Slow Running

[Terry Bennett]

My laptop (a Sony VAIO) is 3 years old but, during the past 2/3 months has
become increasingly slow. The boot sequence takes c 5 minutes from
switch-on to the time when the egg timer finally disappears and a lot of the
programmes seem to have slowed noticeably. I work quite a bit with digital
photographs and often have to review maybe 1,000 shots in a folder using the
'slideshow' option, deleting the ones I don't want to keep as I go along.
This is particularly ponderous as:

- although the window opens OK, it takes ages for all of the thumbnail
images to appear
- when slideshow is selected it can take several minutes for the first image
to appear
- when pressing delete, the 'are you sure' dialogue box takes ages to appear
and, after pressing yes, the next image can take anything up to 30 seconds
to materialise

I did try disk clean-up and de-fragmentation. The latter told me that I
have just 6% space (c 2Gb) remaining on the C drive so de-frag might not be
fully effective. I ran it anyway but it didn't seem to have much effect.

Somebody suggested that the registry might need tidying up and recommended
RegCure. I downloaded this and it found over 1,000 'errors' which have now
been put right. This seems to have improved things a little, but not
dramatically.

Could the problem be related to the lack of space left on the C drive?

Any guidance will be appreciated!

Thanks.

 

[JS]

You are way too low on free disk space.
Some additional cleaning tips (listed below) may help in the short term but
you really need a larger drive.

Take a look at CCleaner as a tool to remove Internet history info,
cookies, temp files, auto complete and other junk.
Note that when CCleaner is first installed most if not all the options
are checked which is far too aggressive. So I recommend unchecking
all the items listed in 'Applications' tab and in the 'Windows' tab
selectively place a check mark for only those options that are of some
value in increasing the amount of free space on your PC.
The 'Analyze' button allows you preview what and how much
hard drive space you will get back.
Also available is customization, see Options/Custom to add any
other/additional folders you want files deleted from.
http://www.ccleaner.com/

You can also free up more disk space by reducing
the number of 'System Restore' points:
Select Start/Control Panel/System, then in the System Properties window
click on the System Restore tab.
Next select the drive letter where Windows is installed (usually C,
Then click on the Setting button
Now in the Drive Settings window move the Disk space usage slider to the
left to reduce the amount of drive space System Restore points will use.
This will remove some of the older restore points and free up some space.

Disable Hibernation and delete hiberfil.sys file (If you have it enabled):
http://www.mydigitallife.info/2007/...sys-hibernation-file-in-windows-xp-and-vista/
and:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/mobility/getstarted/hibernate.mspx

Next if you still need more space:
Remove the files used to uninstall updates to Windows
These folders and associated files in these folders are safe to remove,
however once deleted you will no longer be able to un-install a patch or
update that was associated with the deleted folder/files.
I would keep the most recent set (last two months just in case) of folders
and delete the older updates.
As a safety net I burned these folders to a CD before deleting them.
These files are located in the Windows folder and have folder names
like $NtUninstallKBXXXXXX$.
They are hidden folders so enable viewing of hidden files in Windows
Explorer.
Warning: One folder you should not delete is: $hf_mig$
Also See the following web pages on this issue:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/spack.htm
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm

Finally - You can reduce the size of the Internet Explorer Disk Cache:
How and Why to Clear Your Cache:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ie6/using/howto/customizing/clearcache.mspx
Just follow the instructs but instead of increasing the size (as stated in
the article) decrease it.

JS

 

[David B.]

I'm curious as to how you ran defrag? IIRC XP requires 10 or 15% free space
to run, it should give you an error if you only have 6%.

 

[Terry Bennett]

JS

Many thanks for your detailed reply - much to digest there!

I will work my way through it over the next few days and hopefully see some
positive results!

Terry

 

[Gerry]

Terry

Using any registry cleaner is a mistake.

Create more free disk space. Move photographic archives elsewhere
leaving more space for those you are currently working on. May be adding
a second internal hard drive might be possible or otherwise invest in an
external removable drive.

Other ways to free disk space. You should have at least 20% free.

If your drive is formatted as NTFS another potential gain arises with
your operating system on your C drive. In the Windows Directory of
your C partition you will have some Uninstall folders in your Windows
folder typically: $NtServicePackUninstall$ and $NtUninstallKB282010$
etc. These files may be compressed or not compressed. If compressed
the text of the folder name appears in blue characters. If not
compressed you can compress them. Right click on each folder and
select Properties, General, Advanced and check the box before Compress
contents to save Disk Space. On the General Tab you can see the amount
gained by deducting the size on disk from the size. Folder
compression is only an option on a NTFS formatted drive / partition.

The default allocation to System Restore is 12% on your C partition
which is over generous. I would reduce it to 700 mb. Right click your My
Computer icon on the Desktop and select System Restore. Place the cursor
on your C drive select Settings but this time find the slider and drag
it to the left until it reads 700 mb and exit. When you get to the
Settings screen click on Apply and OK and exit.

Another default setting which could be wasteful is that for temporary
internet files, especially if you do not store offline copies on disk.
The default allocation is 3% of drive. Depending on your attitude to
offline copies you could reduce this to 1% or 2%. In Internet Explorer
select Tools, Internet Options, General, Temporary Internet Files,
Settings to make the change. At the same time look at the number of days
history is held.

The default allocation for the Recycle Bin is 10 % of drive. Change to
5%, which should be sufficient. In Windows Explorer place the cursor
on your Recycle Bin, right click and select Properties, Global and
move the slider from 10% to 5%. However, try to avoid letting it get
too full as if it is full and you delete a file by mistake it will
bypass the Recycle Bin and be gone for ever.

Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp to
Empty your Recycle Bin and Remove Temporary Internet Files. Also
select Start, All Programs, accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp,
More Options, System Restore and remove all but the latest System
Restore point. Run Disk Defragmenter.

Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System
Information, Tools, Dr Watson and verify that the box before "Append to
existing log" is NOT checked. This means the next time the log is
written it will overwrite rather than add to the existing file.

The default maximum size setting for Event Viewer logs is too large.
Reset the maximum for each log from 512 kb to 128 kb and set it to
overwrite.
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308427/en-us



--
Regards.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

 

[Kaja]

here are some tips:
5 ways to speed up your PCClick Here to Install Silverlight
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By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your
computer and keep it running smoothly. This article
discusses
how to use the tools available in Windows XP Service Pack 2
(SP2) and Windows Vista to more efficiently maintain your
computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.
On This Page
Free up disk space
Speed up access to data
Detect and repair disk errors
Protect your computer against spyware
Learn all about ReadyBoost

Free up disk space
By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of
your
computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on
your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can
safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you
want
to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
•Remove temporary Internet files.
•Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft
ActiveX controls and Java applets).
•Empty the Recycle Bin.
•Remove Windows temporary files.
•Remove optional Windows components that you don't
use.
•Remove installed programs that you no longer use.

Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most
amount
of space because the browser caches each page you visit for
faster access later.
To use Disk Cleanup
1.Click Start, point to All Programs, point to
Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
Disk
Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might
be
prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.


2.In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through
the
content of the Files to delete list.


Choose the files that you want to delete.

3.Clear the check boxes for files that you don't
want to
delete, and then click OK.
4.When prompted to confirm that you want to delete
the
specified files, click Yes.

After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk
Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner
and
performing better.
Top of page
Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your
system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search
the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back
together. The response time can be significantly longer.
Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates
fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk
so
that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your
files
stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading
and
writing to the disk speeds up.
When to run Disk Defragmenter
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular
intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you
should
run it too, such as when:
•You add a large number of files.
•Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
•You install new programs or a new version of Windows.

To use Disk Defragmenter:
1.Click Start, point to All Programs, point to
Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
Disk
Defragmenter.


Click Analyze to start the Disk Defragmenter.

2.In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the
drives
that you want to defragment, and then click the
Analyze
button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box
appears, letting you know whether you should
defragment
the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before
defragmenting it
to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation
process will take.
3.To defragment the selected drive or drives, click
the
Defragment button. Note: In Windows Vista, there is
no
graphical user interface to demonstrate the
progress—but
your hard drive is still being defragmented.
After the defragmentation is complete, Disk
Defragmenter
displays the results.
4.To display detailed information about the
defragmented
disk or partition, click View Report.
5.To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
6.To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, click the
Close button on the title bar of the window.

Top of page
Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter
to
optimize the performance of your computer, you can check
the
integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running
the
Error Checking utility.
As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad
sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make
data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even
impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive
for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see
whether certain files or folders are misplaced.
If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility
once a week to help prevent data loss.
To run the Error Checking utility:
1.Close all open files.
2.Click Start, and then click My Computer.
3.In the My Computer window, right-click the hard
disk
you want to search for bad sectors, and then click
Properties.
4.In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.
5.Click the Check Now button.
6.In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for
and
attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then
click Start.


7.If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.

Tip: Only select the "Automatically fix file system errors"
check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.
Top of page
Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you
know
and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you
visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and
your
confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy
concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance.
To
combat spyware, you might want to consider using Microsoft
Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and
is
available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2.
Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software
programs available.
Top of page
Learn all about ReadyBoost
If you're using Windows Vista, you can use ReadyBoost to
speed
up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a
system, it
allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB
flash
drive or a memory card—to improve performance without
having
to add additional memory. Learn more.

Top of page



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Search Microsoft.com for:



Microsoft At WorkArticlesProduct InformationDownloadsSupportGet The
NewsletterRSS Feed
Popular Destinations
Office At WorkSecurity CentralMicrosoft At HomeMicrosoft At
SchoolWindows
Marketplace
Key Resources
Microsoft UpdateTemplatesClip ArtTraining Office Tips & Tricks¿Habla
español? Visite Office Online para LatinoaméricaMicrosoft At
Work > Get Started
5 ways to speed up your PC

Related Links
•Backup basics for Vista
•Backup basics for XP
•Keep Vista Up-to-date
•Maintain your XP system
•Office Updates
•Shop for products that work with Windows
•Shop for products and services that work with
Office


By following a few simple guidelines, you can maintain your
computer and keep it running smoothly. This article
discusses
how to use the tools available in Windows XP Service Pack 2
(SP2) and Windows Vista to more efficiently maintain your
computer and safeguard your privacy when you're online.
On This Page
Free up disk space
Speed up access to data
Detect and repair disk errors
Protect your computer against spyware
Learn all about ReadyBoost

Free up disk space
By freeing disk space, you can improve the performance of
your
computer. The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on
your hard disk. The utility identifies files that you can
safely delete, and then enables you to choose whether you
want
to delete some or all of the identified files.
Use Disk Cleanup to:
•Remove temporary Internet files.
•Remove downloaded program files (such as Microsoft
ActiveX controls and Java applets).
•Empty the Recycle Bin.
•Remove Windows temporary files.
•Remove optional Windows components that you don't
use.
•Remove installed programs that you no longer use.

Tip: Typically, temporary Internet files take the most
amount
of space because the browser caches each page you visit for
faster access later.
To use Disk Cleanup
1.Click Start, point to All Programs, point to
Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
Disk
Cleanup. If several drives are available, you might
be
prompted to specify which drive you want to clean.


2.In the Disk Cleanup for dialog box, scroll through
the
content of the Files to delete list.


Choose the files that you want to delete.

3.Clear the check boxes for files that you don't
want to
delete, and then click OK.
4.When prompted to confirm that you want to delete
the
specified files, click Yes.

After a few minutes, the process completes and the Disk
Cleanup dialog box closes, leaving your computer cleaner
and
performing better.
Top of page
Speed up access to data
Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your
system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search
the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back
together. The response time can be significantly longer.
Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates
fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk
so
that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your
files
stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading
and
writing to the disk speeds up.
When to run Disk Defragmenter
In addition to running Disk Defragmenter at regular
intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you
should
run it too, such as when:
•You add a large number of files.
•Your free disk space totals 15 percent or less.
•You install new programs or a new version of Windows.

To use Disk Defragmenter:
1.Click Start, point to All Programs, point to
Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click
Disk
Defragmenter.


Click Analyze to start the Disk Defragmenter.

2.In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the
drives
that you want to defragment, and then click the
Analyze
button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box
appears, letting you know whether you should
defragment
the analyzed drives.
Tip: You should analyze a volume before
defragmenting it
to get an estimate of how long the defragmentation
process will take.
3.To defragment the selected drive or drives, click
the
Defragment button. Note: In Windows Vista, there is
no
graphical user interface to demonstrate the
progress—but
your hard drive is still being defragmented.
After the defragmentation is complete, Disk
Defragmenter
displays the results.
4.To display detailed information about the
defragmented
disk or partition, click View Report.
5.To close the View Report dialog box, click Close.
6.To close the Disk Defragmenter utility, click the
Close button on the title bar of the window.

Top of page
Detect and repair disk errors
In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter
to
optimize the performance of your computer, you can check
the
integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running
the
Error Checking utility.
As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad
sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make
data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even
impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive
for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see
whether certain files or folders are misplaced.
If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility
once a week to help prevent data loss.
To run the Error Checking utility:
1.Close all open files.
2.Click Start, and then click My Computer.
3.In the My Computer window, right-click the hard
disk
you want to search for bad sectors, and then click
Properties.
4.In the Properties dialog box, click the Tools tab.
5.Click the Check Now button.
6.In the Check Disk dialog box, select the Scan for
and
attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then
click Start.


7.If bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.

Tip: Only select the "Automatically fix file system errors"
check box if you think that your disk contains bad sectors.
Top of page
Protect your computer against spyware
Spyware collects personal information without letting you
know
and without asking for permission. From the Web sites you
visit to usernames and passwords, spyware can put you and
your
confidential information at risk. In addition to privacy
concerns, spyware can hamper your computer's performance.
To
combat spyware, you might want to consider using Microsoft
Windows Defender, which is included in Windows Vista, and
is
available as a free download for Microsoft XP SP2.
Alternatively, there are other free anti-spyware software
programs available.
Top of page
Learn all about ReadyBoost
If you're using Windows Vista, you can use ReadyBoost to
speed
up your system. A new concept in adding memory to a
system, it
allows you to use non-volatile flash memory—like a USB
flash
drive or a memory card—to improve performance without
having
to add additional memory. Learn more.

Top of page



Was This Information Useful?




Printer-Friendly Version Send This Page Add to Favorites

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aloso scan for viruses, malware, and spware.
Let me know if this helps
Best regards,
Kaja Sanvean