posted
Why would a dying computer( Power supply and hard drive on last legs) take several seconds or more to register mouse clicks, and then apparently lock up after the click "takes"? This is on a P4 win ME machine, cleaned up cache, no spyware, etc. Eventually the freeze unfreezes , and then I can go on to the next page I am visiting online. ANy ideas, computer gurus?
Hopefully I will be able to make it last until I can lay out the $ for the new barebones box. The local computer shop says they can build me one for $400 with modern but not space age specs. Every time I shut this one down I hold my breath it will restart. It's been on for weeks now.
-------------------- Bill Foshay Stephentown, NY ------------------------ "That's not a junkyard, It's my museum!" Posts: 40 | From: Stephentown, NY | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Your very next move is to Backup your important files. Slow response is either an overloaded CPU or overloaded memory or to many programs running in background. If it locks up then its time to get a geek to look at it if you need a hand.
Get a DELL they cheap and run great..
-------------------- Leaper of Tall buildings.. If you find my posts divisive or otherwise snarky please ignore them. If you do not know how then PM me about it and I will demonstrate. Posts: 5278 | From: Im a nowhere man | Registered: Jul 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Maybe you need more RAM or have bad RAM memory. Local computer guys couldn't give you any ideas what it could be? I know someone who recently installed a newer Norton on an older computer and had similar problems, more RAM solved his problem. If it's a P4 it's not that old is it? I'm not a computer expert just some ideas.
-------------------- Eric PA Posts: 149 | From: Intercourse, PA | Registered: Jun 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Just finished vacuuming out my daughter's computer. UNBELIEVABLE! The amount of dust could choke a horse, not to mention a CPU. Try dusting. A P4 may have a fan on the chip or it may just be so dirty that it can't cool off. Get in there with a can of air, and of course, be careful. Your computer's cooling fan may also be functioning poorly. A P4 is much newer than my P2 that has been going strong for over 3-4 years. You say your cache is clear. Check all of you temp files too. Clean 'em out so the newly dumped files have a place to go.Just finished vacuuming out my daughter's computer. UNBELIEVABLE! The amount of dust could choke a horse, not to mention a CPU. Try dusting. A P4 may have a fan on the chip or it may just be so dirty that it can't cool off. Get in there with a can of air, and of course, be careful. Your computer's cooling fan may also be functioning poorly. A P4 is much newer than my P2 that has been going strong for over 3-4 years. You say your cache is clear. Check all of you temp files too. Clean 'em out so the newly dumped files have a place to go.
Another quick check: Hit Control, Alt, Delete one time. Note which programs are running. Stop some that are unnecessary and note any that are suspicious. Maybe list them here if you feel okay with it. That will release some resources.
Another: Bottom left of the Desktop. Start, Run... type in " msconfig " and Enter. Go to the "Startup" tab and look at what the computer loads every time you start your computer. If you feel comfortable enough, uncheck some of the obvious incorrect options (you don't need weatherbug, now do you?) You can later, re-enter msconfig and re-check the items if necessary, they remain there with a little box. If in doubt, again, list some of the programs here, and I'm sure we can work through them systematically. Call if needed.
[ November 02, 2004, 09:02 PM: Message edited by: Gene Golden ]
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged |
""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3503 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
| IP: Logged |
posted
I did defrag the other night, and I have already done the majority of the suggestions above. Right now the mouse is cooperating quite nicely though it didn't immediately after the defrag.
The other day it locked up completely, and I had to unplug it to kill it. I couldn't get it to restart, as it sounded like it was trying to start an old desoto in sub zero weather inside the case. I came back last night after going to Philly, cranked the heat up in the room, and it started. Go figure.
As far as specs.. I know it is an AMD equivalent to the P4.. 80 gig HD, 128 memory maybe. If I can find the spec sheet that came with it I will repost. For now its working and for now I will be content. I've got Ebay auctions running (Truckntran seller name) and I need to keep it going for another couple of days before I do anything drastic.
-------------------- Bill Foshay Stephentown, NY ------------------------ "That's not a junkyard, It's my museum!" Posts: 40 | From: Stephentown, NY | Registered: Mar 2004
| IP: Logged |
posted
Two things regarding your last post...you always have to restart after defragging...my computer always lags then and it's a super fast machine.
The big red flag here is the 128 memory...the rest of the specs you mention are up to date but the memory lacks. You need to run 512 at least to deal with most anything these days. It's CHEAP...go buy some and pop it in...it's that easy. You'll notice a big difference.
And definitely dump ME...it's terrible.
-------------------- Kimberly Zanetti Purcell www.amethystProductivity.com Folsom, CA email: Kimberly@AmethystProductivity.com
“Organizing is what you do before you do something, so that when you do it, it is not all mixed up.” AA Milne Posts: 3723 | From: Folsom, CA | Registered: Dec 2001
| IP: Logged |
posted
Bill, You mentioned the cold. I used to keep a heater running near my computer whenever I left the shop for the night. If it was cold, it would whir and grind and whine as it attempted to start cold. As far as the memory goes, Kimberly is right, jump to 512. When buying it you need to know if the type of memory your computer uses is P90 or P100 or P133, something like that. You MAY be able to find that out by looking at the existing memory chip/card/whatchamacallit. Just make sure you know the Model, make, number etc of the computer before you go to CompUSA.
-------------------- Gene Golden Gettysburg Signs Gettysburg PA 17325 717-334-0200 genegolden@gettysburgsigns.com
"Art is knowing when to stop." Posts: 1578 | From: Gettysburg, PA | Registered: Jun 2003
| IP: Logged |
![[For Your Information]](graemlins/fyi.gif)
![[Rolling On The Floor]](graemlins/rolf.gif)
Printer-friendly view of this topic