Low Processor Subscore in Windows Experience Index

[Munir]

I own Dell Vostro 1400, C2D 1.6Ghz, 4 GB DDR2 Ram (2x2GB), Windows 7 Ultimate 32 Bits.

I was very happy with the performance but suddenly it has become extremely slow to use. It becomes quite unresponsive even for simple tasks like watching youtube in browser. I check Windows Experience Index and found out that Processor and Memory subscores are very low.

It shows 2.1 for Processor and 2.8 Memory. I would appreciate if anyone can tell me the reason of this sudden change.

Thanks.

 

[TVeblen]

Hello Munir. Welcome to the forum.

What were the scores before?
What changes have you made to your system around the time of the perceived change in performance?

Normally you would see an issue like this if the current chipset driver was not installed on the PC yet - a new install. But you do not normally see these things change for no reason.

If you made any changes - updated a BIOS, added new hardware, or had an event - crash, hardware failure, power outage, it would make it easier to diagnose the issue.
Tell us what you know.

 

[Munir]

Hello Munir. Welcome to the forum.

What were the scores before?
What changes have you made to your system around the time of the perceived change in performance?

Normally you would see an issue like this if the current chipset driver was not installed on the PC yet - a new install. But you do not normally see these things change for no reason.

If you made any changes - updated a BIOS, added new hardware, or had an event - crash, hardware failure, power outage, it would make it easier to diagnose the issue.
Tell us what you know.

Hi TVeblen,

Thanks for your response. I didn't make any changes in hardware. One thing I can remember is installing fresh Win 7 SP1 copy. Previously I was running Windows 7 without SP.

Drivers for Windows 7 are not available on Dell site for "Dell Vostro 1400". I remember installing Vista drivers. Do you think this could be the reason?

 

[TVeblen]

Yes I think so.
You need to find the most current drivers for that laptop(?). If there are no W7 drivers offered then the Vista drivers are your best option.

The Vista drivers will normally work OK in W7, but you might need to install them in "Compatibility Mode" to get them to install correctly.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/98073-drivers-install-vista-drivers-windows-7-a.html

Also check to see if Windows Update is offering you and drivers that may be newer then the ones you have now.

 

[Munir]

I think I will try to install Vista just to see if its drives issue or not.

Thanks again.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Did you install the Intel chipset drivers?