Help maximizing performance of my Laptop!

T

THE LEGEND x7x

New Member
Alright, here is the lowdown:
Make/Model: Dell Inspiron 1525
OS: Windows Vista Home Premium
Processor: Intel Core 2 Duo – T8300 @ 2.40 GHz
Ram: 4.00 GB
Sys Type: 32-bit

I bought this a few years back, and just bogged it down with so many programs and what not that I ended up just backing up all my info, and did a “Return to manufacturers settings”... However, as I’m realizing now, even though my computer has hardly anything on it, it still runs fairly slow as well as boots up slow. So I have a few questions...

1. What should I have checked for my MSCONFIG boot options to make my startup run faster and smoothly?

2. What antivirus and spyware programs should I have? I’m currently using Microsoft Security Essentials (which I’m pretty sure is horrible but it doesn’t slow down my computer) as my antivirus, and PC Tools Spyware Doctor. I know there’s a huge debate about these types of programs, but I want something that works well and is “lite” on my system and I’m not afraid of paying big bucks for the programs. My local PC repair place uses NOD32... what are your opinions on this antivirus?

3. I run Defrags usually once a month and do not download movies or music on this computer. All of my large files/videos/pictures are passed onto an external hardrive. Yet, sometimes it takes word and other programs forever to open and what not. Wtf?

4. Internet explorer runs like a fool sometimes (and do not advise me to download firefox or any of those other IE replacements). What should I put my settings as to make it run smoother?

Hopefully you guys can help me out! I’m an engineering student and I run CAD programs on this computer so I want it to run as smoothly as possible. And, I know for a fact that my computer isn’t junk. Everything aside, if anyone has ANY other suggestions/tweaks or tips, pppleeeasseee share with me!
Sorry for the super long post, and don’t feel obligated to reply to everything.. Thanks in advance.
-THE LEGEND x7x
 

My Computer

System One

This will just be a start as people are always tweaking their systems.
All the tweaks I have done are more than I can remember.
Start by downloading PC-Decrapifier, this is a tool, not a program so it won't add to the problem. Removes trial software etc.
http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81176-speed-up-performance-vista.html
This is in the Tutorials section, thanks to Brink.
There is a lot more you can do. I turn off Aero and use Classic mode.
As I said this is a start and I'm sure others will add to it.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD
    1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp
    1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset.
    Only ever used a laptop.
    Also use USB Freeview TV Card
    Lenovo Docking Station
    External Speakers
    Other bits a pieces as needed
You could go Windows key and R type msconfig (you may have to right click and run as administrator) go to Services tick Hide Microsoft Services.
Look at what is left, Does it need to start every time windows starts?
What you do with your computer will also make a difference to what changes you make.
For example, I use the snipping tool a lot so it is on my quick launch.
I also play with a lot of different programs and tools, I added Send To, to the Send To menu to help there.
What is the main use of your computer going to be?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Lenovo Thinkpad T400
    CPU
    Intel Mobile Core 2 Duo P8700 @ 2.53GHz
    Motherboard
    LENOVO 64734VM
    Memory
    2.00GB Single-Channel DDR3 @ 531MHz
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel Mobile Intel 4 Series Express Chipset Family
    Sound Card
    Conexant 20561 SmartAudio HD
    Monitor(s) Displays
    15 inch
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 800
    Hard Drives
    1x 180GB Intel 530 series SSD
    1 x 120GB Hitachi 5400rmp
    1 x 650GB Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    1x 1Tb Western Digital Elements 5400rpm
    Internet Speed
    Medium for New Zealand
    Other Info
    Weakest part of my computer is the graphics chipset.
    Only ever used a laptop.
    Also use USB Freeview TV Card
    Lenovo Docking Station
    External Speakers
    Other bits a pieces as needed
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