New DELL w/WinXP Pro runs very slow

[jsanders]

I have a new Dell with all of the bells and whistles and it runs very slow. When I try to open up a program the computer actually looks like it it thinking about what to do. It normally takes 6-15 seconds for me to access my programs. What can I do to tweak the system(I know it is a DELL)

TIA

 

[lobadobadingdong]

check the bios to make sure it's not running the processor in compatability mode. run a defrag. that's about it, there aren't a lot of option to speed up dell's.

 

[dboy]

Just to check... even though you say it has all the bells and whistles, how much ram? I know most dells come w/ only 128 or so standard, which is no way near enough for XP.

 

[fredtam]

Celeron?

 

[lobadobadingdong]

Originally posted by: fredtam
Celeron?

LOL, could be one of those too.

 

[pyrojunkie]

Originally posted by: dboy
Just to check... even though you say it has all the bells and whistles, how much ram? I know most dells come w/ only 128 or so standard, which is no way near enough for XP.

Dell seriously has issues with not having enough RAM for most systems they sell. Include that with all the preloaded garbage they add, and you got yourself a machine hurt before it even gets broken in.

Look into a memory upgrade, and also try getting rid of the uneeded apps that run on startup by typing "msconfig" in the RUN window.

It might sound like I am pissed with Dell, but in fact Dell keeps my tech support business busy.

 

[dboy]

Or use my method - get it via UPS, turn it on once to make sure things are working, then shut down, install loads more ram, format HD, fresh install windows. Suddenly it's a very nice computer!

 

[mechBgon]

What model of DELL is it? You don't happen to be Joe Sanders with LCSNW, by any chance...?


edit: and by the way, if it's the GX60, it's a losing battle. You're up against these factors:

• Celeron CPU (very poor performers compared to a Pentium4, Duron or AthlonXP)
• Single-channel DDR memory (a serious hindrance to Intel's CPUs, which should be equipped with dual-channel DDR or RDRAM for proper performance)
• Onboard video fighting the CPU for the memory bandwidth and a chunk of the memory space
• Slower i845GL chipset
• No AGP slot, so no way to add in an AGP card and fix the onboard-video-fighting-the-CPU problem
• Wowzy WinXP interface with a bunch of performance-sucking animations and junk, which you could fix by right-clicking the Start button and setting the interface to Windows Classic and disabling all the animations
• And of course, being a Dell, it's got a slow-but-quiet hard drive, which you could fix by replacing the hard drive

 

[straubs]

This procedure should be followed with all "pre-built" computers, be it Dell, HP, Compaq, etc... Sometimes I think the manufacturers goal is to use as much hard drive space and put as many icons on your desktop as humanly possible. The change in the speed of the computer can be quite astounding!

Originally posted by: dboy
Or use my method - get it via UPS, turn it on once to make sure things are working, then shut down, install loads more ram, format HD, fresh install windows. Suddenly it's a very nice computer!

 

[Abhi]

Originally posted by: dboy
Or use my method - get it via UPS, turn it on once to make sure things are working, then shut down, install loads more ram, format HD, fresh install windows. Suddenly it's a very nice computer!

Fresh install... using the Dell recovery CD?

I just got a new lappy

 

[MrYogi]

use msconfig as soon as you get a new computer and disable all the startup items