Windows 7: Windows 7 unusable

I have just installed Windows 7 Ultimate on a machine that was formerly running Windows XP. I am now seeing a host of problems which render it unusable.

Firstly, deleting a folder is taking forever. I usually use Shift + Delete since I don't want to move thing to the Recycle bin. Almost every single time, part way through I get a report that files are in use. This is immediately after a reboot, so no other apps are running.

While files are being deleted, I am prevented from doing anything else - nothing responds. Windows, including the Startup menu appear invisible, or with just the outer frame showing, or completely black. Icons are missing from objects on the desktop.

I just tried to access Computer->Properties and got a message "The page failed to load".

I am running Intel Xeon CPU 3.00GHz, 2GB RAM, 32bit OS



Are others seeing such problems?

Hello normski, welcome to Seven Forums!



If it's a pretty new install, have a look at the tutorial at the link below.


Do a Repair Install to Fix Windows 7

After Repair Install, monitor Event Viewer>Custom>Admin View for repeat errors and resolve them by Googling number and exact text, or post back here for help.

Also, at the Computer>Properties WEI score link, click through to Advanced SYstem TOols to Generate A System Health Report and work through repeat errors in Performance Log. There may be issues cued on the Advanced Tools page when you open it.

Have you checked optional Windows Updates for newer drivers? Missing, old or bad drivers in Device Manager are a prime suspect. You want the drivers given by the installer and WINdows Updates unless performance issues dictate otherwise, then start looking for newer drivers on manufacturer's Support Downloads webpage, testing for example the factory chipset's latest drivers.

You can get specific driver help in the Drivers forum here.

Please fill on your specs.

Model Xeon
Model & Speed of your RAM. As well as what kind of configuration of RAM.(2x1gig sticks 4x512 gig sticks 1x2gig stick?)

What motherboard.

What wattage PSU.

If you did a clean or upgrade install.

All that will help us help U!

I know it sounds a pain but afresh reinstall wds with all updates should work fine

Yes, if the Repair Install doesn't set you right then you should strongly consider a clean reinstall:

Clean Install Windows 7

As Greg already suspected you may have a driver problem which would not amaze me because your system seems to be a few years old. Run the DPC Latency Checker and post the results.

The DPC Checker results were

Interval 1000
Current Latency ~150
Absolute 1091

"This machine should be able to handle real-time streaming of audio and/or video data without drop-outs"


Following the re-install, I am no longer seeing the problem with vanishing windows. However, the problem with file deletion remains. I am constantly being informed that my files are in use by some other program.

I tried using the Process Explorer to determine what was holding the file, but the file doesn't show in the Handles view. I also tried using LockHunter, but it too reported no locks against the files.

I finally managed to delete the files by running cmd as administrator, taking ownership, and using rmdir /R. These must have somehow got screwed up in the transition from XP to 7.

You must be running in a guest account. It sounds like you don't have permission to do hardly anything.
You should make sure your not running in guest mode and take ownership of your files.

No, I was running in an account with Admin privileges.