Windows 7 in Classic mode is still slow

ineuw · 09 Sep 2014

I optimized Windows 7 for speed and use the legacy Windows looks (toolbar, Windows explorer options & desktop), and stlll find that the softwares used are slower than they were in Win XP. The softwares are very basic and puts minimal load on the resources with the exception of Mozilla products of which I am aware. They are:

Textpad
Irfanview
Autohotkey

Firefox current versions
Thunderbird current versions

I can accept that Mozilla products are somewhat slow, but what would slow down the response of the other software listed? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated.

Brink · 09 Sep 2014

Hello ineuw,

Looking at your system specs, I'd say that only having 2 GB of RAM doesn't help performance to much. Usually I'd recommend at least 4 GB for 32-bit Windows and 8 GB for 64-bit Windows.

For now, not having to much running at the same time can help.

If you haven't already, check the items listed in the tutorial below to see if it can help some as well. :)

Optimize Windows 7

ineuw · 10 Sep 2014

Thanks, the link to optimization is an excellent guide

Brink · 10 Sep 2014

You're welcome. :)

andrew129260 · 10 Sep 2014

I also want to add here:

Optimize for best performance actually does the opposite of what it says-

In fact, having aero turned on uses your gpu to power the gui, where having aero off forces your cpu to power the gui. If you have a weak video card, in some circumstances this will improve performance. But having aero on for most pcs that can handle it is better and lets the interface (gui) run more smoothly. Turning unwanted effects off is good and fine, but I would at least keep on desktop composition, and use visual styles on windows and buttons. Those 2 items are all that is needed for aero to work. Every other box you can uncheck if you desire.

ineuw · 10 Sep 2014

andrew129260 said:

I also want to add here:

Optimize for best performance actually does the opposite of what it says-

In fact, having aero turned on uses your gpu to power the gui, where having aero off forces your cpu to power the gui. If you have a weak video card, in some circumstances this will improve performance. But having aero on for most pcs that can handle it is better and lets the interface (gui) run more smoothly. Turning unwanted effects off is good and fine, but I would at least keep on desktop composition, and use visual styles on windows and buttons. Those 2 items are all that is needed for aero to work. Every other box you can uncheck if you desire.

This is great - many thanks. I did as recommended by customizing the settings. Never having seen aero before it is quite beautiful - always selected the simplest XP environment. Speed is not an issue. It is fast. Thanks again.