XP Limited Resources

[Bernie]

My computer is running fast - applications open quickly.
Recently I have encountered a problem where only a
limited number of applications or files can be opened
simultaneously. If I want to open another file I have to
close something or system will not respond. What does
open will open lightening fast and then the next
application will not open at all. When I check system
resources they don't seem to be used up.
This problem started a few weeks ago. I have checked for
viruses, cleaned my regsitry, optimized HD.
Any ideas what this could be?

Thank you for assistance.

 

[Malke]

My computer is running fast - applications open quickly.
Recently I have encountered a problem where only a
limited number of applications or files can be opened
simultaneously. If I want to open another file I have to
close something or system will not respond. What does
open will open lightening fast and then the next
application will not open at all. When I check system
resources they don't seem to be used up.
This problem started a few weeks ago. I have checked for
viruses, cleaned my regsitry, optimized HD.
Any ideas what this could be?

Thank you for assistance.

How much memory do you have? What applications are you running? What is
your definition of "a limited number of applications or files"?

Malke

 

[Bernie]

Dear Malke,
I have 1 Gig of RAM and computer is 2.66 GHZ P4.

My definition of limited number of applications and or
files/folders is that up until 3 weeks ago this problem
was not happening and now when I run the same
applications I have this problem. B4 3 weeks ago I could
run Adobe, Excel, Word, Photoshop all at same time and
they would all function normally and now I cannot do
that. Now if I have 2 or 3 applications running and I
want to open a folder in My Documents I cant do it unless
I shut something down. My Computer is functioning
differently but I don't know the reason.

Any ideas.

Thanks for your assistance.

Bernie

 

[Malke]

Dear Malke,
I have 1 Gig of RAM and computer is 2.66 GHZ P4.

My definition of limited number of applications and or
files/folders is that up until 3 weeks ago this problem
was not happening and now when I run the same
applications I have this problem. B4 3 weeks ago I could
run Adobe, Excel, Word, Photoshop all at same time and
they would all function normally and now I cannot do
that. Now if I have 2 or 3 applications running and I
want to open a folder in My Documents I cant do it unless
I shut something down. My Computer is functioning
differently but I don't know the reason.

Any ideas.

Thanks for your assistance.

Bernie

It certainly sounds like you've got something extra running in the
background. In addition to scanning for viruses, have you also scanned
for spyware using the normal tools; i.e., Ad-aware, Spybot Search &
Destroy, CWShredder? All scans for spyware and viruses should be done
in Safe Mode. Test by leaving Task Manager open and see what's running
when you get the slowdown. Start one of your usual programs one at a
time and see how the machine responds. You need to be very methodical
in your troubleshooting. I'd also do a hardware test on your RAM with
Memtest86 from www.memtest86.com, although I lean towards it being some
sort of malware. Post back with results for more help.

Malke

 

[Alex Nichol]

Dear Malke,
I have 1 Gig of RAM and computer is 2.66 GHZ P4.

My definition of limited number of applications and or
files/folders is that up until 3 weeks ago this problem
was not happening and now when I run the same
applications I have this problem.

One thought that might be worth checking (especially if you have a
possible prankster about). Start - Run - MSConfig.exe and on the
BOOT.INI page click Advanced Options. See if by any chance /MAXMEM has
got checked - hence limiting the amount of RAM available to Windows at
boot. This setting is there strictly for trouble shooting

 

[JGT]

I've been fighting a similar issue for over a year on my
main system. (P1.5 768MB memory, tons of free HD space) I
usually notice the problem when I open more than 10 IE
windows (when I'm doing research it is easy for me to get
several windows open). I always have Outlook 2003 open
with at least two windows. Windows Explorer (4-6
windows). Sometimes when I attempt to open an application
it will not open until I close a few IE windows or other
applications. Several years ago when I first installed
Win2K on a P133 with 256MB of memory as a test I open
every application on my system, numerous Excel files,
numerous Word files, Outlook, Lotus Notes, over 80 IE
windows, the system did get slow but it never refused to
open anyting. At time I really need to have a lot of
applications open along with my standard load (above)
Dreamweaver, PaintShop Pro, Fireworks, FTP voyager,
Agent, Explorer Plus plus other. It is really anoying
that I hit the wall (sometimes I get the message that I
don't have enough memory). I always run Norton AV and
every night check for updates, Adaware - I run regular
system scans just to be on the safe side. I've set aside
2500MB of space for paging. Usually when I hit the wall
my only recourse is to reboot the system. Suggestions?