defrag
option (this was using the Windows XP theme), there was an option
called "Adjust Visual Effects" - I chose this and then the radio
button "Adjust for Best Performance". Well all the snazzy XP -
looking stuff (graphics, shadows, etc) went away, but voila! It's
like I never left 2000! Faster than I ever thought XP could run.

You can also choose which visual effects to turn on or off by choosing
custom, but man, I have to tell you, this saved the day for me. I was
about to have to revert to 2000, which I was not at all looking
forward to.

Amos VanHorn




"threeofhardts" > wrote in message >...
> Hello,
>
> My sister's computer runs Windows XP. It's a Sony Vaio,
> 256 MB RAM, 1.3 Ghz with a processor that is comparable to
> a low-end Pentium 4. She's had the computer for about 1
> 1/2 yrs and it came with Windows XP installed.
>
> The problem is the speed at which anything can be done on
> her machine (or lack of speed is more like it.) A simple
> search for files or folders can take 25-30 minutes. Yes,
> that's minutes! While a search is being done, you can do
> nothing else. If you try to use the mouse, the cursor
> moves on a 20-30 second delay. In other words, if you
> move the mouse to direct the cursor to an item on the
> screen, the cursor will not move to that location until 20-
> 30 seconds later.
>
> It's unbearable while on-line because it runs so slow. By
> the time a webpage opens up, I've forgotten what I was
> looking for. And forget about downloading anything off-
> line. It takes an eternity.
>
> There are 26 programs running in the background. I've
> done some research on them and found that most, not all,
> are necessary and should be left alone.
>
> Also, files such as Flash or PowerPoint do not play
> properly. Pictures come up missing, slides are skipped
> or .avi files play once then stay there throughout the
> entire show. These same files play as intended on a
> machine with Windows Me or Windows 98.
>
> I'm not very familiar with Windows XP and because of this
> issue, I will never spend my money on it. The computer
> has always been this slow since the day they brought it
> home. Their son-in-law is quite computer savvy and says
> it's probably because of the low-end processor. (I just
> remembered the name - it's a Celeron (sp).)
>
> Has anyone else experienced anything like this? Any
> suggestions? I've tried to help them but am at a loss.
> Any help would be appreciated.