right my mother-in-law bought a pc and didnt get a os disc or a os recovery disc with it and the computer has slowed down even tho it has avg, spybot, adaware n zonealarm in it. ive done evrything that i kno but i cant get it 2 speed up so i was gonna formatt the hd but there is no disc! how do i create 1 or obtain 1?
2006-07-02 05:22:05 · 12 answers · asked by alcoholic_metal_fan 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Hardware ➔ Desktops
Try some of the other optimization tools before resorting to reformating, that should be the LAST choice you take and only if nothing else works.
Optimize your Pc for better performance after you run a spyware scan and virus scan. Defraging the drive also helps tremendously. I have enclosed information and links for you to optomize your PC. I do these thngs weekly and seldom see any slow downs in my PC's speed. Hope it helps!
Who says there's no such thing as a free lunch? Windows is full of settings and utilities that, if properly applied, can boost your system's performance without costing you a dime. And the Internet is chock-full of free and inexpensive utilities that can help you squeeze out a little more juice from your system.
Of course, we're not talking about a full-fledged banquet. A budget Celeron-based system with its graphics integrated on the motherboard rather than handled by a separate card will never be able to comfortably run the latest digital death-match games or demanding graphics applications, for example. But if you carefully optimize all the components in your PC, you'll probably see a noticeable improvement in its performance. We're heading under Windows' hood to tweak your hard drive, memory settings, CD-R and CD-RW options, monitor, and network connections.
You'll also get a wide-ranging crash course in Drivers 101, and you'll learn about some great freeware, shareware, and Web-based tools to help make your PC purr.
Refresh Your Memory
Your PC's performance drops dramatically when you load and run more apps and data files than your PC has the memory to hold. That's because when your PC has insufficient RAM (the memory on the motherboard) to accommodate a request to load more code or data, it stores the contents of some of your RAM in a swap file on your much-slower-to-access hard disk, thereby freeing up memory for the new task. When previous tasks need code or data that is now in the swap file, your computer saves other RAM contents to the swap file (called the paging file in XP/2000) and loads the previously saved data into the newly freed memory. The more times your PC has to save and load swap file data, the slower its performance becomes. That's why increasing the amount of RAM in your system can improve its performance. Memory does, of course, cost money. Here are a few free memory-enhancement alternatives.
Swipe your swap file: Defragmenting your swap file will boost your PC's performance, but Windows' Disk Defragmenter doesn't work on your swap file because that file is always "in use." The workaround, however, is simple: Temporarily remove the swap file before defragmenting the drive. In Windows 98 and Me, right-click My Computer, choose Properties, and click the Virtual Memory button under the Performance tab in System Properties. Then select Disable virtual memory. (Not recommended), as shown in FIGURE 1 .
If your computer runs out of RAM with virtual memory disabled, it can crash. So don't run any other software while defragmenting. And be sure to reactivate the file once the defragmenting is completed.
Another trick that can speed up virtual memory is to freeze the size of the swap file. By default, Windows shrinks and expands the swap file to suit its needs. By fixing the file's size, you save Windows from this computational hassle. Return to your Virtual Memory settings and enter the same value in the Minimum and Maximum boxes (Answer Line columnist Lincoln Spector recommends 384MB for both). If you have a second hard drive, put your swap file on that drive for an additional boost.
To find your virtual memory settings, right-click My Computer, select Properties, and choose the Advanced tab. In Windows 2000, click the Performance Options button under 'Performance'. In XP, click the Settings button under 'Performance', and then select the Performance Options' Advanced tab. Go to "Keep a Stable Swap File" for more on setting your swap file (paging file).
Stop unwanted starts: In Windows XP, Me, and 9x, users can free up memory by removing unwanted applications that automatically launch when Windows starts. To find out just how many of these programs reside on your system, click Start, Run, type msconfig, and press Enter; this will bring up the System Configuration Utility. Click the Startup tab to see a list of all the programs that automatically launch when Windows starts (see FIGURE 2).
To prevent a program from launching at start-up, uncheck the box next to its name. If you're unsure what a particular program does, look at the name of the folder that the file is stored in; this information, which you'll find to the right of the box, usually provides a clue.
Windows 2000 users have some control over start-up apps, too: Select Start, Settings, Taskbar & Start Menu; click the Advanced tab; click the Advanced button; double-click Programs in the Explorer window that subsequently opens; and then open the Startup folder to view, add, or delete shortcuts that run when you start Windows.
Look for leaks: Poorly written software can monopolize your PC's memory even when it's not running. Track down such leaks by checking your memory's behavior via Windows' System Monitor and with FreeMem, a handy memory management utility that's available at PC World's Downloads.
Spend your cache wisely: Windows allocates small amounts of memory, called caches, as storage buffers for your hard disk, CD-ROM drive, and other storage devices. Reducing the cache allocated to a seldom-used device such as a CD-ROM drive frees memory that may be used more effectively as system RAM. Conversely, increasing the cache size of a frequently used device can speed that device's performance.
Finding the balance that works best for you is matter of trial and error. To simplify the task, go to PC World's Downloads to get a copy of Cacheman 5, an excellent utility that consolidates the cache and memory settings Microsoft scatters throughout Windows.
Good Diskkeeping Counts
A clean hard disk is a happy hard disk. Running Windows' Disk Defragmenter periodically can speed up your PC's performance, especially if you use programs that frequently access the hard disk. Defragmenting today's super-high-capacity hard drives can take a long, long time, however, so run Disk Defragmenter when you won't need your PC. In most versions of Windows, you can activate Disk Defragmenter by opening My Computer, right-clicking the drive, choosing Properties, selecting the Tools tab, and clicking Defragment now .
Another good method of minimizing disk clutter is to remove files that you don't need and uninstall old software that you no longer use. Your first choice for handling this task should be the uninstall program that comes with the software. For those programs that lack an uninstall utility, use the Add/Remove Software applet in Control Panel. Deleting old programs any other way may leave unwanted, hard-to-find files or Registry settings that could cause your PC to have trouble later on.
Microsoft's Tweak UI is an indispensible tool for, among other tasks, disabling annoying animations, useless sounds, and other cosmetic Windows features that eat up CPU cycles. Click on the link to download the appropriate version of Tweak UI for the version of Windows you use (the link to the XP version of Tweak UI is near the bottom of that page).
Better Burning
If you can't get your CD-RW and CD-R drives to burn discs at their optimum speed, it usually means that your PC isn't feeding your CD burners a constant stream of data. Here are a few suggestions to rectify that situation.
Crush the competition: Before attempting to burn a CD, you should disable any virus software, screen savers, or other programs that compete for your PC's resources. If your PC is connected to a busy network, try logging off before burning; at least disable File and Print Sharing under Network Properties. To do so in Windows 2000 and XP, right-click My Network Places, choose Properties, select Advanced, Advanced Settings on the menu, and uncheck File and Printer Sharing for Microsoft Networks. In Windows 98 and Me, right-click Network Neighborhood or My Network Places (depending on your version of Windows), and choose Properties. Select the Configuration tab, click File and Print Sharing, and uncheck both options.
Master your domain: Many new CD-RW drives support bus mastering, a technology that creates an express lane for CD-RW-bound data. If you use Windows 2000 or XP and your CD-R/RW drive came with your system, bus mastering is likely enabled on the drive by default. If you use Windows 98 or Me, bus mastering may not be enabled. To find out whether it is, right-click My Computer, select Properties, click the Device Manager tab, double-click your CD-RW drive, and under the Settings tab, confirm that the box labeled DMA is checked (see FIGURE 4); this setting means that bus mastering is enabled.
Buy the right CDs: Some brands of CD-RW and CD-R media work better with specific drives. A CD that records easily at 8X on one CD-RW drive may work at only 4X on another. Check for any recommendations from the manufacturer of your CD-RW drive.
Improve Your View
With PCs, what you see is what you get. And if what you see is a blurry image or jumpy video, then what you get is a headache. Here are some tips for enhancing your viewing pleasure.
Get the right DirectX files: Short of purchasing a new graphics card, the best way to improve your computer's graphics performance--and all of its multimedia performance, for that matter--is to get the latest DirectX drivers. Head to microsoft.com to download them.
Show fewer colors: You can improve your PC's graphics speed by reducing the system's color depth--the number of colors your graphics card can display. Right-click your desktop, click Properties, and choose the Settings tab. Dropping the settings under 'Color quality' from 'True Color (32-bit color)' to 'High Color (16-bit color)' will get you slightly faster graphics with a tolerable drop in image quality. You can get even more graphics speed by going a notch lower to '256 colors (8-bit color)', but the results won't be much to look at--literally.
Reallocate your memory: If you have a budget system that has graphics integrated on the motherboard--meaning that both graphics and standard computing functions share the main system memory--you may be able to increase graphics performance by dedicating more system memory to graphics functions. Check your CMOS setup program to see whether this is possible on your system. To access the program, enter F1, Esc, or whatever key the screen prompts you to hit while your system starts up but before Windows loads.
Touch that dial: Don't be afraid to fiddle with your monitor's settings to find what's most pleasing. Note that a too-bright screen can cause your peepers to tucker out more quickly, however. And be sure to hit the degauss button every now and then; if your monitor has been on for a long time, degaussing can sharpen your image considerably.
Quicker Connections
Ever get e-mail from vendors offering to double the speed of your Internet access? Be skeptical: These invitations are usually in a class with e-mail messages that promise easy money, hair restoration, or anatomical enlargements. Usually, speeding up your Net access requires moving to a faster technology; however, you may be able to achieve a modest but noticeable improvement by tweaking Windows' modem and network settings.
Tweak like a geek: Buried deep in the Windows Registry are numerous arcane settings that control the way your PC sends and receives data. Most of these settings aren't worth changing. Two of them, however--the MaxMTU and the Receive Window (RWIN) settings--are worth the effort. Windows' default setting for MaxMTU is 1500--a level that is appropriate for high-speed cable or DSL connections. If you are using a dial-up modem, however, we recommend lowering this value to 576. To find the optimum RWIN settings for your connection and additional technical detail on other network-related Registry settings, consult the Navas Cable Modem/DSL Tuning Guide and DSLreports' Tweak Tester II.
If you're feeling adventurous, you could use Windows' Registry Editor utility to change your settings manually. But be warned: The manual route can prove to be a time-consuming and dangerous process. A much safer and easier way is to use Hagel Technologies' $20 TweakMaster, a handy utility that will automatically change MaxMTU, RWIN, and other settings for you (see FIGURE 5). Go to PC World's Downloads to get a trial copy of the program.
String up your modem: You can control your analog modem by modifying its initialization string in Windows. Some modems need a specific string to enable special features and optimize performance. If you've installed the latest version of your modem's driver, you shouldn't have to worry about altering the string--it is added automatically.
To check your modem's driver version and initialization string (if any) in Windows 98 and Me, first right-click My Computer, select Properties, and click the Device Manager tab. To get to Device Manager in Windows 2000 and XP, choose the Hardware tab and click Device Manager. Now double-click Modem (98/Me) or Modems (XP/2000), and double-click the entry for your modem. You'll find the version number on the Driver tab of your modem's Properties dialog box, and the initialization string in the Extra Settings box (in Windows 98 and Me) or under the Advanced button on the Connections tab (in Windows XP/2000).
Pump up the pulse: You can shorten the time it takes to dial your ISP by adding the string ats11=50 to the Extra Settings box. This shortens the dial tone pulse to 50 milliseconds.
Raise the speed limit: While you're in the Modem Properties dialog box, check the Maximum Port Speed setting under the Modem tab. Too low a number can inhibit data flowing into your PC and slow your connection speed. If Maximum Port Speed isn't already set to 115200, try increasing it one setting at a time and looking for a change in performance.
You can also experiment with the modem's buffer sizes for receiving and transmitting data. To find them, choose the Advanced button on either the Connections tab (in Windows 98 and Me) or the Advanced tab (in Windows 2000 and XP). Start by setting both receiving and transmitting to their maximum value (14 and 16, respectively), and then back them off until you find the optimum settings for your PC (see FIGURE 6).
Web accelerators that work: A number of Web accelerator services actually do speed up connections. For the ones we like, read the review in this month's New Products, "Speed Up Your Dial-Up Connection."
Optimizer tools you must have!
http://www.panterasoft.com/
http://www.lavalys.com/
http://www.freshdevices.com/freshdiag.ht...
http://www.ashampoo.com/frontend/homepag...
http://benchmarks.dacris.com/
http://www.dr-hardware.com/
More faster for free tools:
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,a...
Drivers Education
Running your PC with outdated drivers is like driving your car on bad tires: You can get where you're going, but the trip will be needlessly bumpy, and you risk crashing. It's not unusual for hardware manufacturers to send products to market before all the bugs are ironed out, and the drivers that come installed on a new PC or with a new piece of hardware can quickly go out-of-date. Here's how to find and install the latest drivers.
Know your make and model: Typically, the latest drivers for your PC's hardware are available for downloading from the manufacturer's Web site or from a site such as DriversHQ.com that specializes in finding drivers. Know the exact model number of the component and the current driver's version number before you start looking for an update.
You can find this information in Device Manager by double-clicking the component's listing and then selecting the Driver tab. Or download and run Driver Detective, a handy free utility from DriversHQ.com (see FIGURE 3). Go to PC World's Downloads to get your copy.
Excise the old: If you're replacing a card, remove the old card's drivers before you install the new device. Open Device Manager, select the old device, and click the Remove button. Since you can't remove the driver for a graphics card you're replacing, change its driver to the standard Windows VGA driver before you make the switch.
Be sure to follow directions: Read all the documentation you can find for the new peripheral, and heed its advice. If the new driver comes with its own installation program, use that. Otherwise, install drivers via the Driver tab in Device Manager, or by using Windows' Add New Hardware utility in Control Panel.
Don't be afraid to ask: Sometimes documentation for a device is sparse, poorly written, or just plain wrong. If you have any doubts, call the vendor's tech support line before you start the installation. This can save you hours of trouble later.
Never, ever interrupt a driver installation: If you change your mind about installing a new driver, or if you think you've made a mistake and want to start over, always finish the current installation and then uninstall it. Interrupting a driver installation may permanently alter or corrupt key system files and force you to reinstall Windows.
Good luck! For the spyware scan try this :
http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaw...
http://www.pcworld.com/howto/article/0,a...
2006-07-02 05:45:39 · answer #1 · answered by Carla S 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You should have created the Recovery Disc as soon as you got the PC!
If you can borrow a Windows XP CD from a friend, use that one with your XP number (sticker may be on side of PC or in other documentation.
I have the same problem, but I did create a Recovery CD and lent it to a friend who has lost it! I contacted DELL (my supplier) a few days ago and they will despatch a set of CD's for me to re-install. But for your problem, do this first to make sure the spyware is gone!
Follow the instructions below exactly, be patient and I guarantee it will work.
Create Win98 boot if U dont have one. Search web or use link for smartdrv.exe then get it going dude.
INFO: Windows XP Clean Installation from Dos
What You Need:
* Windows XP CD
* Windows 98 Or Millennium Start-up Disk.
* Smartdrv.exe Which Can Be Downloaded HERE http://gktronics.topcities.com/smartdrv.... If Needed.
Copy smartdrv.exe To Your Start-up Disk.
Boot With Start-up Disk And Format Your Hard Disk.
Type smartdrv.exe And Enter at The A:\> prompt.
You Must Load Smartdrv.exe or You Will Be Setting Up
For the Next 3 Days!
Type e: And Enter, assuming Your CD Drive Letter Is "E".
Now Type cd i386 And Enter, Then winnt And Enter.
Follow The Installation Instructions. It Will Look As
Though Your Computer Has Hanged, But Let It Run!
In Some Cases It Will Say It Can't Read Certain Files,
That's Ok Because Dos Can't Read The New File Types.
Hit esc Till Finished. The Files Can Be Added Later.
It Might, At Some Point Say It Can’t Find Certain Files.
That’s Because Dos Put The Installation Files In A Temp
Directory In The Beginning. Hit esc Till Done.
After XP Has Started, Click "Start" Then "Run".
Be Sure Your Windows XP CD Is Still In The Drive.
Type cmd And Enter. Now Type cd\windows\system32 And Enter.
Finally Type sfc /scanall.
The Files That Couldn't Be Copied Will Now Be Installed.
And..guess what: XP is right there in front of you - enjoy!
2006-07-02 14:01:58 · answer #2 · answered by Kewl Dude Ganda 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you cant create a xp disc ,unless you copy one of a mate,but you must realise that it would make it a non-genuine windows,and you wouldnt be entitled to any downloads that require validation,but you would still get security updates and hotfixes
if money isnt a problem,you can buy a brand new copy of windows xp home for about £65 from dabs.com at http://www.dabs.com/productlist.aspx?&NavigationKey=11168&NavigationKey=4294959492&NavigationKey=4294958989&CategorySelectedId=11168&PageMode=1,and this will give you all the free extras plus the peice of mind of knowing you are running a genuine copy
also it sounds like you may need to replace your hard drive as from what you have said,your hard drive may be the problem and a new one with a new xp on it will be nice and fast
dont throw away your old drive as you can rearrange the inside of your p.c case and use it as a second hard drive,for storing photos and dvds,ect
there is a other option ,find a linux download site and download a free linux operating system,but im not a expert at linux so you are best to post another question about that
good luck
2006-07-02 16:56:07 · answer #3 · answered by brianthesnail123 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Search in Yahoo for a recovery disk which may help, there could be a downloadable one.
How many hard drives are you formatting?
Just the one, you are stuck,
but two, go into my computer right click on the hard drive and select format.
Select the disk type (NTFS has more features, but can be annoying if you have multiple users or FAT32 which is older, but easier to operate)
FORMATTING ERASES ALL ON THE HARD DRIVE!!!
So if you have only one, there would be no more windows - nothing left.
Also, how many Giga Bytes does the hard drive have?
It may be full
Right click on my computer, and go to properties. If the pie chart is more than halfway, consider taking off programmes and photos, etc.
Hope this helps :-)
2006-07-02 12:32:23 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
This problem could do with a lengthy answer, but I must go.
Formatting a Hard Disk is a very drastic thing, and getting an operating system can be very expensive.
I would put on some free program such as Belarc, and get a decent software and hardware report on paper.
Then I would ask for more advice, quoting plenty of system specifications.
2006-07-05 06:51:35 · answer #5 · answered by Sciman 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
problem wwith mother in laws
have you got a windows disc with a code at all
if not you will have to buy or obtain one before you start anyother way would not endear you to her
by the sounds of it you have already done what the longwinded ones are suggesting
options are if the pc is newish then contact the manufacturers
if older get a win XP disc and reinstall
2006-07-09 11:48:56 · answer #6 · answered by bbh 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
formatting my computer (without disc) resets it back do factory defaults so as my windows was pre-installed that too gets reset and i don't need any recovery disc(they are only used if my computer is too corrupted to preform it)
i have windows XP and what i do is on start up press the button for system restore(F8 or F11 i think) and you can reset to factory defaults from there so if your computer was pre-installed with XP any upgrades and additional service packs will be free, i don't know what will happen if your computer had a different OS to the one your using now bit you could have a look at the system restore from start up and see what information it gives
2006-07-02 12:49:22 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
well u might have to buy a new ram. or formattin pc, but formattin pc, will get rid of all the things in the computer, like images, music files, and videos and any office files and software u have installed, so it is a good idea to keep a back up of any data that might b needed, but downloadin zonealarm will slow down the computer.
and make sure that wen u buy the new ram that it has more memory that it has now...
2006-07-02 12:41:52 · answer #8 · answered by hasan05842 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if u plannig to format ur harddisk, then u better own a operating system like window xp
reformating a hard drive will not create a significant performance , just add an extra ram
2006-07-02 12:27:24 · answer #9 · answered by maxclark153 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Buy it. That would be the only legitimate way. Your only other option is to pick up one from someone or download it from somewhere like torrentspy.com
2006-07-02 12:28:23 · answer #10 · answered by Shy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if it has it's own installation key you could borrow a disc from a friend and reinstall using your own key.
2006-07-02 12:26:31 · answer #11 · answered by 'Dr Greene' 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋