Computer lags every couple seconds

Raargh · 03 Dec 2009

crazlunatic said:

Hi. I am running Windows 7 x64 and I have a problem where the computer lags every few seconds. For example, while I am typing this message, every couple words, the line cursor freezes, and then after a second, everything I type appears on screen.
Another example would be switching tabs in Firefox, clicking a tab, it would take a few seconds to switch. Going to a different program would have the same effect.

I ran MemTest for about 14 hours or so and passed. I have 8GB of RAM.

Does anyone know why this is happening?

I've seen this exact problem in FireFox, on both Win7 and XP. It's highly intermittent and seems to be dependent on other programs running in other FF windows. For example, I get it a lot when running Zenoss Enterprise in another FF Window.

I used to also get it a lot in XP even when not running Zenoss, but lately it has gone away. Lots of people have it, I don't think has anything to do with failing hardware. I've experienced it on a half-dozen or so different computers running XP, but not yet on Windows 7. The Zenoss support people also experience it, and also sometimes when not running Zenoss.

If you search the FF forums you can see a lot of gnashing and complaining, but no one seems to have an answer ...

Raargh

Raargh · 03 Dec 2009

BTW Process Explorer is free, maintained by MS, and beats the pants off of Task Manager! I love it dearly.

Computer lags every couple seconds-procx.jpg

Computer lags every couple seconds-proctray.jpg

Process Explorer

Raargh

crazlunatic · 06 Dec 2009

Yes I did and I need those programs since I actually use them

ryana1980 · 06 Dec 2009

Could it possibly have something to do with your power management settings? Perhaps something to do with the processor throttling. Maybe you could check your power settings and set it to "High Performance" and see if that solves the problem.

gregrocker · 06 Dec 2009

Was waiting for your specs to provide your HD diagnostics.

Each maker has its own. WD Data Lifeguard bootable works on many. Seagate has Seatools.

These diagnose and repair many problems and can save a HD if used in time.

Having chkdsk run at every startup points directly at failing HD.

crazlunatic · 07 Dec 2009

I use a Samsung HDJ 640GB. I've already provided my stats many times, are you guys looking for something else?

gregrocker · 07 Dec 2009

crazlunatic said:

I use a Samsung HDJ 640GB. I've already provided my stats many times, are you guys looking for something else?

Yes:

Computer lags every couple seconds-capture.png

crazlunatic · 07 Dec 2009

Just updated my specs

gregrocker · 07 Dec 2009

Samsung doesn't list diagnostic tools for that model, but the excellent Partition Wizard has a right click context menu Hard Drive Surface Scan and File System Scan. Free Download Partition Wizard

Since you tested the Memory, then I would also run sfc /scannow and see if there is any system file corruption.

I would then run a Repair Install from the desktop. A repair install in Win7 is an Upgrade over itself, which saves programs, files and settings in place but reinstalls the OS and reconfigures the boot. It only requires reactivation at Computer>Properties link.

Finally, was this an in-place Upgrade originally? These always have some level of corruption carried over so it would be hard to wring it all out with even a repair install. The ultimate solution is always the best one: A clean reinstall with format booting from the DVD.

crazlunatic · 07 Dec 2009

This is a completely new install and the same problem happens even after each reformat. I will try your suggestion and post with updates. Thanks