Question about a Vista computer just slower than molasses

Nikilet

Member
I have Vista Home Premium SP2 32-bit. It is so sluggish that it's getting miserable to use.

Unless it's just a matter of the OS being cluttered and bogged down with scraps of this and that from several years of use, I don't understand it. It's an older Dell XPS 410 but there's no reason it should be so slow.

I have 6 MB RAM and plenty of empty HD space; Intel(R) Core(TM)2 CPU 6320 1.86 GHz

It takes forever to shut down, forever to boot. Lately it's been taking forever just to open a right-click menu. I don't have a lot of programs starting at boot.

I am going to try and do a clean install of Windows 7 in the near future. Originally I planned to try an in-place upgrade, but decided that the way this system is working I'd better do a clean install rather than installing over it. Will a clean install of Windows 7 solve this problem of sluggishness for me?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell DXP061
    CPU
    1.87 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory
    4 GB
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE DELL E207WFP [Monitor] 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD321KJ [Hard drive] (320.07 GB)
    Internet Speed
    DSL
    Other Info
    Avast Internet Security 7 / Malwarebytes Pro / WinPatrol Plus / Secunit PSI /
Clean it with CCleaner
Then do a system file check
Go to Start Search Box and type CMD
While holding down CTRL and SHIFT press ENTER (opens as administrator)
(or right click and click run as administrator)
In the box that opens type
SFC /SCANNOW and press ENTER (note the gap before/)
If errors are found restart your computer and do the scan again.
Run it up to three times.

Then
Press Windows Key and R
Type MSCONFIG
Go to services tab and click Hide Microsoft Services
Leave the box open
Go to start search and type Services.msc
Right click and run as administrator
In Services right click any of the services that are listed in the msconfig box and go to the properties
Change the startup setting to manual
Reboot and see if it is any quicker
 

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
I use CCleaner on a regular basis. I did the sfc /scannow twice in the past several days and it showed no integrity errors both times.

As to the last item, I'm scared to do that. Most of the things in that list are already on manual, but for the ones which are not, the information on most of them make it sound to someone like me that they are definitely needed. I had someone else in the past do something like this on my computer and the result was that it wouldn't boot afterwards. I don't remember for sure anymore, but seems like I ended up having to do something called, I think, a factory repair install.

Forgive me. I can see you are an expert. I don't normally have any problem performing whatever tasks are given me by the experts, but because of what happened to me in the past, this one scares me. Guess I'll just have to plug along for now.

Will a clean install of Windows 7 give me back a computer that starts, shuts down and performs a bit more like normal?
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell DXP061
    CPU
    1.87 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory
    4 GB
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE DELL E207WFP [Monitor] 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD321KJ [Hard drive] (320.07 GB)
    Internet Speed
    DSL
    Other Info
    Avast Internet Security 7 / Malwarebytes Pro / WinPatrol Plus / Secunit PSI /

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
If you do the msconfig and hide the Microsoft services can you then post a screenshot of what is left and I will try and tell you which is most likely the cause of your slow startup
You can use the snipping tool for that
Start, All Programs, Accessories, Snipping Tool
 

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
This is really great of you. And thanks, also, for that link. I will bookmark it.
 

Attachments

  • services.JPG
    services.JPG
    120.4 KB · Views: 11

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell DXP061
    CPU
    1.87 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory
    4 GB
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE DELL E207WFP [Monitor] 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD321KJ [Hard drive] (320.07 GB)
    Internet Speed
    DSL
    Other Info
    Avast Internet Security 7 / Malwarebytes Pro / WinPatrol Plus / Secunit PSI /

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 mentioned thinking you might be able to tell me what the culprit(s) is by looking at that list. Did you spot anything?

Thanks for that link. I will check that out.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
Since you haven't answered I'm just going to edit. I'm on my way to doing a system restore but wanted to make note of what has happened first.

I followed instructions on the ink you gave me for clean boot. My computer re-booted pretty fast.
I went back into msconfig and again, with Microsoft services hidden, I disabled all (items on the screenshot I attached) and then just re-enabled, checked, the top 8 and restarted. Again, fast re-boot.

I went back into msconfig and repeated the process but this time I deleted checks for those first 8 items and checked the next 8 items: Epson scanner, Genie Timeline, Google Update, Google Update, Intel(R) Matrix, InstallDriver, Intel(R) Software and Logitech Blue Tooth; then restarted. This time SLOW, SLOW, SLOW!

So I set a restore point, went to the BlueViper link you gave me, opened Services.msc and used the "Safe" option selections he gave, then restarted again.

It took almost 15 minutes for my computer to boot back with everything loaded and I've had nothing but trouble with everything I tried to do. So I give up.

There's definitely something, or things in that second set of 8 items that caused horrible slow down, and I made it worse by following those Save options in my services.

I'm off to do a system restore.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell DXP061
    CPU
    1.87 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory
    4 GB
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE DELL E207WFP [Monitor] 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD321KJ [Hard drive] (320.07 GB)
    Internet Speed
    DSL
    Other Info
    Avast Internet Security 7 / Malwarebytes Pro / WinPatrol Plus / Secunit PSI /
OK I didn't see any screenshot from you
Epson scanner, Genie Timeline, Google Update, Intel(R) Matrix, InstallDriver, Intel(R) Software and Logitech Blue Tooth are all not needed at startup and you could go to services and set them all to manual. I would set Google Updater to disabled.
I think if I saw your list I could give a better answer

Black viper has a set of default settings tooView attachment Vista Services.zip
 
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
In addition to ILikeFree's suggestions, if you can back up your entire system I would try running without Genie Time Line. I use a similar software(RollbackRX Pro) and when it is active I notice the response on my system is herky jerky. Especially right after bootup.

Do you know if TimeLine uses a cache file and VSS to divert disk writes? ToolWiz TimeFreeze does and it can be very slow on some operations because everything that would write to the system partition is rerouted to the cache file.

Anyway, if it is TimeLine disabling it should show the problem disappear. Also when using Rollback I cannot defrag my system partition because that would scramble all the snapshots. I periodically uninstall Rollback, defrag, do an incremental backup using Macrium, then reinstall Rollback. A pita but I have no System Restore and using just Macrium can be equally tedious. Although the system performs so much more smoothly that sometimes I run without Rollback installed for a few days right after making the Macrium backup. But once I install a few programs I feel the need for the snapshot mechanism(sigh) so I put it back on. :)

Edit: I forgot to mention that if TimeLine is like Rollback they may recommend not defragging. If so you may be able to smooth things out by uninstalling, defragging, then reinstalling. But when you say deactivating the group of services with TimeLine sped things up then I would try to narrow down to the culprit before getting side tracked with defragging. Just thought I would mention it for future reference. :)
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
OK I didn't see any screenshot from you
Epson scanner, Genie Timeline, Google Update, Intel(R) Matrix, InstallDriver, Intel(R) Software and Logitech Blue Tooth are all not needed at startup and you could go to services and set them all to manual. I would set Google Updater to disabled.
I think if I saw your list I could give a better answer

Black viper has a set of default settings tooView attachment 29261

Black Viper's settings are what I used, only I used the SAFE column. Go to your post #5 and my post #6. That screenshot shows what was left after I checked to hide Microsoft services. Doesn't the screenshot appear at your end? It does on mine. But I am going to add it again.

Of those I listed I have just now set them all to manual, and disabled Google per your instructions.
 

Attachments

  • Capture.JPG
    Capture.JPG
    132.2 KB · Views: 3

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell DXP061
    CPU
    1.87 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory
    4 GB
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE DELL E207WFP [Monitor] 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD321KJ [Hard drive] (320.07 GB)
    Internet Speed
    DSL
    Other Info
    Avast Internet Security 7 / Malwarebytes Pro / WinPatrol Plus / Secunit PSI /
In addition to ILikeFree's suggestions, if you can back up your entire system I would try running without Genie Time Line. I use a similar software(RollbackRX Pro) and when it is active I notice the response on my system is herky jerky. Especially right after bootup.

Do you know if TimeLine uses a cache file and VSS to divert disk writes? ToolWiz TimeFreeze does and it can be very slow on some operations because everything that would write to the system partition is rerouted to the cache file.

Anyway, if it is TimeLine disabling it should show the problem disappear. Also when using Rollback I cannot defrag my system partition because that would scramble all the snapshots. I periodically uninstall Rollback, defrag, do an incremental backup using Macrium, then reinstall Rollback. A pita but I have no System Restore and using just Macrium can be equally tedious. Although the system performs so much more smoothly that sometimes I run without Rollback installed for a few days right after making the Macrium backup. But once I install a few programs I feel the need for the snapshot mechanism(sigh) so I put it back on. :)

Edit: I forgot to mention that if TimeLine is like Rollback they may recommend not defragging. If so you may be able to smooth things out by uninstalling, defragging, then reinstalling. But when you say deactivating the group of services with TimeLine sped things up then I would try to narrow down to the culprit before getting side tracked with defragging. Just thought I would mention it for future reference. :)

I appreciate your taking time to comment on this, but you've lost me. I have no idea if Timeline "uses a cache file and VSS to divert disk writes." I was wondering if Timeline is a major culprit because I have it on both my machines (the other a laptop) and I noticed a major slowdown in booting and shut down on that computer also. I am going to write to Timeline and ask them a few questions. Also, I just did a defrag using Defraggler. Based on what you posted, would that mean I have probably messed up my Timeline backup?
-------------------------------------
I have just emailed Genie Timeline support with a few questions. I will let you know what they have to say.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell DXP061
    CPU
    1.87 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory
    4 GB
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE DELL E207WFP [Monitor] 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD321KJ [Hard drive] (320.07 GB)
    Internet Speed
    DSL
    Other Info
    Avast Internet Security 7 / Malwarebytes Pro / WinPatrol Plus / Secunit PSI /
No I don't see any screenshot here maybe instead of adding it as an attachment could you just copy and paste it into your next post.
Zip folder I attached has both Safe and Default service settings registry file which you can extract and double click on the one you want. (you can also open it with notepad to view the content)
 

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
MilesAhead: If you are still watching this post do you see the screenshot I attached in my posts #6 and #11?

ilikefree:
How do I copy and paste the screen showing what's left after I hide all Microsoft services from msconfig?

I wrote to Genie Timeline support. They answered back telling me what to have on auto, etc., for their program I happen to be on my laptop right now (which is Windows 7) and I tried what they said on this computer and my startup/shutdown times have improved unbelievably. I will go back to my desktop now and try the same thing and report back to this post.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    Dell DXP061
    CPU
    1.87 gigahertz Intel Core 2 Duo
    Memory
    4 GB
    Sound Card
    High Definition Audio Device
    Monitor(s) Displays
    NVIDIA GeForce 7300 LE DELL E207WFP [Monitor] 20"
    Screen Resolution
    1280x800
    Hard Drives
    SAMSUNG HD321KJ [Hard drive] (320.07 GB)
    Internet Speed
    DSL
    Other Info
    Avast Internet Security 7 / Malwarebytes Pro / WinPatrol Plus / Secunit PSI /
MilesAhead: If you are still watching this post do you see the screenshot I attached in my posts #6 and #11?

Yes. I can see both. Glad you are making headway with the TimeLine program.

Mac-mac-apple-busy-smiley-emoticon-000712-facebook.gif
 

My Computer

System One

  • Manufacturer/Model
    HP Pavilion m9515y
    CPU
    Phenom X4 9850
    Memory
    8 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Some Radeon Cheapie with 512 MB Ram
    Monitor(s) Displays
    CRT
    Screen Resolution
    1280x1024
    Hard Drives
    750 GB SATA 3G
    2 SIIG Superspeed docks w/WD Caviar Black Sata II or III
No sorry I don't see either I will try another browser I am using Pale Moon and have turned off my ad block and ghostry
Take a picture then right click and copy go to a post reply box right click and paste see if that works
 

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
OK tried with all security off and used Internet Explorer and still don't see attachments
 

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
Miles can you see what he has running and give me a list
I would set to manual anything not needed for the computer to run (all non Microsoft items)
Then enable things like Security, MalwareBytes Anti-Exploit,
 

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
No sorry I don't see either I will try another browser I am using Pale Moon and have turned off my ad block and ghostry
Take a picture then right click and copy go to a post reply box right click and paste see if that works

Edit: Just tried that and it won't work
 

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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