Upgrade from XP to Windows 7 - Problems !!

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  1. Posts : 1,102
    OEM Windows 7 Ult (x64) SP1
       #11

    Hi:

    Software and utilities aside, is it not the case that trying to run Win7 (albeit 32-bit) on a platform with 512 Mb of RAM (and a tiny hard drive and (as of the moment) unknown processor) is the limiting factor here???

    IOW, there's only so much "tweaking" one can do to software and settings, without upgrading the RAM, swapping out the HDD for SSD, etc.???

    OTOH, it may be throwing good money after bad with an old, old CPU. And the $$ might be better spent on a new computer???

    <just asking, trying to learn>

    MM
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #12

    I have now removed all things appertaining to IO Bit, including a download folder of 43,000kb. Using CCleaner I also found 14 registry issues, about 10 of which were related to IO Bit. The laptop seems to be running quicker now.
    I have IE, Mozilla Firefox, and Google Chrome installed. Then CCleaner; Glary Utilities; Foolish IT; Intel Proset wireless; and TalkTalk (phone and broadband). Some other progs. which I ran on an XP laptop, and were functioning properly and without problems, I have removed.

    Torchwood, as regards a screen shot, at the moment that is beyond my capabilties. I will try eventually.

    Concerning an upgrade 'kit', I have visited uk.crucial.com, and they have the following which I think is what is suggested in earlier posts in this thread : 2GB Kit DDR2 PC2-5300; Unbuffered. Non ECC; 1.8v; 128 Meg x 64.
    Price is £21-59p. Is this what I should be looking at ?
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 1,025
    Linux Lite 3.2 x64; Windows 7, 8.1
       #13

    If that's the correct denomination, here are some other prices.

    PC2-5300 -512 2gb in Computer Memory Ram | eBay
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #14

    Paul 1149, Thanks for that link, and I have had a look at the prices.
    torchwood, I have visited Black Vipers website, but it looks too complicated for me to attempt anything.

    I assume that fitting the upgrade would mean that the machine would be back to square 1, and would have to be reset ? At the present time I do not have any files, photographs, documents, etc. on this computer, other than the programs I mention above.
    Perhaps my best course of action would be to buy the upgrade part and get someone with professional expertise to fit it and re-install everything.
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 1,025
    Linux Lite 3.2 x64; Windows 7, 8.1
       #15

    Do you mean the memory upgrade? That's a simple matter of physically replacing or adding to the existing. You can watch youtube videos that show how it's done. You only need access to the RAM slots, usually with a small phillips screwdriver. This has nothing to do with Windows or any software installation. Just make sure you get the right memory.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #16

    Paul, Thanks for clarifying that point. I may just give it a try myself. I have found the 630m manual on line and there is a section showing how to get into the laptop. I will also have a look on Youtube, as you suggest.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #17

    Visiting the Dell Community forums, I have been informed that installing a 2GB memory will only increase performance by about 10% ?? Would that be correct ?
    And I gather that the next step, if performance does not increase dramatically, would be to replace the hard drive with another hard drive, or even with a SSD.
    Any thoughts and suggestions would be appreciated.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 2,497
    Windows 7 Pro 64 bit
       #18

    Going from 512 MB to 2 GB RAM would improve performance much more than 10%. How much more depends highly on the nature of the workload. There are many aspects to performance, some of which are greatly influenced by RAM size, some that are not. There is no meaningful way to quantify this.

    512 MB RAM is half the minimum supported RAM for 32 bit Windows 7 and I believe the minimum that will allow installation. I understand Windows 7 has run on as little as 256 MB RAM but that is a stunt, not a usable configuration.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 12
    Windows 7 Home premium 32 bit
    Thread Starter
       #19

    LMiller7, Thanks for that. I would be using the Dell 630m with 7 just for browsing, etc. Nothing like a big workload. I feel my first step would be to upgrade the memory and try that. If it responds reasonably well then I do not see the sense in spending £60-100 to upgrade the hard disk.
      My Computer


 
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