Windows 7: Tips for fast memory and more hard disk space?

Hello

I would like to know if there is any way I can make my computer faster and/or reduce the amount of disk space that has already been consumed.

Here are the Specs

Hard Disk Space: 151 GB out of 221 GB
Installed Memory: 3.00 GB

PS: I checked my Windows Experience Index, and this is what I got

Processor: 4.6
Memory (RAM): 4.9
Graphics: 3.3
Gaming Graphics: 3.1
Primary Hard Disk Space: 5.1
Overall [ determined by the lowest subscore ] : 3.1

Is there any way to get higher ratings for these criteria?

PPS: I'm told that it's possible to raise my PC's memory without changing any hardware (i.e. through software). Is this true? If so, are there any safe websites where I could download the software to do this?

Thank You

This is false. RAM and HDD are physical hardware components they can not be increased through software.

You can do things to improve the performance of a computer. Although these options depend on your system. Most computers that come from companies like Dell or Gateway etc. are locked down so you cant change many options

The easiest way to increase your RAM is to buy another matching stick of RAM and install it in the computer.

But we need way more info than your original post. If you could, please fill out your system specs: http://www.sevenforums.com/profile.php?do=extra

And I will look for further "tweaks" to help you out.

Here is a guide for Optimizing Windows: Optimize Windows 7

I would do Step 11 first since you have more than half your Hard Drive Filled

But I would not do Step 13.

And a guide on Replacing/Upgrading/Adding RAM: How to Upgrade Your PC's RAM | PCWorld

Meikor,
The best favor you can do your system is a SSD.

I dont know if he can put an SSD in there if its for his System Specs Comp:

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c01295820.pdf

I hear ya though an SSD is the best upgrade right now. going from 3G to 4G of RAM will not do as much. An SSD would be great, but he doesn't have room for two (one SSD for OS one HDD for Data). He would have to run the whole thing from an SSD and would need a higher capacity SSD which might be out of budget? http://www.google.com/search?q=124+S...w=1366&bih=585

He will be able to put in either a 128GB or 256GB which would replace his present drive. True 128 gb is less than what he has but heck that's what I've got and I'm not even using half of it.

Large external hard disks are fairly cheap nowadays, so if performance is a goal having your data on two external drives (one primary, one backup) and an internal SSD is the way to go if you cannot afford a large (500+GB) internal SSD. Adding a GB of RAM is only going to help if you're already consuming most of those 3GB with data during normal use (other than Superfetch cache), and upgrading a CPU isn't the speed bump it used to be either.

Melkor,

Can we be of further assistance?

I updated my system specs as you said. I don't think I can upgrade to an SSD becuase my HP is a 2007/2008 Model, but then that's for you guys to decide.
Regarding upgrading my memory by changing the hardware, I don't I can do it. At the moment, buying is out of the question because I don't think buying RAM or Upgrading to SSD is within my budget (these are tough times after all). However, in case I do get the money, please post a list of possible SSD's and RAM cards.

Regarding my motherboard, I hav no clue because I have no idea how to figure that out without taking my computer apart.

As far as adding more ram, as long as you're running 32 bit Windows don't bother as you will get little to on benefit from it as Windows will only be able to use around 3-3.5 GB of it depending on what needs addressing space.

As for increasing hard drive space, uninstall any unused programs, burn to DVD or move to an external hard drive any seldom used movies/music/documents/etc. That or get a bigger hard drive.