[AT] OT computer slowdown

[Cecil E Monson]

> Cecil,
> I was pretty sure that you would have the tools I mentioned
> installed on your system, I mentioned them mainly for the
> benefit of those that might not.
> I agree that you pay a performance price for everything
> that runs in the SysTray when the system boots up. You
> can either remove these, close them or modify them so
> they don't start when the system does. I have a program
> that runs my scanner that wants to "help me" by starting
> up with the computer. I don't really need this unless I'm
> going to scan stuff, so I've modified it's properties so
> it doesen't "help" any more.
> Since you are now on XP, you should also have at least
> 256Mb of RAM, 512Mb would be even better. That will help
> some with the memory "caching" which is indicated by lots
> of disk activity. This is caused by the memory being full
> so the system uses the hard drive to store what is already
> in memory so it can write something else to memory.
> Another tip is to set your swap file size to double the
> size of your memory.
> Hopefully, your system is not already optimized and one
> or more of these tips will help.
> 
> Phil


	Good morning, Phil. Some days I can use all the help I can
get when it comes to computers. I turned on my first ever computer
a day or so after I turned 65 after I retired. Up until then, I always
had a secretary or supervisors who worked for me that did the computer
stuff. Having been spoiled for so long did not help me a bit. grins.

	I'm sending this off-List as my mail is not going thru again
this morning and is being rejected as spam by Spencer's server.

	I bought this computer 3 years ago this time of the year with
XP on it and 512 Mb RAM. It has an 80 Gb hard drive and I installed
a second hard drive with 120 Gb just for my photos and scans of manuals.
So far it has been an almost bullet proof system and I like XP a lot.
I had 95, 98, and ME before this one and none of them were that reliable.
My only problem with this computer is it loses track of my two CD/DVD
drives. They just plain disappear from the list in My Computer. I took the
case and set it on the dining room table and removed the cover thinking
it might be a cable problem. I didn't find any loose but snugged them
up anyhow. When I hooked it back up, it had found the DVD/ROM player but
not the other one. So, I am pretty well convinced it must be a cabling
problem and I just happened to touch the cable that is giving the problem.
I'm going to go thru the procedure again today or tomorrow and see if I
can get them both back.

	One thing about this system, I have never been able to get the
Disc Defrag to run all the way to completion. It takes so long that it
times out or something and kicks out about half way thru. I am going to
try the F-8 or Control key and try the Defrag in Safe mode and see if it
helps. One thing that doesn't help is I have an automatic commercial
backup program on here that backs up my computer every night between
midnight and 5:00AM that probably is interfering with the defrag. I have
it shut off now as well as shutting off my Norton Virus scan before I
start the Defrag. I'm learning but it is a slow process.

	Thanks for the help and best regards, Cecil
-- 
The nicest thing about telling the truth is you never have to wonder
what you said.

Cecil E Monson
Lucille Hand-Monson
Mountainville, New York   Just a little east of the North Pole

Allis Chalmers tractors and equipment

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