Solved Windows 7 unusually slow?

[kbrady1979]

What I was getting at was maybe something is running behind the scene that was taxing your CPU. If the problem is gone now, backtrack the steps you took to find out what it is that causes it.

 

[silents429]

I have, its still running normal, I just play a video game every now and then otherwise its mainly skype and firefox

 

[Anak]

I won't go into detail how some of our members are adamant that Windows 7 does not need to be tweaked.

A couple of items stand out to me, the 3mb of ram and the broken mouse pad.
Is this the original ram? And, do you have the mouse pad disabled?
With the increased demand of Ultimate you would do well to try a matched pair of ram sticks totaling at least 4GB.
The mouse pad? well, it would be best to make sure its out of the way and disabled.

Now we come to prefetch. How many times have you rebooted your machine since the upgrade, and do you have Indexing turned on?

You'll also often find for the first few boots there might be a some extra disk activity -- this is due to a complex algorithm known as "pre-fetch". Windows is gathering (internally) statistics over what you are running and will after a few days have built a database which at boot time will "pre-load" some of these into RAM. This is in fact quite OK but you'll probably see a slight slow down until the pre-fetch is built.

Source: http://www.sevenforums.com/performa...just-upgraded-ultimate-now-computer-slow.html

You stated it has been two weeks since the upgrade, how many times have you restarted your machine? I would at least shutdown at night and then restart in the morning until your system gains speed, the restarts will help because the prefetch also works from the boot process, and as long as the machine remains idle (overnight or when your asleep) the prefetch has nothing to look forward to. The system has to be busy in order to learn how it can prepare for your next request.

And if you have Indexing turned on you could turn it off until the prefetch is completed, but it would help to turn it back on when you notice your machine running better.

There is also a concern about what programs are running at startup, and memory use.
Use this link to see what is starting along with startup. Read all the information but Use Method three: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

Then this for: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/12523-resource-monitor.html For now we only need to see a screenshot of #7, the memory tab, but may want to see #'s 6, 8, and 9 later.

Please post screenshots of the startup tab and the memory tab in your next post, here's how http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

 

[silents429]

I won't go into detail how some of our members are adamant that Windows 7 does not need to be tweaked.

A couple of items stand out to me, the 3mb of ram and the broken mouse pad.
Is this the original ram? And, do you have the mouse pad disabled?
With the increased demand of Ultimate you would do well to try a matched pair of ram sticks totaling at least 4GB.
The mouse pad? well, it would be best to make sure its out of the way and disabled.

Now we come to prefetch. How many times have you rebooted your machine since the upgrade, and do you have Indexing turned on?

You'll also often find for the first few boots there might be a some extra disk activity -- this is due to a complex algorithm known as "pre-fetch". Windows is gathering (internally) statistics over what you are running and will after a few days have built a database which at boot time will "pre-load" some of these into RAM. This is in fact quite OK but you'll probably see a slight slow down until the pre-fetch is built.

Source: http://www.sevenforums.com/performa...just-upgraded-ultimate-now-computer-slow.html

You stated it has been two weeks since the upgrade, how many times have you restarted your machine? I would at least shutdown at night and then restart in the morning until your system gains speed, the restarts will help because the prefetch also works from the boot process, and as long as the machine remains idle (overnight or when your asleep) the prefetch has nothing to look forward to. The system has to be busy in order to learn how it can prepare for your next request.

And if you have Indexing turned on you could turn it off until the prefetch is completed, but it would help to turn it back on when you notice your machine running better.

There is also a concern about what programs are running at startup, and memory use.
Use this link to see what is starting along with startup. Read all the information but Use Method three: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1401-startup-programs-change.html

Then this for: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/12523-resource-monitor.html For now we only need to see a screenshot of #7, the memory tab, but may want to see #'s 6, 8, and 9 later.

Please post screenshots of the startup tab and the memory tab in your next post, here's how http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

Alright. First I reset the computer every night, its off alll night. And second off hand. I had no idea windows ultimate had higher system requirements the home premium?

I have prefetch and indexing on.

I used CCleaner to stop any start up program that wasn't Microsoft security essentials.

But why do we keep bringing memory into this though? The problem was the CPU usage being at 100% would it really sky rocket when the memory didn't even go past 2gigs?

Not being rude, Im a bit ignorant, But still learning all this. Ill check the links out though and get some info.

 

[Anak]

Having a rough evening, early morning?


Theoretically your machine should run Ultimate fine, but anytime I've seen an odd total amount of ram, the machine has always ran poorly.

Unless you made changes to the registry the default is 1.

• 0 = Disabled
• 1 = Application launch prefetching enabled
• 2 = Boot prefetching enabled
• 3 = Application launch and boot enabled

Indexing is easily turned off or on.

Why do we keep bringing memory into this?
Because memory, the CPU, and the HDD work hand in hand. What one does affects the other.

If you are ignorant, it is easy to be rude.

At your leisure with the extra information, I'm retiring for the day.

 

[silents429]

Okay, Turns out indexing isn't on.

Remembering a lot of things telling me it slows the computer down, and only effects the search, which I don't use. So why should it be on now?

Didn't mean to be rude :S

 

[silents429]

Oh and of course, if Ultimate has issues with odd number ram, I am perfectly content will going back to home premium. Assuming that works great. Or professional. Whichever.

Also a minor explanation on why odd number of ram would effect ultimate.

 

[Anak]

I'm back, well, at least I think I am. Been a rough couple of days......

Okay, Turns out indexing isn't on.

That's okay for now.

Remembering a lot of things telling me it slows the computer down, and only effects the search, which I don't use. So why should it be on now?

Sometimes you need to forget what you remember, and go with your gut.
You have to allow the entire system as it was designed, to do its thing and watch the reaction, then make adjustments accordingly.

You may not think indexing or searching isn't affected, but it is internally and makes a difference to the operating system (OS), and it is connected to the prefetch.

Didn't mean to be rude :S

That's okay, I knew what VistaKing (VK) was up to by having you run all those scans. He was trying to make sure your machine didn't have any malware on it. That alone can be stressful. That is also the reason why I didn't butt in (as in post #16) and wanted to wait until those scans were over until VK was sure, it does look like your machine is okay.

I could have blown you off, but I realized what you had been through, it's almost like having a tooth pulled, isn't it? So I replied with a little “Tough Love” to get you to stop, think, and re-boot.

Oh and of course, if Ultimate has issues with odd number ram, I am perfectly content will going back to home premium. Assuming that works great. Or professional. Whichever.

Hold your horses!
It's not just Ultimate, any operating system can have difficultly running with an odd total of ram. More below....

Also a minor explanation on why odd number of ram would effect ultimate.

Minor? There is no level of minor when dealing with computer problems. When two or more people are trying to get to the root of a problem, every little bit of minutia is relevant, ergo, we need to know what type of ram your machine has. We need to know the smallest detail, no matter how irrelevant you may think it is.

It would help if we knew the exact designation of the ram that is installed, for that you will need a program like Belarc or Speecy Free. Belarc is also free in a consumer atmosphere.

The Windows operating system (OS) works best when it has matched pairs of ram. With an odd total of DDR2 or DDR3 your CPU can not use the dynamics of ram and it will not kick in, .temp files, prefetch, indexing and the Hard Disk Drive (HDD) will suffer because of it.

~~~ ~~~~ ~~~

Before you post any request by me for screenshots including what type of ram you have, one of the first things I would like you to do is run a check Disk (CHKDSK) follow step #8 it will take up to 3hours to complete. Be patient! All good things take time.

Then run a SFC /scannow, Option two - Step 2 usually finished in under a 1/2hour. Let us know if there are any warnings by posting a screenshots of either.
I've already post a link, but here it is again to help: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html

If you do see any warnings that the SFC scan could not fix any files, restart your machine and run it again, it may take up to three tries before it reports "All Good".

   Note

• If SFC could not fix something, then run the command again to see if it may be able to the next time. Sometimes it may take running the sfc /scannow command 3 or more times to completely fix everything that it's able to.
• If not, then download and run the 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) System Update Readiness Tool for your same installed 32-bit or 64-bit Windows 7, restart the PC afterwards, and try the sfc /scannow command again.
• If still not, then you can attempt to run a System Restore using a restore point dated before the bad file occured to fix it. You may need to repeat doing a System Restore until you find a older restore point that may work.
• If still not, then you can use the steps in the TIP box in the OPTION THREE section below to manually replace the files that SFC could not fix.

Source from the SFC /scannow Option link

~~~ ~~~~ ~~~

You want to be an IT Tech eh? The diagnoses that you think are exorbitant is only the tip of the Iceberg.

Take a look at this thread: http://www.sevenforums.com/chillout-room/297828-how-did-you-guys-learn.html#post2468586


Do not ever be afraid of asking questions.......

 

[silents429]

Alright ran both and the scannow had some files it fixed, It didn't tell me anything other then it fixed corrupted files and successfully repaired them.
And with the ram stuff. Im better off with just using the 2gb stick of ram?

 

[gregrocker]

We now know you've tweaked Win7 enough that it damaged System Files. Most times this compound tweaking can never be undone unless a Restore Point remains before it all started. So I would strongly consider starting fresh and following the same steps in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 which will get and keep a perfect install if you stick with the tools and method given which work best in Win7.

If not then I'd go over it further with Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 .

 

[silents429]

But I used what were labeled as safe tweaks? And previous installs, never had the intense CPU usage, and long long LONG loads for switching themes.

 

[gregrocker]

Who labeled these "safe tweaks?" Was this a reputable tech site where the advice came from someone of proven ability?

You are at the top tech site on the web now. Our advice is based on helping with countless thousands of installs since before WIn7 was even released.

Win7 doesn't need any tweaking beyond its normal settings as its already a featherlight, instantaneous OS on adequate hardware with a perfect clean install.

For example, with XP and Vista they kept most services set to Automatic so they'd be ready to start instantly. This created the need for enthusiasts to edit Services to claw back resources. Win7 developed fast triggers to set most Services to Manual so they aren't running all the time. This made editing Services no longer necessary at all, counterproductive in fact.

So what did you need to tweak?

 

[silents429]

Actually yes they do have a tech history.
Tweaking.com
The Windows Club - About, Feedback, Contact, Terms, Policy.

Now I need to disagree, with the last part, Windows 7 is great, fast and such, but saying it requires no tweaking at all is a bit of a stretch. Obviously no overhaul tweaks but its far from perfect.

 

[Anak]

Alright ran both and the scannow had some files it fixed, It didn't tell me anything other then it fixed corrupted files and successfully repaired them.

How many times did you run the SFC /scannow, and did you restart your machine after the scan?

And with the ram stuff. Im better off with just using the 2gb stick of ram?

That all depends, that 3GB might be on one stick, if you open up the case and see two sticks of ram take one out.

I would have help you find manuals to guide you on how to open the case, but you failed to add the model numbers of your Sony to your specs.



You must have edited your reply after you posted, this is what I received in my email notification.

Here is the message that has just been posted:
***************
Alright ran both and the scannow had some files it fixed, It didn't tell me anything other then it fixed corrupted files and successfully repaired them, I uploaded the CBS, not sure if you need it.

And with the ram stuff. Im better off with just using the 2gb stick of ram?
***************

Yes, I would like to see it, before you run any more scans.
SFC /scannow won't tell you in the CMD window you have to go to the CBS file.

It is located here:

[I]C:\Windows\Logs\[COLOR=Blue]CBS[/COLOR][/I]

If Windows won't allow you to see it, copy it to your desktop and upload the copy.


I see your on-forum now, and I have chores to do in about 1/2hour. The promptness of your reply will guide me on how quickly I can get back to you.
If we miss, I won't be back 'till 2pm EDT.

 

[silents429]

Alright alright. I couldn't upload the CBS file then because it was to big for the forums to allow. So I had to use dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/s/9lno5np50x805yq/CBS.log

And I only ran one since it worked fine the first time, Since I believe I was instructed to do it once and if a problem occurred to continue doing it, but no problems occurred.

I am no stranger to taking my computers apart, I have 1 stick of 2 and 1 stick of 1. But I thought while 3gigs isn't effective, its still at least better then 2. But then again I don't know.

Oh totally forgot about adding my model. Silly me.

 

[Anak]

I would rather not use dropbox, please .zip the file and upload it directly, if its still too big, only send the most recent. CBS log, including the CheckSUR. and CheckSUR.persist logs if they're there.

Its getting late for me and I have to get started. Will check later and get back to you.

 

[silents429]

Sorry the other log files named that are not to be found. After running it again it says there were no problems to fix.

 

[Anak]

Alright alright. I couldn't upload the CBS file then because it was to big for the forums to allow. So I had to use dropbox https://www.dropbox.com/s/9lno5np50x805yq/CBS.log

And I only ran one since it worked fine the first time, Since I believe I was instructed to do it once and if a problem occurred to continue doing it, but no problems occurred.

I am no stranger to taking my computers apart, I have 1 stick of 2 and 1 stick of 1. But I thought while 3gigs isn't effective, its still at least better then 2. But then again I don't know.

Oh totally forgot about adding my model. Silly me.

I find that hard to believe. Your SFC scan came back with

2013-07-25 17:46:12, Info                  CSI    [U][COLOR=Blue]00000144 Repair results created:[/COLOR][/U]

At the very least it should have mentioned that it found integrity violations and all were repaired.


Since you did not have the CheckSUR. and CheckSUR.persist logs I would like you to run http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...4840-windows-update-posting-instructions.html

Then run http://www.sevenforums.com/windows-...ne-activation-issue-posting-instructions.html

Follow the instructions in each tutorial and post the results in your next reply.

 

[silents429]

Alright, the scanning for verified files fixed this, that or one of the hotfixes from the SURT run. However I have a seperate problem related to that, which I will make a threat later, after I spend the day with my Girlfriend.

Thank you everyone for helping, sorry the problem was solved by a simple scan or lost update?

Regardless I will mark this as solved.

*EDIT*
Off hand could anyone tell me how to remove the programs that installed from my computer? It isn't showing up on Revo Uninstaller, and I would like it properly uninstalled

 

[Anak]

Alright, the scanning for verified files fixed this, that or one of the hotfixes from the SURT run.

Where are the downloaded files for verification?

However I have a seperate problem related to that, which I will make a threat later, after I spend the day with my Girlfriend.

Are you making a threat to us, the Day you are going to "spend" or your girlfriend?

I'm not worried about me, but may I have her phone# to warn her?

Thank you everyone for helping, sorry the problem was solved by a simple scan or lost update?

We still do not have files for verification!

Regardless I will mark this as solved.

Your problems are far from being solved.

*EDIT*
Off hand could anyone tell me how to remove the programs that installed from my computer? It isn't showing up on Revo Uninstaller, and I would like it properly uninstalled

And what files are those? Are we supposed to be mind-readers?!?
What did I try to explain about "the smallest detail" that you do not understand?

I know what you're hiding, and I'm very disappointed in you for taking the "easy" way out.