Windows 7 Lag - open/close apps, typing, etc. even in Safe Mode

[02befree]

Sony VAIO VPC series laptop w/ Core i7 Q740 w/4GB RAM working on for a client. Malwarebytes pulled up 26 infections, and I thought that was the solution to constant lag problems and lag when typing. Turned Norton features off, CHKDSK, adjusted desktop setting for Best Performance, ran in Safe Mode, no change. Even when typing in the password there is sometimes a lag. I've read numerous posts on this subject on this forum and throughout the web. Client has another laptop of this same exact model and it screams. CPU usage is very low when lag happens - 0 to 2%. Used Process Explorer and Svchost Viewer to investigate and rogue programs - everything looks legit. (I can post screenshots). I thought a svchost.exe file was running some higher than normal usage, but it was just handing more services, and even after I killed the process tree - still got lag. It is intermittent, but only with a few seconds at a time of performance.
Another tech buddy said there might be an issue with the hard drive as far as SATA issues, etc., or BIOS settings, and that some of the Sandy Bridge i7's had a SATA issue of some sort. I've tried most everything the average user might mention - I've put a few hours into this - I solve most issues without posting for help, but this is bugging me - there has to be a solution to this that doesn't involve a clean install - especially since the post at http://www.sevenforums.com/general-discussion/33581-when-typing-there-delay.html shows that a clean install doesn't always solve these types of problems, which leads me to believe it's hardware related. Hard drive tested good with SeaTools. Thanks for any input.

 

[gregrocker]

Work through the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7
starting with a Clean Boot, hardware tests, logs for repeat errors, System resources for problem solving, etc.

If the hardware tests OK then a Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 to a wiped HD will always solve such a problem absent failing mobo which isn't so far indicated. If this is the original Sony factory preinstall then it's already compromised and no tech enthusiast would run it anyway. I'd get the perfect Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[02befree]

thanks gregrocker. Will sift through these.
Does the fact that there was lag, even on boot up, while entering the log in password, point to something, or eliminate something? If there's lag before log in, doesn't that eliminate the problem being a program, utility, or the antivirus?

 

[gregrocker]

I picked the tests to run first from the tutorial based on your post.