[Ham-Computers] RE: Slow problem

[Hsu, Aaron (NBC Universal)]

Virus or an app with a severe memory leak is a thought.  If you're running WinXP, check your process list (running apps) for any unfamiliar apps.  While you're at it, check the "Commit Charge" levels and compare them with the amount of "Physical" memory available.

In WinXP, you can do both of these by right-clicking on the Task Bar -> Properties.  The "process list" tab shows running apps (not all, but many) and the "Performance" tab will show you the "Commit charge" and "Physical" memory levels.

The "Total" Commit Charge is the amount of RAM currently being used by all the apps running - this number includes any amount used by the paging file.  The "Peak" Commit Charge is the max amount of RAM (+paging file) used since the last reboot.  If either of these numbers is close to or greater than the amount of "Total" "Physical Memory" (also shown on the Performance tab), then either something's up, or, you really need to install more RAM.

Have you tried a "CHKDSK /F" to check for logical disk problems?  This needs to be run from a Command Prompt and Windows will do this on the next reboot if the drive in question is the system drive.  Logical disk problems often cause problems in Windows.  Also, you can also do a "CHKDSK /R" to have Windows run a full drive scan to "recover" data in bad areas of the disk.  It might take a while depending on the size of the HD and the number of errors encountered.  CHKDSK generally works well for "logical" problems, but it's not the best tool for recovering data on a failing drive.  If you have an alternative application, you might want to use it instead.

There are some tell-tale signs of a failing HD - slow access, "clicking", strange "noise" (such as a bad bearing), etc.  If you suspect the HD, go to the HD manufacturer's website, download their specific HD diagnostic program, and run it.

73 & GL,

  - Aaron Hsu, NN6O


-----Original Message-----
Sent: Monday, May 07, 2007 5:50 AM
Subject: [Ham-Computers] Slow problem

I thought that I had seen it all, but I have run into a problem that has me stumped for a solution.

The machine has slowed to a crawl when starting up or accessing programs.  I just tried to view a picture and it took over four minutes for it to come up.

I have run all of the conventional checks: defrag, memory usage, CPU load, cache and history clean, registry clean and defrag, cookies, minimum amount of desktop icons, etc., etc., ad naseum.

I suspect that the problem might be the hard drive, but every check I run shows that the drive is operating ok.

Does anyone have a idea of what might be wrong and/or how to determine what is causing the problem?

Your help will be greatly appreciated.

TIA
73

Gene, WØQFC (OK on QRZ)
Spring Hill, Florida 34606
WEB SITE:
http://www.w0qfc.com

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