Speed Up my System

[ZenixNet]

Probably the most common question, how to speed up my system.
I've been getting really annoyed about my Laptop's speed - very slot start up, simple Java games lag like crazy after played for an hour (probably just because my video card isn't the best). Takes a few seconds to start up FireFox, and other things.
Currently I run Defraggler, CCleaner, Disk Clean Up, and my system is still laggy.
I've been asking myself if it is a good idea to just run a clean install. My only concern is that I wont be able reinstall office because I've used all 3 installs.

So, if clean install isnt the best solution - what tips do you all for speeding up a laptop?

System Specs:

 

[Anthony]

I will always go with a clean install. Don't forget though if you have any important files on there you need to back them up to another hard disk or DVD.

Do you have the original Windows 7 Disk or is it a back up image on a separate partition, usually found on the d: drive?

 

[thefabe]

As far as if you were insterested in buying something to give you the most bang for the buck, buy an SSd for your OS. You'll see more speed from that along with a clean install than anything else.
Fabe

 

[whs]

I don't think that is right since you bought the software

You actually do not buy the software. You aquired the right to use it in accordance with the EULA. If you wanted to buy the Office software, you would be probably in for a few Billion Dollars - provided they were willing to sell it.

 

[DeaconFrost]

You basically would have two options on that laptop. You could do all the normal OS cleanup, like stopping some apps from running at boot, or you could swap out the drive for an SSD, as mentioned already. Many of those online web games are laggy, regardless of the system. App loading speeds are most likely affected by your hard drive most, since you have a decent proc and plenty of memory.

 

[whs]

I did recently replace the spinner by a SSD on a laptop - a world of difference. The downside is that you have a lot less disk capacity. But since I have two Sata3 and one eSata port, that is manageable. Even with Sata2 ports it should not be much of a problem. All you need in addition is a $20 enclosure to house your original spinner.

 

[Brink]

Hello ZenixNet,

You could try the items in the tutorial below to help speed up your system some.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/11728-optimize-windows-7-a.html

Hope this helps,
Shawn

 

[spyknee]

Hmmm!
Consider OC'ing your hardware.
Upgrade ram and/or vid card??
How large was the boot partition? Consider OS installed on a small partition with room left for future updates, games and drivers only. Put other apps on a separate partition.
Try Readyboot.
Goto Black Viper .com look at W7 tips.

 

[Golden]

I concur with thefabe and whs - the single biggest noticeable improvement will be the addition of a SSD.

 

[spyknee]

Whereas I use them and like them, SSD's will not improve actual game performance. They might load faster but thats it. Games live in the ram, GPU and cpu once loaded.
Cpu over 3ghz will be noticeable.
Turn off some services, try readyboot for pagefile. Make sure your internet connection hardware is configured right. Check that you are getting the bandwidth you are paying for.