[nifflespink]

Hello,

I have an ongoing problem with my Sony Vaio PCG-K415B laptop.

The main prob is that sometimes it goes frustratingly slow and I can't for the life of me fathom out why. It's got a 3.06ghz processor, 512mb RAM and lots of room in both parts of the partitioned hard-drive. Compared to other machines with a lower spec it really doesn't perform as well as expected.

When it is being slow, I usually find when I check the task manager that the majority of the processor speed is being used by just one or two applications; for example at the moment all I have open is one Mozilla Firefox window (using either Mozilla or internet Explorer makes no difference) and it's using anything upto 70-80 %! The CPU usage is permanently on 100%). This happens a lot when I'm on the internet (and I've used different internet services...Broadband, Wireless, dial-up etc with various providers) not making any difference. It also happens when I'm not online, and am just trying to use programs such as Itunes/Media Player or Photoshop. I can't watch DVDs with ease because they go all jumpy - something is wrong!!

I've got computer techie mates to check it out and they've disabled un-needed programs, processes etc. I've uninstalled what I don't need, and I have reformatted the machine and none of this has helped! I've

I've tried various anti-virus progs, various spyware and adware removal programs; I've even tried Registry Mechanic and Windows Washer, but nope, still having problems. I regularly defrag it too. I've even tried propping the bottom up so air can get to the vents incase it's overheating!

I would appreciate it very very much is someone could be so gracious as to help.

[Dave Hybrid]

One.

If you have Norton remove it, it is very computer hungry and is the cause of 90% of slow computers.

Two

Google Avast anti-virus and install it, the home version is FREE.

Three.

Google Spy-Bot and install it, it is free and is the best spy-ware remover out.

Make sure when you Google these programs you don't click on the sponsored ads at the top, some smart ass is cashing in on people searching for these programs, select the first normal non sponsored result from Google's results.

Four.

Open control panel and select performance and maintenance, then system. Then select hardware from the top tabs. Then click device manager.

When in device manager find IDE controllers and expand the tree, select primary IDE controller and right click, then click properties. Select advanced from the top tabs and let me know what it says in the box marked "current transfer mode".

PIO is the slow limp mode windows resorts to when a PC hasn't been shut down properly a few times, this mode will cause your PC to be very very very slow, but can be fixed easily with a quick reset back to DMA mode.

Dave.

[Dave Hybrid]

Also remove any other anti-virus and spy-ware removers to stop them conflicting with the programs suggested above.

Those 2 programs are all you need.

Oh and registry programs cause more harm than good, unless you know how to re-install windows from scratch I'd steer well clear of them.

[nifflespink]

Originally Posted by Dave Hybrid When in device manager find IDE controllers and expand the tree, select primary IDE controller and right click, then click properties. Select advanced from the top tabs and let me know what it says in the box marked "current transfer mode". PIO is the slow limp mode windows resorts to when a PC hasn't been shut down properly a few times, this mode will cause your PC to be very very very slow, but can be fixed easily with a quick reset back to DMA mode. Dave.

Thanks for your help. With regards to the above...the current transfer mode under Primary IDE Channel is Ultra DMA Mode 5.

I did have Norton previously but uninstalled it when everybody said it's notorious for slowing systems down. It seemed to make not a lot of difference when I uninstalled it. I have been using AVG, and I already have spybot. Just installing Avast now.

If you can think of anything else that may be causing my computer to be slow, please let me know.

[Dave Hybrid]

DMA Mode 5 is the top one.

Have you added any other software recently.

Also Google "Norton removal tool".

Use that to clean off Norton completely as the normal uninstall does not do it all.

[nifflespink]

Well, I have tried all of the above...but yep, still having problems.

I'm losing hope...is there anything else I can do?

[alex]

hmmm....

Anyway, do me a favour (if you havn't already sorted it).

Open up task manager for me (right click on the bottom bar) once you've booted into windows. DONT open anything else up. And list the processes for me.