After doing numerous tests for spyware/virus with no detections, my computer is still running slow. I think it's low memory. Is there a way to check for low memory?
How much memory do you have installed?
What operating system and service pack do you run?
Is it just slow when browsing, or is it also slow when opening folders and things like the control panel?
Does it also run slow if you boot into safe mode with networking and open a few things ? (including your browser)
I'm running IE 8
Total physical mem: 512mb
Avail mem: 112.90
Total virtual mem: 2.00 GB
Avail. VIrtual mem: 1.96
I use Firefox as a browser
When first starting the computer it takes forever to load be it Firefox or email
Clicking on either does nothing . . . clicking several times eventually opens numerous windows of the same thing be it Firefox or Thunderbird.
Once it opens the system seems to function OK . . . but is very slow at times.
I went through a complete check up at Geeks to Go and nothing was found for viruses or spyware. The tech did say it was possible it was low memory.
When sta
What is your operating system, XP?
So you have 512 ram (memory) it would be a good idea to add another 512 stick.
You could go to the crucial site and run the Crucial System Scanner Tool on the site which detects how much memory you have, what type it is, how much more you can add, and how much it would cost.
1. More memory is always better.
2. Is your harddrive constantly busy writing and reading information ? Then I would advice to install a program called Cleanmem.
http://www.pcwintech.com/cleanmem
http://forum.pirifor...showtopic=28918
It makes sure the memory is used more efficiently. Especially with only 512 Mbytes of RAM. Install it and report whether it was helpful.
3. What are the (minimum) system requirements for the Firefox version you're using ?
4. do you know after installing which program your computer became a snail ?
Also if you are using XP you could turn off indexing.
@Hazelnut, @Tommyk,
There's a simple program around that allows you to turn off that indexing service:
Simple System Tweaker
After doing numerous tests for spyware/virus with no detections, my computer is still running slow. I think it's low memory. Is there a way to check for low memory?
Yes, there is!
_____
Right-click my computer/Properties & see how much RAM you have.
CTRL + ALT + DEL to bring up task manager
Click performance tab & look at Commit (MB). If Commit = more than the RAM you have, your in need of more RAM.
Typically, 1 GB is a bare minimum, & many users find that 2, 3, or even more GB of RAM are needed.
_____
I have 4 GB RAM on my 32 Bit 7, & I am using 3 of them right now.
* Example: My PC shows 3,040/6,652 in use. Don't be confused. Windows adds Virtual RAM (HDD) to use when it runs out of physical RAM. But HDD VR is SLOW!
512 MB is low. I usually have problems on computers with 512 MB RAM. I can make XP machines only use 136 to 300 MB RAM, but it doesn't last long if you add antivirus/Firefox/other apps that you use.
1 GB is a bare minimum, & if you can get 2 or 3 GB, you will never regret it!
Get the Crucial Memory Scanner from the link Hazelnut suggested, & let it tell you the max supported RAM for your system.
RE: Task Manager
My readings are in "K"
Total: 335984 (fluctuates)
Limit: 1277916
Peak: 384932
I did the Tweaker Install
I also did "Crucial" and found I have 512 MB
System seems to be running a little quicker . . . but will have to wait until later to return. Have an important meeting to attend.
Will check back later
My old XP laptop had 512 Mb of memory and 64 Mb was used as video(-memory). That would leave 448 Mb for other programs. Assuming you have the same setup, would mean, between 65% and 85% of your memory is used and then the system also maintains a file system cache (not reported by Task Manager (??)) that can grow (very) large. Yes, then your system can turn into a snail.
Solutions:
1. Install Cleanmem (CM, see above). CM reduces the memory usage of programs/processes (running in the background) every 15 (default) minutes and can (when enabled) collapse the system file cache, also freeing up memory. (CM also can tell you how large the file system cache is) Then Windows doesn't need to write data from the memory to the (slow) harddisk that often anymore. Install CM and don't enable anything except for the System tray Icon. It tells you what percentage of the memory is used. Then compare that with the icon says after you have enabled a number/all things. Place a shortcut to CM in one of the start up folders. Then you have a clean system when it has finished the start up procdure.
2. Buy more RAM. More memory is always better but I don't know if you are willing and able to pay for more RAM. And how memory your system can handle.
Was this helpful ?
I am of the belief that if you install 512 MB to 1 GB more RAM in your PC, you will run lots faster & never regret it. I never regretted it on mine...
Yes, installing more RAM is always the best approach, but there's a catch: older memory can be quite expensive.
I installed Cleanmem. Do I have to do anything or does it run on it's own? What exactly am I looking for on this?
Sorry for being a non-tech guy with computers . . .
. . . does it run on it's own?
When you install CleanMem it will auto run every 15 min by the Windows Task Scheduler. Once installed it is set it and forget it. — Shane
Enable the CM system tray icon in the "General Settings". It shows what percentage of the memory is used and how effective CM is.
If you like having more control over when to clean, in Programs \ CleanMem right click the application and create a shortcut, drag it to the desktop
and also disable the auto run feature in Task Scheduler. 
OK . . . I'll be checking out my computer when I get home later and see how things are working. I'll report back on what I find
Thanks!
in the folder where CM is installed you'll find a program called "Mini Monitor.exe". Run it and a system tray icon pops up. I would recommend that you keep the system tray icon. Right click on the system tray icon and select "Monitor settings". Then another window pops up. That window give you access to all the features of CM.
Enable the CM system tray icon in the "General Settings". It shows what percentage of the memory is used and how effective CM is.
I don't see "Enable the CM System Tray Icon" in General Settings
While trying to open something, "memory used" is reaching well over 400MB and climbing and the computer is S-L-O-W and still not opening an application!