very low windows 7 experience with state of the art hardware

[cyrus1981]

Hi,

I am quite new in this forum so please forgive me if i am placing the thread in a wrong place.
any ways, a while ago i assembled my own computer with a dual core AMD, 7200 RPM harddisk, 4 GB of RAM, etc. My only flaw might be my on-board graphics card. I have installed windows 7, 64-bit.

Here is the problem description,

from the start i was experiencing slow system performance and excessive harddisk activity. After three months my computer thinks twice before opening a light browser such as google chrome. The harddisk activity has become formidable. I have tried every thing from defragmentation, leaving enough space for windows in my C drive, etc. I am not even sure if this is due to my harddisk any more. I have checked my RAM, it passes the test. I am just going crazy since i can't locate the bottleneck. can someone pls help?

cheers,
cyrus

 

[Maguscreed]

My first guess would be a driver issue.

Did you use any vista drivers while setting things up?

Also are you using a active av scanner?
As it being too aggressive could explain all the hdd activity.

 

[ignatzatsonic]

When it is running slow, open task manager and inspect the processes tab.

Make sure "show processes from all users" is checked.

What is using the most CPU?

What is using the most memory?

How many processes total?

What do you have checked in the startup tab of msconfig?

Have you done recent scans for malware and viruses?

How much free space on C, percentage wise?

 

[DocBrown]

Have you checked for spyware & virus ?

 

[fseal]

It could also be caused by AV software. Some of the AV software out there is as bad or worse than having a virus itself.

Do you have one installed? Which one? Microsoft Security Essentials (free) is one of the least intrusive ones on your daily activity...

 

[gregrocker]

I'd try running IE8 which finally got a browser perfect, more stable with features that make the others seem amateur.

Study the Event Viewer>Custom>Admin view for repeat errors to google text and ID# for resolution. Check also the Performance log on Advanced Tools page accessed by clicking your WEI score link at Computer>Properties. Check for cued issues at top of Tools page, Generate A System Health Report.

Look for issues cued in Action Center in System Tray. Type "Solutions" in Start Search box to see if any have been sent for Problems reported or not. Always report problems when asked as Windows 7 is interactive this way.

Check for infection by installing Malwarebytes, update, run a Full Scan. Many issues can be solved by running a free lightweight AV like MS Security Essentials or Avast 5 with the Windows 7 Firewall for best performance. 32 bit Avast 5 will give you a deep boot scan.

Test your hardware by running memtest86 CD for 5-6 passes or overnight: RAM - Test with Memtest86+, then test the HD using maker's diag/repair full CD scan: Hard Drive Diagnostics Tools and Utilities (Storage) - TACKtech Corp..

Check temps for overheating by installing SpeedFan, blow dust out of the case using canned air, check all connections carefully avoiding static discharge to components by touching case first, reseat RAM.

Try a Clean Boot Procedure to learn what programs are running unseen which can be causing problems. Turn off all Startup items except AV and gadgets: Startup Programs - Change

Some of these steps suggested for cleaning up a factory bloatware install might help.

Run SFC /SCANNOW Command - System File Checker to repair any damaged or corrupt OS files.

As a last resort before reinstall try a Repair Install which can fix most problems as it reinstalls the OS while keeping all programs, files and settings in place.

Tips for a clean reinstall, which is actually better than getting a new computer with today's bloated factory pre-installs.