can I speed up my computer or do i need new 1?

[Curtis]

hello

so my computer has been getting slower and slower because itss getting old. I dont remember when I got it but it has been at least 2 years and its really really slow now. when it was new it would turn on in like 1 minute now it takes like 10 minutes just to turn on. I cant install any new games because theres never enough memory on it and its just really really slow. Now I at first want to go to best buy and just buy a new one but then I saw that they have a service where they can speed up your computer. I dont want to waste my money and maybe I can do it myself.

Can someone help me out on how I can speed up my computer?

[kujoe2002]

hello

so my computer has been getting slower and slower because itss getting old. I dont remember when I got it but it has been at least 2 years and its really really slow now. when it was new it would turn on in like 1 minute now it takes like 10 minutes just to turn on. I cant install any new games because theres never enough memory on it and its just really really slow. Now I at first want to go to best buy and just buy a new one but then I saw that they have a service where they can speed up your computer. I dont want to waste my money and maybe I can do it myself.

Can someone help me out on how I can speed up my computer?

There isn't enough information to go on. Please submit the following info:

Brand:
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(If this is a custom build) enter the following:

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There are many people who could make recommendations but not enough info as to what you are running to give good suggestions. Also when was the last time you checked it for malware/viruses? Have you ever run a defrag, etc. What clean up HAVE you done?

[Curtis]

It is a

"Dell Inspiron 545" with Intel and Windows Vista.

It runs Anti virus program all the time its on. I dont have the defrag program. I did some clean up by deleting some mp3s and porn that I had but it didnt help much I think it just needs more memory

[BernieDD]

Hardware failures can also make your computer run slow. Examples might be: 1) hard drive with bad sectors, making it hard for the system to read data off the hard drive platter; 2) bad capacitors that allow a lot of ripple voltage into the motherboard system; 3) bad power supply that can't deliver enough juice; 4) overheating issues that can be due to dust-clogged cooling vents or failing fans; 5) bad memory stick.

[JabberJaw]

suggest you start by running a full antivirus scan with latest virus definitions;

download and run the free programs Defraggler and CCleaner available at http://www.piriform.com/products
(in CCleaner, be sure to run both the main Cleaner and the Registry cleaner);

check your startup programs and explorer add-ins and remove any 3rd-party toolbars and such that you don't need

make sure your windows, java, and flash are updated

[kujoe2002]

I would definitely start with what JabberJaw recommends.

Based on the specs of that model (C2Q Q8200, 8GB DDR3, 1TB HDD), there shouldn't be a significant issue in performance unless you're having issues with your hardware. Unless you are doing serious gaming or audio/video editing, you have enough RAM. Could you use more? Sure but that isn't the issue. How full is your hard drive? My recommendation is to see if your motherboard can support 16GB of RAM. Go to crucial.com and run the memory scanner. RAM is so cheap these days and your OS should be able to handle it (since your comp comes with more than 4GB or RAM). The real benefit (IMO) is for you to get a 200 GB HDD (SSD if you can afford it) and then install your OS and program files on it. Slave the 1TB HDD that came with your DELL for only data storage (music, video, documents, drivers, etc). As spinning disks get full, there is a slowdown in performance. Unless your HDD is completely full, then I'd put my money on your computer being infested or running too many processes at the same time. Run msconfig and see what items are starting up when you boot the computer. Shut down all unnecessary applications (printer software, music players, or 3rd party software not preinstalled with your PC). Also run routine maintenance. Every 2 weeks to a month, run CC cleaner and clear your junk. That's where I would start.

Shut down the A/V from running constantly. If you are a smart consumer, then running the A/V all the time is not necessary. Ever since I became a smart consumer, I have never had viruses or trojans (or even malware).

I had an old machine running Q9550 @ 2.83, 8GB DDR3 and WD 200 GB 7200 RPM HDD and I never had performance issue because I kept it cleaned and free of viruses.

[TAZTG]

Dell's normally come with a Restore DVD.
If all else fails to speed up the system you could try backing up all your important files (mp3's, games, porn, etc).
Then reformat your system back to it's original configuration. I am sure you find support if your not sure how or don't have the Restore DVD from Dell.