Serious lag, can't figure out why...

Could be heat, or a bad had disk. I'd check both of those possibilities out.

I found www.hdsentinel.com a while back and have been extremly happy with it for checking state of Harddisks.

This is all good stuff - but there's a solid chance you don't have the correct chipset drivers.

A common problem with running x64 architecture.

Could also be video drivers.

Did you install win xp 64-bit edition?

With a computer of that speed, you may want to consider installing the new windows 7 x64 (download from technet.com).

It is always a good idea to address software issues before you start diagnosing the hardware. Simply because it is easier and sometimes more likely.

How old is the machine?

Is there any process using a significant amount of memory or processor time?

Downloaded all drivers, no change. System Idle Process is in the 90's, so there's nothing really being processed. It just lags. I am at a total loss as to what it could be.

No, it does not lag in safe mode. But, now it's doing it sporadically. It's good for a few seconds and then laggy the next.

head over to technet.com (owned by Microsoft)

download windows 7 for free, install it, report back.

this should fix 98% of your software issues.

after the 90-day trial expires: if you're a student you can get win 7 pro for $30 - best Microsoft deal I've seen in a while. If not, at least you'll know that your problem can be fixed by an upgrade.

Windows 7 free trial has ended... And why would a slow hard disk cause typing lag as well as the other lag all of a sudden?

Well getting back to software issues, what is essential for me to keep running in msconfig? And just to note, there is nothing but Windows XP Professional on my computer. I deleted everything and reformatted the HDD twice in hopes it would stop the lag and it obviously hasn't.

1. Run memtest86
2. Technet.com - download the Windows 7 RTM 90-day trial.

This will clear up 90% of issues.

The hardware stuff is all good - but it easiest to address software issues first. As a general rule.

I tried that site, but I get to the please wait your downloading is coming page and it quickly goes to the windows 7 site and never starts downloading anything.

Have one.

I'm not asking anyone to fix my computer. The tone of your reply makes it seem like you've given me all this valuable information that I've done nothing with, when in actuality, all you've given me is "It's either a hardware or software issue."

No really?

Also, downloading is not rocket science, if I say I can't get the trial to download, than I can't get it to download. I even made a new account and it wont work. My conclusion that the trial might have ended came from the sentence posted on the page before the download is supposed to start, which said "The 90-day Trial is offered for a limited time and in limited quantity. The download will be available through March 31, 2010, while supplies last."


So, to start over, the only "software" on this computer is Windows XP. So if it's a hardware issue, I just need to know what could be messing it up that would cause lag but not any system start up errors and what not. And if it's software, all that's on here is Windows, and it's the windows that came with the machine.

I actually didn't think to try doing anything after the fresh install before I loaded up the drivers. I could give that a try I guess. As for the Linux, no I haven't tried it, not too familiar with Linux, but I can probably give that a try.

Ok, I finally got a copy of Windows 7 trial, and so far, the lag is gone.