Speed up XP

[rts]

I know you did Marksi, and I used it.

Unfortunately it tells me 'Our System Scanner couldn't make a complete match, but we can still help you find the right memory upgrade' and asks me to select the make of my PC (Packard Bell) and model (which I haven't a clue).

It worked out the following:

* Maximum Memory Capacity: 3145728 MB
* Currently Installed Memory: 256 MB
* Available Memory Slots: N.A.
* Total Memory Slots: 2
* Dual Channel Support: N.A.
* CPU Manufacturer: GenuineIntel
* CPU Family: Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 CPU 1500MHz Model 0, Stepping 10
* CPU Speed: 1494 MHz

But until I know and can put in the model number, I'm stumped. I'm doing some Googling, but if anyone recognises the model from the pic, please let me know!

I know it currently has two 128MB SDRAM, PC133. I had a look at this page, so I think I'm on the right track... *he says*

[Sput]

Tell you what: just crack open the case and peer inside and see if there are any slots next to the ram you've already got. You might also find that it'll accept two different sorts of memory, which would make things easier.

[marksi]

Tell you what: just crack open the case and peer inside and see if there are any slots next to the ram you've already got. You might also find that it'll accept two different sorts of memory, which would make things easier.

Looks like from the details provided that there are two slots with 128MB in each. I would take a look inside, there's likely to be a label on the existing memory saying what it is (at least there is on mine).

[Sput]

But touch some bare metal on the case first and only touch the edges of the memory sticks if you handle them. There should be levers at each end of the slot that eject the memory if you press down on them.

[Andrew Wood]

If your system displays the boot info when you turn it on (rather than just a pretty graphic), you can press the 'Pause/Break' key which will give you time to read it. It may have the motherboard make and model and RAM information which will help you track down what memory you can use.

[rts]

I opened the base unit and carefully removed one of the RAM do-dahs. I took a pic of it on my phone, quality a bit blurry, but what is on it is:

MT8LSDT1664AG-133E PC133U-333-542-A

MY M00VGZL 2OU137

128MB SYNCH 133 MHz CL3

[marksi]

Wait until someone double checks and confirms I'm right, but I'm pretty sure this will do the job.

http://www.7dayshop.com/catalog/product ... _id=104000

Though have a search around and see if you can find it elsewhere cheaper. The price of memory seems to go up and down a lot.

Basically you're looking for at least 512MB of SDRAM 133Mhz 168pin DIMM memory. (and check that your RAM does look like the pics in the stores, it should do!).

[cdd]

Hold on just a minute. I agree his computer may need more RAM, but if it worked at a reasonable speed in the past, isn't it plausible that it just needs Windows re-installing on account of XP getting filled up with glek?

Even if you do get ram, it's something to consider.

[Nick Harvey]

I'd certainly go for the RAM as a first hit. In my experience it's always the major issue when there's less than half a gig and still quite an important issue when there's less than one gig.

If the machine will take it, stick half a gig in each of the two slots, then worry about other things like a reinstall afterwards, if the memory doesn't bring it up to a tolerable speed.

[rts]

I've bitten the bullet and order to 512MB doo-dahs of RAM. Thanks to everyone for advice, especially Marksi.

I'll let you know how it goes!

[fluffy bunny feet]

First I'd Defragment the drive using:

Programs
Accessorories
System Tools

Depending on drive and state of PC this can take ages but is well worth doing.

You can also do a disc cleanup there.

Then Install free CCleaner and use it at weekly or whenever you shut down.