Windows 7 64bit running so slow.

[xFantasy]

I have a Toshiba Satellite laptop A500. It comes with the option for either x64/x86 and I reformatted hard drive just yesterday. I chose to use x64 because of the 3GB RAM restriction using x86.

It takes a long time to boot up. I've disabled as many programs as I can to start-up with Windows. Don't have an anti-virus program as yet, and I'm using the default Windows 7 Firewall.

Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo 2200MHz.
RAM: 4GB DDR2 399MHz
GPU: 1GB DDR3 500MHz
500GB Sata Hard Drive.

Any tips on making it run any quicker?
Also, what would be the best anti-virus to use?

 

[Arc]

Welcome aboard

The best antivirus ... a controvertial issue, but you may use the Microsoft Security Essentials. One of the lightest AVs.

You disable all the start up programs, and see it it works or not . Nothing is must to be there .

 

[gregrocker]

Work through these steps to Clean Up Factory Bloatware - Windows 7 Forums.

With 4gb I run 32 bit Win7 on my installs. You'll find the rest of the RAM is likely reserved by hardware anyway. Type Resource Monitor in Start Search box, click on Memory tab to see how it's apportioned.

 

[xFantasy]

I'd usually run 32bit but I was just going to use 64 for a change.

I'm not on the computer at the moment so I'll get around to that in the morning. But I do know about 1.5gb of ram is constantly being used.

Would upgrading to 8GB ram help ya think?

 

[flegma]

Don't think so. W7 should run smooth on your configuration.

 

[xFantasy]

It runs 32 perfect, but still i seem to run into problems all the time. To be 100% honest. I think windows 7 is possibly the worst OS Microsoft have done. (in my experiences with it anyway.)

My computer runs windows 8 CP perfect. Wonder if much will change in the official release.

 

[gregrocker]

Have you tried 32 bit without the preinstalled Factory Bloatware? Remember that you have a Clean Install with Win8. You can't judge Win7 based on the corrupting crapware that comes with today's modern consumer rig. This is why most tech enthusiasts Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7. It's better than getting a new computer!

Upgrading the RAM is a good possibility. But I would judge this based on the processor as you could upgrade RAM and then bump up against a weak processor.

Some hardware experts can better advise you on this as I am an install specialist.

 

[xFantasy]

Didn't try that, didn't know I could. Only thought I could use my recovery disks/recovery partition.
I might give that a go considering Toshiba have put heaps of crap in that's not necessary.

 

[xFantasy]

Didn't try that, didn't know I could. Only thought I could use my recovery disks/recovery partition.
I might give that a go considering Toshiba have put heaps of crap in that's not necessary.

Just realized. My Serial key sticker has faded and can't see the key. Any other way to get the key?

 

[gregrocker]

How did you activate the reinstall of 64 bit? Did Toshiba provide Reinstallation DVD's which auto-activate or was it done using Recovery partition or disks?

Unless Toshiba will help you recover the COA sticker Product Key, then in order to Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 your only option may be to back up the preinstalled Factory SLP mass activation file, which these Forums don't support but for which a tutorial can be found easily on the internet.

However if you clean reinstalled 64 bit without using Recovery or Reinstallation disks provided by Toshiba you may have wiped out that file, and may need to run Toshiba Factory Recovery from it's partition or disks, which will also auto-activate: Toshiba HDD Recovery Utility.

That failing then if you didn't make them you can order your Recovery Disks from Toshiba Tech Support, and also see if they can replace your COA sticker PRoduct Key or provide a clean-copy Reinstallation DVD which I've not heard that Toshiba offers.

 

[xFantasy]

When I reformat my computer, I just use either the partition recovery options or the recovery disks I made when I bought it. It auto activates and doesn't require the product key to be entered.

It was a bit stupid of me not to write it down somewhere though. I can ask Toshiba about recovering the product key, but not sure if they'll do it.