Archived from groups: alt.sys.pc-clone.dell (
More info?)
ben_myers_spam_me_not @ charter.net (Ben Myers) wrote:
> To figure out what is going on:
>
> First, download and run the disk drive manufacturer's diagnostic
> software. If the drive in your system is a Quantum, use the Maxtor
> diagnostics. There is no sense trying to solve complex software
> problems if the hardware is not 100% OK. Micro$oft SCANDISK is a
> poor, poor substitute for manufacturer's diagnostics. Did I say
> "poor"?
>
> Next, if the diagnostics show that the drive is in good health with
> ZERO bad sectors, remove all the temporary files from the systems
> using the built-in Disk Cleanup utility. Micro$oft's disk cleanup
> does an incomplete job, but it's a start. Also, delete all cookies
> and temporary internet files. They are a useless accumulation of
> files for most computers, unless you are running with real slow
> dialup.
>
> Next, boot up the system in safe mode and run a defrag, especially if
> a defrag has not been done for a few months. It may also be helpful
> to defrag the Windows registry, the Achilles heel of Windows.
>
> Next, if the system still behaves as before, download, update, and
> run both Spybot 1.3 and the latest Ad-Aware. Both are free, and both
> do a good job of removing spyware, adware, malware, and all the other
> ware secretly installed in your system.
>
> Finally, does the system become slow and unresponsive after you do
> any sort of sequence of operations, like document editing, printing,
> browsing?
>
> ... Ben Myers
>
> On Sun, 25 Jul 2004 22:32:14 -0400, "Judie & Randy Gehman"
> <randjg@comcast.net> wrote:
>
>> Our 3 yr. old Dim. 4100 (Win. 98se) has been acting up, with
>> frequent warning messages appearing and generally becoming
>> unresponsive after about 30 min. of use. A restart will restore
>> nearly normal operation, but my attempts to defrag show 0 %
>> progress 15 min. after the defrag command. Does this sound
>> like a hard drive on it's way south?
>>
>> Randy
In addition to Ben's recommendations, check out the necessity for all
auto-start programs. Start/Run command/type: msconfig...[enter]/select
the startup tab. Review each startup to identify its purpose and if it
is needed. Use this site as a guide to what each startup application is
doing:
http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
If the startup is not required, uncheck the box, but also make a note of
the application. Run each application and find the setting for "start
this application when Windows starts", etc, and disable it.
Q
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