why is my computer so slow... 512mb RAM?

Question

Its actually my inlaws computer, its 4 years old, has 512 mb RAM. It takes 20 minutes to completely start up. they have 2 "users", and to switch between the 2 takes 20 minutes as well. Is it the ram? would having only 1 user help?

its driving me crazy someone please help

Answer 1

The steps im about to tell u will make ur computer run mush faster- now assuming u have windows xp go to start- control pannel- Performance and Matience-free up space on your hard disk - select the drive (i recommend drive since thats where all that un necessery files are)- once thats done wait for a bit- check all the stuff thats taking up ur data, click ok, and wait, and after 5 min ur computer will be fast ^_^

Answer 2

I don't think RAM is the issue. You may have a lot of unnecessary programs starting at boot time. Use msconfig to remove those.

Start and Run and type: msconfig
in the box and press OK. Then click on the Startup tab. As an experiment uncheck everything listed and then reboot.
If you find that you get any error messages then go back in to msconfig and put a check mark next to the problem process.

The length of time it takes you to switch users is worrying. It should take a few seconds. Try defragging you computer:

Start and Programs and Accessories and System Tools.

I doubt if that will improve things dramatically.

Download CCleaner to clear out garbage on your computer.

If that does not solve anything then I suspect your hard drive might be on its way out. Look in Event Viewer and see if you have any I/O (input/output) hard drive errors. Double click Administrative Tools via Control Panel and select Event Viewer. Look in the System section for any errors. Double click the Error for more information.

Answer 3

The number of users you have one a system really doesn't affect your system's speed. Yes, RAM can help, but it's not the only thing that will aid in a faster computer. When was the last time you defragmented the HDD, or scanned for malicious software, or used disk clean-up (that really won't affect system speed either, but it's always nice not to have a bunch of junk on your computer)? Aside from that, when did it begin to show signs of slowing down? What changed when it began to show those signs? There are so many details that one would need to help you that just aren't included in your question. I would suggest doing all the things listed above before anything else.

Answer 4

Most computer users have been trained that if you want more speed for your computer, then add more memory. Well, this is true, in certain circumstances. But for most of the times, it really is just bad files in your registry files. Corrupted or missing registry files can make your computer too slow.
The registry is a main part of your computer's Operating System. With time, as you use Windows and install and uninstall programs, your registry will get congested and full of errors. So your computer could slow down. So, if you can clean it up this problem can be solved.Sometimes you can speed computer up by 300%. To clean up registry,You can download a software called regsitry cleaner---Clean registry,remnant,corrupt files and temp files,history,cookies,etc.. This site:
http://fix-slow-computer.info
lists top 5 registry cleaner,you can download and scan for free.
Good luck!

Answer 5

It's full of spybots and tracking devices. Search spybot and download it, or spysweeper if they will pat 20 bucks. Then get adaware, it's free too. All the bots are working all the time the PC is on and eventually just grind the PC to a halt. Get a good Virus scan, I suggest AVG. It's worth every cent. And run bot spy and ad software at least 5 times a week.

Answer 6

There's probably programs running in the background. Go to Start>Run>then type "MSCONFIG". Click on the Startup tab and you will see all the programs that load up in the background during startup. You can uncheck one by one or spot obvious ones to uncheck. It should make things a little faster. If you're not sure of what the program is, then search for the program name in Google or something. You should get an explanation of what it does and a suggested action.

Answer 7

That is plenty of RAM for that age computer. First guess is it needs Defrag. Second if it is XP find the prefetch folder with the Start - search, and then delete all the contents in that folder. Also a registry clean may help after all that time. You can Google for a good free registry cleaner This is one I recommend http://www.download.com/Abexo-Free-Registry-Cleaner/3000-2094_4-10434887.html. Good luck

Answer 8

It's neither RAM, or number of users.

If your PC is slowing down, or acting strangely, it's probably infected with malware. Use the link below to learn more about "malware".

Then, you need to install:

ONE Anti-virus (delete ALL others, I use AVG free),
http://www.free.grisoft.com/doc/downloads-products/us/frt/0?prd=aff

ONE XP Firewall (Zone Alarm),
http://www.zonealarm.com/store/content/company/products/trial_zaFamily/trial_zaFamily.jsp?dc=78lts&ctry=CA&lang=en

AND these 5 Anti-Spyware tools:

Windows Defender
http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Spybot Search and Destroy
http://www.safer-networking.org/en/download/index.html

Ad-Aware 2007
http://www.lavasoft.com/products/ad_aware_free.php

Spyware Blaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/downloads.html

cCleaner (technically, not anti-spyware, but very useful)
http://www,ccleaner.com

I use all regularly. Download them, install them and learn how to use them (HINT: Use the Help TAB). (Need more help? Re-post.)

TIP: The apps above can only clean up so much.

As a last resort: Back up all personal data from your PC ("Backup" means: copy to CD / DVD / external hard drive). Then, do a Windows "Clean Install", for further instructions, go to: http://www.theeldergeek.com

Note: You must use your Recovery disks, if included with your PC, to avoid driver problems, not a store-bought XP. The Recovery disks may be ON the hard drive, so Read The Friendly Manual FIRST.

Final TIP: Use Firefox instead, IE should only be used for Windows Updates.

Answer 9

512 isnt that good anymore but i could be anumber of things
a virus which is taking up alot of vertual memory to run
under all programs-system tools do a disk clean up and then a disk defragment this will clear all the deleated files on a computer and make the continous making it faster. just be glasd its not your own lol
good luck

Answer 10

you may desire to let us know what working device you're applying. no count if it is xp improve to 2gigabytes of ram if vista 4gigabytes. it incredibly is the optimal thank you to velocity up and make your computing gadget run greater constructive. additionally setting up crap purifier which you will get carry of for unfastened from the internet which will clean out rubbish information out of your computing gadget. look on the different solutions. you have a great style of sturdy ones.