Originally Posted by
Lee Reynolds
Right chaps I could do with some advice. I'm at the end of my patience with my desktop PC. I have gone down all the usual routes prior to asking this question (removed programs, defragged etc etc) but my PC is running so so slow. It has taken 7 minutes from pressing the on button to being able to open this window to type this message. Loads of crap running in background, HD is going berzerk. Normally I would save pictures and music and business stuff to my ext HD and then do a full system recovery and start again but for some reason, I can't work out why, I have lost my HP recovery partition on my HD
So what options do I have? When I bought the PC it came with Vista home basic installed and the product key on a label on top of the housing. I have no Windows CD. Can I get a copy and re-install Windows and just enter my product key? Or is it not that simple? Anything else I can do? I'm at a loss and the PC is becomming unusable it is so slow!
Cheers in advance.
Personally, back-up anything that you want to keep (pics, vids, music etc...) and I'd scrap Vista as it's a poorly made operating system with more flaws, defects and annoying things than a Renault.
Depending on the spec/speed of your pc I'd 'obtain' a copy of either Windows XP Pro (+ Service Pack 3), or Windows 7 Ultimate (these *CAN* be 'obtained' for free, but I'm not going to publish on here how to do it) and do a fresh install of one of those operating systems. Much better than Vista....
To put it into Perspective:
Xp Pro = CVH - classic but runs good and can be tuned
Windows 7 = Zetec - Newer, Quieter but requires more 'spec' to run good
Vista = OHV Endura E - Just not worth bothering with....
For best performance once you've done this, as posted above, either make a separate partition on your hard drive (one for windows - and one for downloaded stuff). Or Install windows on your current hard drive, and buy a large secondary drive for all your downloaded stuff. And don't install anything on your computer that you do not use. This will keep it running good. Always use up-to-date drivers for your equipment from the manufacturer of the device, rather than the standard windows drivers.
Drivers are essential when it comes to motherboard chipsets & graphics cards - it's like sticking a piper cam in!
As for stuff you might want to install, I recommend AVG free 2011. (FREE Antivirus and doesn't hog your pc performance).
Theres a program called Piriform CCleaner (spelled CCleaner - not a mistake) that you can install and run once a week/month to make sure your PC is clean of Unneeded Sytem/Temp files & Unneeded Registry Entries. Good bit of kit.
If you need any specific advice PM me. Happy to advise whichever you choose.