How can I fix my slow laptop?

Windows needs to be reinstalled. There is a high possibility that there are too many processes running and even the possibility of spyware. Lots of uninstalled programs leave garbage and slow the PC. You need to back up your personal data and reinstall windows cleanly and that should fix a lot of speed problems.

Mustafa Ahmed
January 2007

I have the same problem with my 30gb / 256meg laptop. Extra memory is sooo expensive that i've decided to put the extra money to it and buy a new machine. However, to get round the massive start up time, hibernate the machine instead of turning it off ( windows/ start key -> u -> shift+h) mine starts up in 15 seconds.

kev
January 2007

Assuming Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (you don't say). You may be short of memory and/or have a framented disk.

Left click Start, Right click My Computer, left click Properties. At the bottom right it will say '(A number) RAM'. Anything less than 512Mbytes, add more memory.

Next left click Start, left click All Programs, choose Accessories - System Tools, left Click Disk Defragmenter and leave it running.

t
January 2007