Dads PC running really slow - totally stumped
- Thread starter PapaLazaru
- Start date
I agree a reinstall is probably the way to go, though I'd put Vista back using the disks or restore partition that came with it unless the drivers for W7 are on the Dell website.
But, if he has 500gb almost full, that will take some backing up.
But, if he has 500gb almost full, that will take some backing up.
- Joined
- 23 Dec 2009
- Posts
- 18,267
- Location
- RG8 9
Thank you for all your helpful responses. 
He has agreed to go for a fresh reinstall and is going to buy Win7 64. We are going to list all of the programmes he actually uses (there is loads of crud in there) and only reinstall those. All the Dell bloatware is, of course, going as well. He has also agreed to give Chrome a go over IE.
One last question, I am right in believing that we cannot do a proper clean install of Win7 with the upgrade disc? They are a lot cheaper but I want this install as clean as possible.
He has agreed to go for a fresh reinstall and is going to buy Win7 64. We are going to list all of the programmes he actually uses (there is loads of crud in there) and only reinstall those. All the Dell bloatware is, of course, going as well. He has also agreed to give Chrome a go over IE.
One last question, I am right in believing that we cannot do a proper clean install of Win7 with the upgrade disc? They are a lot cheaper but I want this install as clean as possible.
Throw it out of the nearest window lol
Seriously though,
1. Remove Mcafee like everyone else said.
2. Install Windows 7
3. Install Windows Security Essentials
Then defrag again
Throw £120 at the issue?
Clean install of vista 64 bit will do...
Still op says he has a high spec machine what is it? 1gb ram 1.6ghz celeron?
Before running a defrag, I'd do the following..
Download CCleaner slim, run that to remove temp files etc
Now turn off system restore and delete all restore points
Defrag using Defraggler
(Turn System Restore back on if you want it)
Download CCleaner slim, run that to remove temp files etc
Now turn off system restore and delete all restore points
Defrag using Defraggler
(Turn System Restore back on if you want it)
I'm surprised it's taken until post #19 to mention the harddrive potentially failing. To me, it seems either the drive or the SATA/IDE cable is faulty, due to the fact even the defragmenter is struggling.
Before you (potentially) waste any more time do the following. Determine the harddrive make and model, download and run the manufacturer's diagnostics from a bootable CD. Most people run a Quick test and conclude the drive is fine - run the Thorough/Advanced test also, which will test the drive's surface.
Also, using SpeedFan or HD Tune, post the SMART data here.
Before you (potentially) waste any more time do the following. Determine the harddrive make and model, download and run the manufacturer's diagnostics from a bootable CD. Most people run a Quick test and conclude the drive is fine - run the Thorough/Advanced test also, which will test the drive's surface.
Also, using SpeedFan or HD Tune, post the SMART data here.
Thank you for all your helpful responses.
He has agreed to go for a fresh reinstall and is going to buy Win7 64. We are going to list all of the programmes he actually uses (there is loads of crud in there) and only reinstall those. All the Dell bloatware is, of course, going as well. He has also agreed to give Chrome a go over IE.
One last question, I am right in believing that we cannot do a proper clean install of Win7 with the upgrade disc? They are a lot cheaper but I want this install as clean as possible.
Chrome over IE is a good choice (though IE9 isn't all that bad now).
You're right in believing you cannot clean install with the Win7 upgrade disc, you can clean install with your Vista disc then upgrade with Win7, but this will keep all of the Dell bloatware you mentioned so I'd recommend just buying the full Win7 (retail) and go full clean.
Post 2 and 16 both suggest possible HDD issues
Wrong you can if you know the way around it.
But, I would just buy a retail copy of Windows 7 64bit, a lot easier to install.
- Joined
- 23 Dec 2009
- Posts
- 18,267
- Location
- RG8 9
I have popped back to his today to look at it again and may have found a problem. I am currently running a full HDTune of the hard drive, which is taking ages, but the Health tab has reported this -
Looks like it may be the hard drive as some of you pointed out. His missus has just said bugger it, she is going to by a Mac.
Looks like it may be the hard drive as some of you pointed out. His missus has just said bugger it, she is going to by a Mac.
- Joined
- 23 Dec 2009
- Posts
- 18,267
- Location
- RG8 9
My Dads missus wants a Mac, purely for aesthetic reasons. I have told her it is a complete waste of money considering all they do is surf the web and use to to store pictures and run itunes. My Dad does not want to learn a new OS and rightly so. I just have this feeling she may go an buy one anyway just to **** him off.
I spoke to him tonight and I think rather than get Win7, we will just get a new hard drive and fresh install Vista onto it, along with a new AV to keep the costs down.
There are no reported bad sectors on the hard drive, it just seems the issue could be caused by it not spinning up properly.
- Joined
- 23 Dec 2009
- Posts
- 18,267
- Location
- RG8 9
I would not disagree. I am using Win7 64 myself, but for what they use the PC for, I just don't think 7 will make much difference. They may have to anyway as the Vista disc is currently missing.
Running Windows 7 instead of Vista will make a massive difference since the system will be stable for start off! W7 is what Vista should have been.
@ OP - I strongly advise against Vista, spend the money and get Windows 7 it is far superior in every way.
Stoner81.
buy one from the bay or ask in forum for one, download one from torrent... borrow one from a friend (everyone has a dell)