Ok - here's another question for all the smart folks out there (I'm dumb). How can I optimize my laptop's performance without adding hardware? I've noticed recently that the time in which my programs are starting up is reaaally slow. I've removed all my unnecessary programs and de-fragged. Anything else I can do? I checked wikipedia but obviously am not getting the right articles. Feel free to slap me silly and banish me to tech netherworld for the insolence!
check your startup menu through the msconfig utility. many times, you have things that get loaded up the minute you turn your machine on such as instant messaging programs, real player, winamp, adobe, and a gazillion other things that you actually do use on a regular basis. I highly recommend you get someone who knows what they're doing to check these for you.
Too many registry entries, too many TEMP files, too many "Temporary Internet Files", Restore/Backup watch hard drive reserve too large, etc. THEN make your defrag. Then download the POWERToys from Microsoft. Then change the Startup Menu speed. "Shut up, dork" is right.
What? I just disk cleanup to get rid of all my temp files. How do I get rid of the registry entries and fix the hard drive thing and change startup menu speed?
I am having similar problem when I try to run a program. It's taking longer and longer to open a program. Sometimes it takes almost 2 minutes to open a new IE browser. I have scanned my PC with almost every virus scanner out there but nothing has been found. I started having this problem after I reinstalled windows XP lately. Any advice?
What's your operating system? It depends on your OS, but you can go straight to the temporary directory for all Windows programs by going to "%TEMP%" (no quotes) on your "Start... Run..." dialog box, and clean that TEMPorary directory. You can also go to the "Services" and see what service you can do without. Some you need, some you don't. Usually the antivirus program is the one that takes the most memory while you're executing ANYTHING. Go to www.microsoft.com/downloads and search "Clean" and "registry" and see what you get. Also, download "PowerToys". They edit your registry for the stuff, like where to put your "My Documents" folder, n' such.
If you haven't messed with the virtual memory settings, increase the minimum cap to at least 1600 MBs. (right click My Computer -> Properties -> Advanced tab ->performance settings -> Advanced tab -> change -> Custom size button -> initial size "1536" -> set button -> ok) The max size is optional, but you won't get better gains after 1500 mb. It's not a substitute for more RAM, but your computer will be quicker.
