How much memory is onboard?
The link below will scan your memory configuration.
You might want to install as much memory as can be installed.
http://www.crucial.com/systemscanner/
You can also right click on the task bar and look at the "Task Manager" in order to compare (how memory is allocated) "Commit charge." If, Peak exceeds Total, the difference will give you an estimation of your systems actual memory requirements based on the programs initialized during start-up.
Are you familiar with Windows One care?
It's excellent.
"Fix specific PC issues
Use the full service scan to check everything. To help fix particular problems on your PC, turn to the individual scanners below"
http://onecare.live.com/site/en-us/default.htm
Ø The scan will remove any unnecessary "registry" or system files that are also using system resources. However, it does take a long while for it to scan the system. McAfee also has a system maintenance routine that accomplishes the same thing.
>> When or during system start-up you’ll notice on the lower task bar, on the far right-hand side, icons that represent the programs that are being initialized during start-up. To begin with, right click on the icons of the programs you are not going to use, and “close” them. If you look again in the Task Manager, you’ll now see that more memory is available.
Most programs have an option that allows you to choose whether or not it should start when the system is first booted up.
If you look in the Start>“Help and Support Center” file, a rather detailed overview and explanation can be utilized through the “Pick a Task” menu options. Specifically, > Use Tools to view your computer information and diagnose problems, by opening the >system configuration file, it allows you to program/select which programs should run when the system is first turned on. i.e. QuickTime Player, Real Player, do not need to run in the background, until manually launched. Windows Office can also launch as can AOL, and those programs require system resources which slow the system down as more and more “Virtual Memory” is required.
It is the swapping of information between the physical “memory stick” and the Hard Drive which causes the system to run for what seems like fifteen minutes each time it is cold booted, because physical memory space is exceeded and virtual memory is created on the Hard Drive to supplement the total memory deficit.
Stand-by mode will always reduce the start-up time.
Also, schedule a scan check. If was not not performed it can fix drive errors. Goto >C drive>right click>properties>Tools>Scan Check
That's a good point (see below) about "unnecessary processes" running
cthelper.exe if it's running all the time will stop the machine in its tracks.
>Task Manager>Processes>Click CPU or Memory Processes
cthelper.exe will absorb CPU time
However, google cthelper.exe before highlighting it in order to execute the >"End Process" command
You might have to run an Office update if MS Office is installed.