Slowdown hell on my laptop

[Jingthing]

I've just got a cheap laptop with minimal RAM (use external drives) but it's been working more than well enough for my needs, and need for speed.

Windows 10.

However, recently a MAJOR SLOWDOWN.

There were memory related crashes related to opening video for awhile but not big deal.

Now it's getting to be almost unusable.

Major slowdowns on most everything, especially when doing multiple things, but sometimes just one thing.

For example, just deleting files, a nightmare.

Delete it and goes quickly enough to 99 percent, then it hangs for a really long time, freezing doing anything else until it finishing. Always with the 99 percent. Loading an AVI file takes MINUTES also freezing system while waiting! I've never seen that before.

Changing name of a directory. Change it and then also a long hang/freeze as when deleting files until the change is complete.

Of course I suspected viruses and spyware.

Scanned with Panda and also Malwarebyte. Minimal finds.

Then did a major clean up with Iobit's comprehensive cleanup utilities.

Yeah Iobit cleaned a bunch of stuff, too numerous to mention.

Symptoms still there, maybe a little bit more usable, but still with the 99 percent stall on deletes and all the other slowdowns.

Not sure what I can do now except buy another computer. Any other ideas? I thought about adding RAM but it worked fine for a long time with the current RAM, so would that really help?

Edited June 8, 2016 by Jingthing

[Jingthing]

Also the same 99 percent long hangs on copying or moving files.

Also often long hangs just posting on this forum.

I can see the RAM usage.

It goes to typically 70 percent when copying files but normally much lower.

[Rob13]

It's Windows 10? Try reinstalling; after saving your files.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Rob13

[robblok]

Just check if your hard disk isnt almost full.

Check task manager when your deleting files maybe some background task is slowing it all down.

[Jingthing]

Just check if your hard disk isnt almost full.

Check task manager when your deleting files maybe some background task is slowing it all down.

My local C drive which I assume is the critical one for processes such as web stuff has plenty of space.

I've got multiple externals, one is almost full, but it's usually been almost full and not an issue before.

I did look at task manager before and couldn't see a problem but I'll look again.

Thanks.

[Jingthing]

It's Windows 10? Try reinstalling; after saving your files.

I thought of that. Not sure it would help. But suppose that's what to do before trashing the device entirely.

Not even sure how that works. I upgraded from 8 on this device which came when new. Obviously don't have a copy of Windows to reinstall. So that's possible for me? Sorry if that's too dumb a question.

Not really worried about files, I generally keep everything on externals and back up C drive stuff there.

But reinstalling programs is a pain of course.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Jingthing

[Stray]

As Rob13 suggested, reinstall.

Had the same deal. Like yourself, I have an upgrade from Windows 8.1.

Just 2 months ago Windows 10 would start normally but, within several minutes, would run at a crawl.

First up, assumed virus/malware/what-have-you.

Finally, backed everything up and performed a 'factory' reinstall. After the pain of reloading all the programmes, applications and files, all is back to normal.

EDIT: to add; the reinstall option is an option that is provided under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Stray

[Rob13]

If it's 10 there's a built in re-install function. Not difficult to do but you lose all your setting and have to reset them.

Before doing that you could try moving all your files to an external drive so there's only the OS on the laptop drive and see if that helps.

How many GBs is the HDD?

Edited June 8, 2016 by Rob13

[lostinisaan]

Minimal Ram? How much is minimal? 2 GB? Are you running W 10 Pro?

As already mentioned, is your C drive full? Have you tried to clean your disc of all spam?

I don't really think that Panda is a good program and it does slow down some machines with a low memory.

What about the fragmentation of your machine? If you're only having 2 GB of Ram go to the next Advice shop, these memory sticks are dead cheap by know. They'll put one in and if I were you, I'd upgrade your memory to 6 GB. ( Then you only have to add a 4 GB card.

Spend 400 baht for one year full protection from Kaspersky, make a system image once your system is running well, create a rescue disc in case of a boot failure.

I'm using Macrium Pro as a perfect back up and restore program. But even the free version is great, I've tried it a couple of times.

Please download and install this program to see what memory you've got and which one fits: http://www.crucial.com/usa/en/systemscanner

Edited June 8, 2016 by lostinisaan

[robblok]

Just check if your hard disk isnt almost full.

Check task manager when your deleting files maybe some background task is slowing it all down.

My local C drive which I assume is the critical one for processes such as web stuff has plenty of space.

I've got multiple externals, one is almost full, but it's usually been almost full and not an issue before.

I did look at task manager before and couldn't see a problem but I'll look again.

Thanks.

Yes local drive C is the one you should be concerned about, if its not full then it should be good.

The task manager can show you what program is using the processor and memory at the time your computer slows down. It might give you an indication. I have had a program that conflicted slowing my computer down in the past.

[lostinisaan]

As Rob13 suggested, reinstall.

Had the same deal. Like yourself, I have an upgrade from Windows 8.1.

Just 2 months ago Windows 10 would start normally but, within several minutes, would run at a crawl.

First up, assumed virus/malware/what-have-you.

Finally, backed everything up and performed a 'factory' reinstall. After the pain of reloading all the programmes, applications and files, all is back to normal.

EDIT: to add; the reinstall option is an option that is provided under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

When you Reset the PC, you've got the option to keep your files. But I'd only keep them if a proper Anti virus scanned them.

I don't think Panda is a good one.

[lostinisaan]

It's Windows 10? Try reinstalling; after saving your files.

I thought of that. Not sure it would help. But suppose that's what to do before trashing the device entirely.

Not even sure how that works. I upgraded from 8 on this device which came when new. Obviously don't have a copy of Windows to reinstall. So that's possible for me? Sorry if that's too dumb a question.

Not really worried about files, I generally keep everything on externals and back up C drive stuff there.

But reinstalling programs is a pain of course.

You don't need a CD to Reset the PC, it will automatically take over your key. But if you're only using 2 GB, then upgrade your DDR 2, or DDR 3 memory first.

[Stray]

Just check if your hard disk isnt almost full.

Check task manager when your deleting files maybe some background task is slowing it all down.

My local C drive which I assume is the critical one for processes such as web stuff has plenty of space.

I've got multiple externals, one is almost full, but it's usually been almost full and not an issue before.

I did look at task manager before and couldn't see a problem but I'll look again.

Thanks.

Yes local drive C is the one you should be concerned about, if its not full then it should be good.

The task manager can show you what program is using the processor and memory at the time your computer slows down. It might give you an indication. I have had a program that conflicted slowing my computer down in the past.

If Jingthing has the same dramas as I had, Task Manager doesn't show any problematic programmes. The computer/laptop just runs slow/hangs up. Waiting it out also doesn't work.

Shutting down could only be achieved by holding down the power button. The machine starts normally (no errors) but, within a few minutes, everything is back to a snails pace.

[Stray]

As Rob13 suggested, reinstall.

Had the same deal. Like yourself, I have an upgrade from Windows 8.1.

Just 2 months ago Windows 10 would start normally but, within several minutes, would run at a crawl.

First up, assumed virus/malware/what-have-you.

Finally, backed everything up and performed a 'factory' reinstall. After the pain of reloading all the programmes, applications and files, all is back to normal.

EDIT: to add; the reinstall option is an option that is provided under Settings > Update & Security > Recovery > Reset this PC.

When you Reset the PC, you've got the option to keep your files. But I'd only keep them if a proper Anti virus scanned them.

I don't think Panda is a good one.

I use Vipre for my anti-virus, firewall etc.

After the reset (2 months ago) and reinstalling all of the same software and files, all is good.

[Jingthing]

I guess adding some RAM is cheap enough even before a windows reset. Probably still will need the reset but then more RAM later. I've got some important stuff I need to do in the next month so I might want to wait though. Read about RAM upgrade on my device. It's somewhat risky as it's designed poorly.

[Rob13]

More RAM also for about 60 bucks more you can add a solid state drive, guaranteed to make it faster.

Edited June 8, 2016 by Rob13

[lostinisaan]

I guess adding some RAM is cheap enough even before a windows reset. Probably still will need the reset but then more RAM later. I've got some important stuff I need to do in the next month so I might want to wait though. Read about RAM upgrade on my device. It's somewhat risky as it's designed poorly.

Jing, have you tried this program yet? BTW, you should upgrade your DDR Ram and then do the reset. Makes more sense.

Please install and see what you've got, it also tells you what DDR Ram you can put in. It should be the same brand.

http://www.crucial.c...n/systemscanner

Edited June 8, 2016 by lostinisaan

[slipperylobster]

oops.

too excited and posted twice.

Edited June 8, 2016 by slipperylobster

[slipperylobster]

Slows down when deleting files?

Call Hillary...she knows how to get rid of files......fast.

[lostinisaan]

Just check if your hard disk isnt almost full.

Check task manager when your deleting files maybe some background task is slowing it all down.

My local C drive which I assume is the critical one for processes such as web stuff has plenty of space.

I've got multiple externals, one is almost full, but it's usually been almost full and not an issue before.

I did look at task manager before and couldn't see a problem but I'll look again.

Thanks.

Yes local drive C is the one you should be concerned about, if its not full then it should be good.

The task manager can show you what program is using the processor and memory at the time your computer slows down. It might give you an indication. I have had a program that conflicted slowing my computer down in the past.

If Jingthing has the same dramas as I had, Task Manager doesn't show any problematic programmes. The computer/laptop just runs slow/hangs up. Waiting it out also doesn't work.

Shutting down could only be achieved by holding down the power button. The machine starts normally (no errors) but, within a few minutes, everything is back to a snails pace.

Jing's words: I've just got a cheap laptop with minimal RAM (use external drives) but it's been working more than well enough for my needs, and need for speed."

Using external drives usually does slow a low memory machine down. How's the situation when you disconnect the external drives, Jing??

[Chicog]

Task Manager, More Details (at the bottom if it's not already open), App History.

[White Christmas13]

Get rid of your avatar and it will work fine

[DogNo1]

A new machine may be in order. I just had a machine go south on me. An ASUS P8P67 EVO desktop. The Win 10 running on it was an upgrade from Win 7. Thought of putting in new SSD and doing a fresh install of Win 10 but oops! Win 10 is not supported on this old motherboard. I'll clone the existing SSD to an ADATA 960 and then have enough room to revert to an earlier restore point or to reset the machine. I knew that small SSD that I put in 6-7 years might become a problem. If I can't get the old ASUS MB working correctly, I'll replace it with a new Sabertooth!

[bendejo]

cheap laptop with minimal RAM (use external drives)

Checked Windows swap space?

External drives: USB connected? Aside from USB 2 vs USB 3 and the speed of the drives, sometimes cable connections can go goofy, like the ports on the computer or the device get a little worn, out of alignment, cable can go bad, etc. Doesn't hurt to pull out the cords and reconnect. If you have the drives in those cheap external enclosures it's possible the circuits may be going south. For an experiment unplug all the externals and see how the thing performs with just the laptop's drive.

I have had bad luck with secondary stuff, like software patches, incremental backups etc since I started using computers, so I say if you're going to re-install Win10 may as well scrub the C: drive and install it fresh.

[BB24]

Slows down when deleting files?

Call Hillary...she knows how to get rid of files......fast.

And I maybe another idea - stop typing such Liberal left-wing rubbish on TV forums - that would stuff up any computer

Sorry Jingthing - couldn't resist that - cheap shot - but funny??

But seriously - I am thinking the issue seems to be CPU 'lock' or 'loop' - that usually results from some sort of command conflict within the operating system.

And/or the CPU itself is overheationg because of lack of cooling.

I am not certain such problems will be resolved by adding more RAM etc - they will help overcome - but the problems will still remain.

I like the ideas about saving all your files on external hard drives - always do that regularly - and then re-installing the Win10 OS.

However - before doing that may I suggest doing a few other things first - and I think you are reluctant to run the risk of a complete stuffup if the re-install fails.

Here is what I would do - although please note I am running Win7 - I googled a few things to see how they are done in Win10 (you can check too).

The first thing I would do it take apart the laptop and clean the fan/cpu heatsink. Over time a lot of khhrapp builds up and sometimes this is what causes the CPU to overheat.

Google your laptop name/model and how to dismantle it or how to clean fan - go through the video slowly and keep everything in order (for reassembly).

If you need to take off the CPU/Heatsink - you can get new heatsink (thermal) paste at a PC shop (and isopropul alcohol to clean old paste off - dont use anything else - never reuse old paste).

Or you can give the laptop to a shop and ask them to do it - but maybe they use metho or turps or petrol and a short while later the CPU fries itself - up2u.

The other hardware fix to check is the RAM itself and how it is working - maybe replace and maybe also add some too.

http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/14201-memtest86-test-ram.html

Hopefully those two things above fix the problem before doing anything serious with software. But even if those do resolve the CPU from overheating and locking up - it is still a good idea to do a system tidy up. After doing each of these following steps - shut down and restart the laptop - dont do a few of them together. Shutting down and restart lets system 'reset' itself. And never do anything like this without having the laptop plugged in - a battery fail can completely stuff things up.

1. If you are OK with Win10 - then remove all old Win7 (or Win8) OS files - they are still there in case you want to 'revert'.

http://www.tenforums.com/performance-maintenance/35996-how-delete-old-windows-file-folder.html

2. Run command sfc scannow - this inbuilt file/system check programs will identify and resolve any corrupt system files.

http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/2895-sfc-command-run-windows-10-a.html

3. Use an OS 'cleaner' like CCleaner - I paid for and use the Pro Version - free version does most things anyway - very useful getting rid of rubbish files clogging things up.

4. Use Windows own disc cleaner program as well - go to advanced tab and use it to delete all the old software update files (CCleaner etc cannot remove these) - it is slow but effective.

http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/3012-disk-cleanup-open-use-windows-10-a.html

5. Uninstall any programs you do not need/use - via control panel (or check forum).

6. Turn off any windows features if you dont need them - eg. indexing service or windows search etc etc - they all waste resources if not used (many on by default).

Best to research which ones to get rid of - some obvious and others not so obvious. Again - how to is on the forum and other sites can say what you need and dont need.

7. By the sounds of it you may have a hard drive capacity issue or configuration. When deleting files or accessing files the OS actually needs space to move/delete - and this sometimes involves a partitioned drive - and sometimes the OS partition becomes too full (and/or RAM). I have no idea if you have a partitoned drive or enough RAM - but it is not obvious in windows explorer - you need to use the specialist inbuilt system software program. This link shows how to use the Win10 Computer Management Console - but before doing anything here always backup files and take it slowly and carefully. I would do everything above first and then set aside a few hours to have a go at this sort of thing - only if necessary.

http://www.tenforums.com/tutorials/34661-administrative-tools-open-windows-10-a.html

And if all else fails - vote Trump

[IMA_FARANG]

Microdoft operating systems are famous for leaving "clutter" on a hard drive after a period of use.

There is a progrsm I use called

[slipperylobster]

Put Linux Tahr Puppy on a thumb drive. Boots in Ram and you can use the same browser.

Set your Bios to boot off the USB.

You will not be selling the laptop for very much...so might as well put a smaller operating system on there.

Very slight learning curve...best to have somebody do it for you.

Otherwise these steps. First clean your fan...make sure it is running..if your laptop is overheating, the cpu runs slow (mentioned before).

It has been awfully hot. Take it in an aircon room and blow a fan through the fan opening. Elevate it. Listen if the fan is whirring.

1. Defragmentation

2. Install Piriform CCleaner

a. check startups

b. clean registry.

c. general cleaning.

3. Malware check with Malwarebytes

4. Use your antivirus or the free version of Avast.

5. Try an "Optimizer" program...many out there

6. Update your drivers

7. If all else fails Reinstall.

****If you are hooked on windows, Windows 7 starter is much better for smaller ram. (has a few features missing like dual monitors, desktop background, Internet sharing)

Otherwise...try that Tahr puppy out for bare bones laptops that run slow.

[kkerry]

You're all missing the obvious.

69,542 posts on Thai Visa would slow down anyone's computer...

[Horatio Poke]

Have you tried either of the shutting down and restarting it or the more advanced unplug it and plug it in again remedies? (or maybe a combination of the two?)

The above usually fixes anything.

[KhunBENQ]

A lot of tips shooting to the dark.

Do you know how to open the Windows Event Viewer?

Open the System log and filter for critical/error/warning events.

Bet you have a lot.

You could also clear all windows event logs, restart and use the device until the problems occur (recommended as you will have thousands of events currently).

Then do the above steps.

I bet that there is something wrong with a piece of hardware, faulty/missing driver leading to long timeouts etc.

Running out of memory would be easy to watch with the task manager of course.

But your symptoms sound too dramatic for such trivial stuff.

My only critical currently, power drop/outage on May 26.

The price for not using a UPS.

Edited June 9, 2016 by KhunBENQ