Opinions Wanted

[Mike]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.

Mike

Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
512 Megs RDRAM
Window XP Home Edition SP1
80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
SoundBlaster Live!
PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28

 

[Paul]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I don't usually respond to questions on this group, as I'm not very
knowledgeable about most of the ins-and-outs. But this topic I have had
some experience with. Take it for what it's worth.

Try all the other options others have mentioned first. If you still want to
reformat and re-intall, I can tell you what the Dell Tech told me. Format
the HD and install windows First. Start windows (it will start with the
built-in default drivers), place the Dell Resource CD in the drive. It
should autoplay, follow the on-screen instructions and it will automatically
determine which drivers are needed and walk you through installing them.
The Resource CD has the drivers for the network card, video & sound card,
etc. It may also have other programs, such as a CD-writer program, music
program, etc -- this varies according to what you bought with your system.

The Dell tech had me re-install when we could not clear up a 'dirty-bit' on
my C Drive and the whole process took about twenty minutes. Putting all my
other applications back on the HD took a bit longer

I would try the other suggestions first (scan disk, defrag, disk cleanup,
AdAware, Spybot S&D, etc). You may find enough performance improvement that
you might decide not to re-install.

As always, Backup your personal data before you re-install windows. I think
re-installing windows over itself or performing a Repair Install, will leave
your data intact. But you are not asking about this kind of
re-installation. If I'm wrong about this, someone please correct me.

Paul

P.S.
I just thought of something else that might be slowing your system. Check
what files run at startup. Do you really need all of these running
everytime your start your computer and taking up memory. A Google search
willl yield several good Startup monitoring programs. Two that I use are
Startup Control Center and WinPatrol 7.0 (which does other things besides
just monitoring and listing Startups)



"Mike" <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote in message
news:mm3bf09ahgd02h5g418e6j04lot5aeqgh3@4ax.com...
> I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
> real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
> best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
> drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
> first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
> this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
> but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Mike

 

[clint]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

You might want to begin by looking at spyware on your system, using Ad Aware
or Spybot.

If that doesn't solve it, I'd wipe out the drive and start fresh with a
WinXP installation. Then start installing the other pieces you want from
the other CD's.

Clint

"Mike" <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote in message
news:mm3bf09ahgd02h5g418e6j04lot5aeqgh3@4ax.com...
> I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
> real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
> best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
> drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
> first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
> this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
> but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Mike
>
> Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
> 512 Megs RDRAM
> Window XP Home Edition SP1
> 80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
> 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
> SoundBlaster Live!
> PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Mike;
If it is a software issue, a reinstall will solve it.
However start here for a far less drastic approach:
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/slowcom.htm

--
Jupiter Jones
http://www3.telus.net/dandemar/


"Mike" <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote in message
news:mm3bf09ahgd02h5g418e6j04lot5aeqgh3@4ax.com...
> I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's
once
> real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
> best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
> drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource
CD
> first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
> this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98
system
> but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Mike
>
> Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
> 512 Megs RDRAM
> Window XP Home Edition SP1
> 80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
> 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
> SoundBlaster Live!
> PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28
>

 

[nick]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Wed, 14 Jul 2004 19:55:48 GMT, in alt.sys.pc-clone.dell, Mike
<Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote:

>I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
>thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
>real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
>performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be.

How long since you last defragmented your hard drive(s)?

If the answer is a long time (or never...), you might try that first.


If you don't regularly check for Adware/Spyware, Trojans, Viruses, etc. a
scan of your system with up-to-date A-V and Adware/Spyware programs would
also be a good idea.

--
Nick <mailto:tanstaafl@pobox.com>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

After following all the other recommendations, do a disk cleanup followed by a
defragmentation of the hard drive.

Finally, see what programs have been installed on your behalf by (hopefully)
software installers for printers, CD burning software and whatever else is
attached to your system. Some of those desktop tray icons take up a lot of
system RAM, serve to advertise their product, and do little else unless you use
them regularly... Ben Myers

On Wed, 14 Jul 2004 19:55:48 GMT, Mike <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote:

>I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
>thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
>real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
>performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
>best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
>drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
>first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
>this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
>but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
>
>Mike
>
>Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
>512 Megs RDRAM
>Window XP Home Edition SP1
>80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
>64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
>SoundBlaster Live!
>PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28
>

 

[ted]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Mike" <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote in message news:mm3bf09ahgd02h5g418e6j04lot5aeqgh3@4ax.com...
> I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
> real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be.

I think others are pointing you in the right direction... try a tuneup
before you dive into a rebuild. I'd recommend something like:

- Backup important files
- Run Chkdsk with fix option
- Delete stuff you don't need. Uninstall programs you no longer use,
remove files you don't want, delete cookies, purge history and
MRU lists, etc.
- Run DiskCleanup
- Perform a full scan using updated antivirus, antispyware, and
antitrojan tools. I'd recommend one of the popular AV programs
and in addition, Lavasoft's Adaware (for spyware) and Moosoft's
The Cleaner (for trojans). Remove any malware that is found.
- Manually go to the Windows Update site and install all the patches
that apply to your machine (not just the critical updates).
- Do another DiskCleanup
- Run Disk Defragmenter
- Familiarize yourself with your startup items and services, disable things
if you are sure you don't need them.
- Double check that your security tools and settings are properly
configured.

 

[Mike]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

On Wed, 14 Jul 2004 19:55:48 GMT, Mike <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote:

Thanks for all the tips everyone. I did run Ad-aware and managed to
find a few things. I had checked for Trojans just recently and
Norton's System Works did find some registry problems. After a defrag
things are still about the same. Outlook Express take anywhere from
10 to 15 seconds to open when it used to take like 2. Same thing for
IE. I also note a real lag when I open a directory. It can take up
to 15 seconds to view the contents and I am talking a directory with
very few folders in it.

I did by Win Tasks Pro so I can track things better and I weeded
through my start up leaving only those items I could tell I need. I
plan on fooling around with it some more to see what I can do but I am
thinking I need to backup all my goodies and reformat this beast.

Once again thanks for all the info!

Mike

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

A reinstall won't fix the underlying causes of poor performance. Instead of
going through all the trouble of reinstalling, you would be better off to
learn how to maintain your computer, and protect it from viruses and
malware.

"Top 5 Things You Can Do To Improve Your System Performance"
http://service.dell.com/dell/kb/tech_support/view_article/1,,6418+6429+18780,00.html

Rocky

"Mike" <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote in message
news:mm3bf09ahgd02h5g418e6j04lot5aeqgh3@4ax.com...
> I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
> real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
> best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
> drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
> first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
> this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
> but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Mike
>
> Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
> 512 Megs RDRAM
> Window XP Home Edition SP1
> 80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
> 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
> SoundBlaster Live!
> PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

BS.

A reinstall will clean up everything. If you EVER install and uninstall
programs, it will eventually slow down.

Tom
"Rocket J. Squirrel" <rocky@bullwinkle.com> wrote in message
news:aPbKc.14512$Mh.11151@cyclops.nntpserver.com...
> A reinstall won't fix the underlying causes of poor performance. Instead
of
> going through all the trouble of reinstalling, you would be better off to
> learn how to maintain your computer, and protect it from viruses and
> malware.
>
> "Top 5 Things You Can Do To Improve Your System Performance"
>
http://service.dell.com/dell/kb/tech_support/view_article/1,,6418+6429+18780,00.html
>
> Rocky
>
> "Mike" <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote in message
> news:mm3bf09ahgd02h5g418e6j04lot5aeqgh3@4ax.com...
> > I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> > thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
> > real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> > performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
> > best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
> > drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
> > first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
> > this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
> > but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
> >
> > Mike
> >
> > Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
> > 512 Megs RDRAM
> > Window XP Home Edition SP1
> > 80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
> > 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
> > SoundBlaster Live!
> > PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28
> >
>

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Since when do you use the term 'BS'? Or is this Weezy back to his old
tricks? Some people just never grow up.

Rocky

"Tom Scales" <tomtoo@softhome.net> wrote in message
news:CZednYrnf8cOLmTdRVn-ug@comcast.com...
> BS.
>
> A reinstall will clean up everything. If you EVER install and uninstall
> programs, it will eventually slow down.
>
> Tom
> "Rocket J. Squirrel" <rocky@bullwinkle.com> wrote in message
> news:aPbKc.14512$Mh.11151@cyclops.nntpserver.com...
> > A reinstall won't fix the underlying causes of poor performance. Instead
> of
> > going through all the trouble of reinstalling, you would be better off
to
> > learn how to maintain your computer, and protect it from viruses and
> > malware.
> >
> > "Top 5 Things You Can Do To Improve Your System Performance"
> >
>
http://service.dell.com/dell/kb/tech_support/view_article/1,,6418+6429+18780,00.html
> >
> > Rocky
> >
> > "Mike" <Mike@SunnyOrlando.com> wrote in message
> > news:mm3bf09ahgd02h5g418e6j04lot5aeqgh3@4ax.com...
> > > I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> > > thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
> > > real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> > > performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
> > > best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
> > > drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
> > > first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
> > > this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
> > > but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
> > >
> > > Mike
> > >
> > > Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
> > > 512 Megs RDRAM
> > > Window XP Home Edition SP1
> > > 80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
> > > 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
> > > SoundBlaster Live!
> > > PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28
> > >
> >
>
>

 

[ted]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

"Tom Scales" <tomtoo@softhome.net> wrote in message news:CZednYrnf8cOLmTdRVn-ug@comcast.com...
> BS.

I scratched my head for a second, until I realized what he was
really saying... that not properly maintaining your computer is
a/the problem, and you'll still have that problem even if you do
a reinstall.

> A reinstall will clean up everything. If you EVER install and uninstall
> programs, it will eventually slow down.

As I said in a pervious message, I've never encountered that, or
if I did, it wasn't noticeable with a like/identical reinstalled box
sitting next to mine. Do you feel that installing and uninstalling
programs causes some "problem" that can't be addressed
through diligent maintenance? If so, care to elaborate on what
that is?

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

I think just agreeing to disagree is best. Perhaps you don't 'stress' your
computer with as many installs/uninstalls as I do.

Tom
"Rocket J. Squirrel" <rocky@bullwinkle.com> wrote in message
news:l0zKc.9660$5Y.7861@cyclops.nntpserver.com...
> Ben is right, of course. A reinstall "works" because it erases
everything --
> including all the problems caused by lack of maintenance and by not
> protecting your PC from viruses and malware. If these underlying causes
are
> not addressed, you'll be needing to reinstall a lot.
>
> However, if you use your computer smartly, which doesn't require being a
> computer genius, your performance will be as solid and zippy as it always
> was.
>
> Moreover, the smart way to reinstall these days is to restore a known good
> image. Just a few minutes and you're back in the saddle.
>
> Rocky

 

[Guest]

Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (More info?)

Mike wrote:

> I have had my Dell 8200 for little over a year now. I have been
> thinking about re-formating or re-intalling WinXP to reclaim it's once
> real fast speed. Now apps open rather sluggishly and overall
> performance is rather sub-par from what it used to be. Would it be
> best to just re-install WinXP or do a complete reformat of the hard
> drive ? And if I reformats should I install from the Dell Resource CD
> first then WinXP ? I can't seem to find on the Dell web site where
> this information is kept. I did have it for my old Dell Win98 system
> but have long since lost that. Any input would be appreciated.
>
> Mike
>
> Dell 8200 2.53 Ghz
> 512 Megs RDRAM
> Window XP Home Edition SP1
> 80 Gig 7200 RPM IBM Hard Drive
> 64MB DDR NVIDIA GeForce4 Ti 4200
> SoundBlaster Live!
> PHILIPS DVD+RW-D28
>
The rest of the group is right....spywrare removal will help...also go
to www.blackviper.com and you will find xp services that can be disabled
safely.Many are not needed....Black Viper is a wealth of information on
the WindowsXP os...He has helped me speed up my computer and by reading
him learned alot about XP...Peace..Harry