Startup and memory problems

[Ushabti's Ghost]

Recently got a Dell laptop, not as tech savy as most people but I'm learning.
Anyways, after upgrading to Windows XP PRO Service pack 3, the laptops been
experiencing multiple issues: Memory failures at startup, occasionaly
freezing up while in the middle of something and shutting off altogether, and
altogether acting like its just going to die.

I've updated everything I could think of using Windows Update, spent 2 hours
updating the drivers, removed all the unused programs on it from the previous
owner (ex-roomate), which only seemed to help for a few days.

I'm currently waiting on a new Windows XP disc, but I'd like to think it's
just something I'm missing.

Any idea's or help would be most appreciated.

 

[Andrew E.]

2hrs updating drivers....A servers system with multiple OS and multiple RAID
sets on diffrent controllers couldnt take that long...Where are the updated
drivers coming from,& for what are you updating...A keyboard,mouse,display
adapter,printer,chipset,sound card,network controller,that list alot,but 2
hrs.....

 

[MikeR]

Recently got a Dell laptop, not as tech savy as most people but I'm learning.
Anyways, after upgrading to Windows XP PRO Service pack 3, the laptops been
experiencing multiple issues: Memory failures at startup, occasionaly
freezing up while in the middle of something and shutting off altogether, and
altogether acting like its just going to die.

I've updated everything I could think of using Windows Update, spent 2 hours
updating the drivers, removed all the unused programs on it from the previous
owner (ex-roomate), which only seemed to help for a few days.

I'm currently waiting on a new Windows XP disc, but I'd like to think it's
just something I'm missing.

Any idea's or help would be most appreciated.

Sounds like it would be a good idea to check whether it's cooling properly. Google
for how to get to the CPU and fan. Make sure it's free of dust. You may want to see
if the heat transfer grease between the CPU and heat sink is still 'greasy'. Radio
Shack sells the grease.

All that's not too daunting if you have modest mechanical ability.

Mike

 

[smlunatick]

Recently got a Dell laptop, not as tech savy as most people but I'm learning.
Anyways, after upgrading to Windows XP PRO Service pack 3, the laptops been
experiencing multiple issues: Memory failures at startup, occasionaly
freezing up while in the middle of something and shutting off altogether,and
altogether acting like its just going to die.

I've updated everything I could think of using Windows Update, spent 2 hours
updating the drivers, removed all the unused programs on it from the previous
owner (ex-roomate), which only seemed to help for a few days.

I'm currently waiting on a new Windows XP disc, but I'd like to think it's
just something I'm missing.

Any idea's or help would be most appreciated.

How was the update done? Did you turn off all / any anti-virus during
the update?

2 hours for driver updates? How were you ever using the laptop? Most
drivers never did require any update during the update.

As for waiting for the disc, you can download the complete SP3 and
"slipstream" it with your original XP SP1 install CD.