Crosswords1 min ago
Computer Running Slow
its a couple days short of 9 months since a complete overhaul of my pc, now it seems to be running slower than ever and freezing/locking up on a very regular basis, i'm assuming that the electronic side of things cannot slow down so that only leaves the hard drive. is it better to get this replaced or buy a new computer? I'd prefer to stay with windows 7, which i have the genuine disk for from this pc so may be this can be used or will this not work? also i would have thought a new hard drive would be a lot cheaper than a new pc or is there more to it than that?? thanks for any answers-advice as usual.
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If you suspect the disc, why not check it out.
Open "computer", right-click the drive and select "properties".
Select the "tools" tab and then "error checking".
Make sure both boxes are ticked then "start".
If it's the system disc you're checking it will ask you if you want to do it next time you start the computer; "yes".
Next time you boot up the disc will be checked and any bad sectors taken out of service. It can be a lengthy process, depending on the size of your hard disc but you will be given an option to skip the check before it starts.
Open "computer", right-click the drive and select "properties".
Select the "tools" tab and then "error checking".
Make sure both boxes are ticked then "start".
If it's the system disc you're checking it will ask you if you want to do it next time you start the computer; "yes".
Next time you boot up the disc will be checked and any bad sectors taken out of service. It can be a lengthy process, depending on the size of your hard disc but you will be given an option to skip the check before it starts.
I'd be prepared to bet that there's absolutely nothing wrong with your hard drive. They tend to work or not work. There's no middle ground where they simply slow down.
You might gain a minor advantage by defragmenting the drive but, given that Windows 7 is designed to defrag as it goes along, it probably won't help much. (To defragment and/or check the drive for errors, go to Windows Explorer, right-click on the icon for your C drive, select 'Properties' and then click on the 'Tools' tab).
'Slow running' is usually related to software, rather than hardware. Try the following:
1. Run a full virus scan with your security software.
2. Run a malware scan (using the free version of Malwarebytes: https:/
3. Uninstall your security software (such as Microsoft Security Essentials, Norton, etc). Try using your computer offline to see if runs faster and then briefly try accessing the internet. (Stick to safe sites, such as the BBC, and you'll be fine!). Security software (and, in particular, the updating elements of it) can be a major cause of slow-running computers; if you find that your computer runs faster without t, try something else. (I recommend the free version of Avast: https:/
4. Download, install and run the free version of CCleaner:
https:/
(I'd normally advise against using a registry cleaner but CCleaner is safe and frequently recommended in the technical press)
5. Leave the Task Manager running while using your computer and keep checking for anything which looks suspicious. (Access the Task Manager via right-clicking on the taskbar at the foot of your screen. Click the 'Processes' tab and then on 'Show processes from all users' ). With the exception of 'System Idle Process', nothing in the CPU column show ever be in double figures (with the possible exception of your web browser occasionally). There shouldn't be many entries in the 'Memory 'Private Working Set' column over about 10,000. Any unusually large figures, in either column, might indicate something hogging your computer's resources. (Also look for a figure in the CPU column which keeps changing every second or two, even if the actual numbers are quite low. That can indicate a problem, especially if it's for svchost.exe, which is associated with something trying to download to your computer).
You might gain a minor advantage by defragmenting the drive but, given that Windows 7 is designed to defrag as it goes along, it probably won't help much. (To defragment and/or check the drive for errors, go to Windows Explorer, right-click on the icon for your C drive, select 'Properties' and then click on the 'Tools' tab).
'Slow running' is usually related to software, rather than hardware. Try the following:
1. Run a full virus scan with your security software.
2. Run a malware scan (using the free version of Malwarebytes: https:/
3. Uninstall your security software (such as Microsoft Security Essentials, Norton, etc). Try using your computer offline to see if runs faster and then briefly try accessing the internet. (Stick to safe sites, such as the BBC, and you'll be fine!). Security software (and, in particular, the updating elements of it) can be a major cause of slow-running computers; if you find that your computer runs faster without t, try something else. (I recommend the free version of Avast: https:/
4. Download, install and run the free version of CCleaner:
https:/
(I'd normally advise against using a registry cleaner but CCleaner is safe and frequently recommended in the technical press)
5. Leave the Task Manager running while using your computer and keep checking for anything which looks suspicious. (Access the Task Manager via right-clicking on the taskbar at the foot of your screen. Click the 'Processes' tab and then on 'Show processes from all users' ). With the exception of 'System Idle Process', nothing in the CPU column show ever be in double figures (with the possible exception of your web browser occasionally). There shouldn't be many entries in the 'Memory 'Private Working Set' column over about 10,000. Any unusually large figures, in either column, might indicate something hogging your computer's resources. (Also look for a figure in the CPU column which keeps changing every second or two, even if the actual numbers are quite low. That can indicate a problem, especially if it's for svchost.exe, which is associated with something trying to download to your computer).
thanks both for your answers, bhg i should've come back to thank you last night but its only now ive managed to get the pc on line again. i will look into both your answers over the next couple of days rather than buying a new one just yet. will have to write down all instructions and go through them step by step.
Thanks for your reply.
If you do eventually give up, and decide to replace your computer, you don't need to spend a fortune at PC World. Unless you need a high-end model (such as for professional video-editing or playing the later games on), this would meet your needs perfectly:
http://
(I've bought lots of computers from that firm, both for myself and on behalf of others. The quality is always 'like new' and their customer service is outstanding. I'm using a PC from there to type this on!)
If you do eventually give up, and decide to replace your computer, you don't need to spend a fortune at PC World. Unless you need a high-end model (such as for professional video-editing or playing the later games on), this would meet your needs perfectly:
http://
(I've bought lots of computers from that firm, both for myself and on behalf of others. The quality is always 'like new' and their customer service is outstanding. I'm using a PC from there to type this on!)
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