My computer is so slow at times and I think I need more memory. How do I start with this problem?

Question

I have a compaq presario with windows xp.

Answer 1

first of all get more memory provided ur mother board support it(check specification of motherboard)
if money's not too big consideration take 512 mb or 1 gb....
else take 256mb more
(make sure the clock speed of RAM is good 400mhz(DDR) or 667(DDR2) mhz provided ur motherboard supports them

u culd also get latest processor if the memory thing doesnt help(it will, believe me)

Answer 2

1. Ways to speed up your computer without adding memory (you should do this first):
Scan your system for Ad ware or Spy ware. These can really slow your computer down.
Make sure your anti-virus protection is up to date.
Remove all but the most necessary items from your desk top, especially icons that start programs. They take up memory resources.
Check your control panel for programs you no longer use: Start/Control Panel/Add-Remove Programs.
Delete any unneccesary files (duplicates, etc.)
Run a registry cleanup (search the web for registry cleanup programs)
After you've done all this, run a defrag:
Start/All Programs/Accessorires/System Tools/Disk defragmentation
---
If, after all this, you're still not happy with the speed, you can add memory.
First, find out what your system has:
Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/System Information.
Write down the existing memory and the computer's model (not just Compaq Presario but any numbers after it, too).
Take that info to the computer store and have a clerk advise you of how much memory you can install - they'll also give you pointers of how to do it.

Answer 3

You can add/delete programs which will free up some of your memory space, then you can buy an additional memory card and have it installed at Best Buy if you don't know how. I am going through the same thing with my computer at home, and am thinking of breaking down and buying a whole new system as my current one doesn't even have Word, Powerpoint, etc. on it. (I bought it 4 years ago and it is already way outdated lol) Good luck!

Answer 4

you can install cleanup applications or use windows cleanup.
also you can follow below for a little more speed for your system:
1) Defragmenter via >>>Start Menu>All Programs>>Accessories>>System Tools>> Disk Defragmenter
.
2)Cleanup via >>>Start Menu>All Programs>>Accessories>>
System Tools>> Disk Cleanup
.
3)on start menu , right click on "My Computer" ,choose "Properties".
a window will be opened,then go to "Advanced" tab of the tab bar.

at the "Performance" area, click "Settings" button.
then choose "Adjust for best performance" radio button,ok,Apply.

this sets the graphic to the lowest level in order to reduce memory usage and will increase speed really.

Answer 5

mmmmmmm

may be because one of programs "processes" take the most of CPU Utilization.. something like HANG.

if the problem in memory.. okay
ALT + CTRL + DELETE
Task Manager will appear.

next tab from the top "processes"
u will get a list of all processes in memory right now.

u can KILL any process to free up your memory..
just choose any unwanted process
Right Click
End Process

Ciao.

Answer 6

If your computer is not working properly while you are working on it, it could be a problem with device drivers, hardware or software.
Detailed instructions at http://tinyurl.com/yk5zpr

Answer 7

delete all the junk u don't need try it then see if it runs a little faster if not u need some new memory

Answer 8

Download Cleanup, defrag your hard drive might help. http://www.stevengould.org/software/cleanup/

In order for anyone to tell you what RAM you need, we would need to know what model is your Compaq.

WHEN WILL PEOPLE UNDERSTAND, UNINSTALLING PROGRAMS DOES NOT FREE UP RAM! ! ! (atlantagal)