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My aging desktop computer has become a sloth
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Nov 30, 2022 16:31:14   #
JeffDavidson Loc: Originally Detroit Now Los Angeles
 
#1 clean all internet and windows junk files
#2 do a cold boot (turn off for about 30+ seconds and then back on)
#3 Try a utility such as System Mechanic Ultimate Defense. My system runs like the day I bought it three years ago

I run the utilities several times a week (about 2-3 minutes of time)

Verify that you do not have spyware, malware etc. on your system regularly. I use Malwarebytes (low overhead)

Also, check for any unnecessary startup programs and disable them. If you are uncertain what a program is, leave it alone so that you do not mess up your system. System Mechanic is great at that also.

Hoppe this helps.

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Nov 30, 2022 16:32:09   #
User ID
 
AnotherBob wrote:
My aging Dell computer, which is usually reliable and pretty responsive, has become a sloth.
Dell XPS 435MT 2009 vintage
Intel i7, 2.67 GHz
24 GB RAM
64 bit Windows 10 - Home version
C drive: 1 terabyte SSD
D drive: 1 terabyte SSD
E drive: 500 Gigabyte spinning drive

All discs have been defragged and optimized within the windows operating system. All have about 1/3 unused capacity.
Task master shows 5% CPU, 16% memory, 10% disk usage
I run Microsoft Office and Adobe Lightroom

Within the past week, all activity has nearly stopped. I can open files. I can run all applications, but with outrageously slow response. I tried to copy files from one drive to another....the system ran all night, and shows it it is 1% complete. The "discovery" phase of the copy took about 12 hours. The "copy" part has made no progress since I got up this morning. The copy application is moving, but at 200 bytes / sec, then 0, then something between. No measurable progress.

The only recent change in software was a Lightroom update, but all activity is slow, regardless of drive or application.

I don't know where to look further. Any suggestions (other than the perhaps inevitable Costco trip) are welcome.

Thanks for your thoughts.

/Bob
My aging Dell computer, which is usually reliable ... (show quote)


If this came about rather quickly, some of the advice so far doesnt apply, as those would be for problems involving gradual deterioration.

So its a puzzle, especially when your CPU load is only around 5%. Puzzles can be fun, or not. Its a very old machine, really overdue for replacement, so solving this puzzle is kinda moot. Solve this one and the machine may die in the near future anywho.

The most salvage value is your SSDs. They can be back up storage when you get a new machine ... which you probably will. You could also empty out an SSD to use as a Photoshop scratch disk. Thaz basically auxiliary RAM so its never storing anything valuable.

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Nov 30, 2022 16:54:02   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
AnotherBob wrote:


My wife got quilted protective covers for our three lounge chairs (mine in the family room and two in the living room) to protect the very nice coverings of those chairs, $2K to 3K each, but man are they comfortable, and with about a million positions you can sit/lie in. She asked me if I want a waterproof absorbent pad to put on the seat "just in case" I get stuck anyway.

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Nov 30, 2022 17:21:29   #
therwol Loc: USA
 
JeffDavidson wrote:
#2 do a cold boot (turn off for about 30+ seconds and then back on)


FYI Windows 10 saves a lot of settings when you simply turn it off. It applies those the next time you turn the machine on to save boot time. It doesn't matter how long you leave the machine turned off. If you want to have the computer boot and reset those settings, just click on Restart instead of Shut Down.

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Nov 30, 2022 17:56:49   #
AnotherBob
 
therwol wrote:
FYI Windows 10 saves a lot of settings when you simply turn it off. It applies those the next time you turn the machine on to save boot time. It doesn't matter how long you leave the machine turned off. If you want to have the computer boot and reset those settings, just click on Restart instead of Shut Down.


Thank you.

Good to know.

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Nov 30, 2022 18:13:00   #
tramsey Loc: Texas
 
I have an old machine to, built by a computer geek friend of mine who passed away about ten years ago. He put this machine together several years before he passed. d He told me, 'As time goes just keep what you down load simple, nothing fancy and use CCleaner at least monthly. I use Gimp and a Photo Shop elements that he sold me. I'm still on Window 7. When my wife went to 10 she started having all sorts of problems. I know M/S doesn't support 7 any more but there a lot of third party sites that do. Watch what you download and use CCleaner.
It sounds to me like you have to many newer type programs that use a lot of memory and power. Time to clean house.

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Nov 30, 2022 18:59:40   #
AnotherBob
 
tramsey wrote:
I have an old machine to, built by a computer geek friend of mine who passed away about ten years ago. He put this machine together several years before he passed. He told me, 'As time goes just keep what you down load simple, nothing fancy and use CCleaner at least monthly.


Fancy, I'm not. A knowledgeable friend uses CCleaner; I've shied away from it, but this may be the time.

Thanks for your thoughts.

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Nov 30, 2022 19:16:55   #
BebuLamar
 
AnotherBob wrote:
Fancy, I'm not. A knowledgeable friend uses CCleaner; I've shied away from it, but this may be the time.

Thanks for your thoughts.


Really for me instead of using cleaning software just clean it up. Reinstall everything.

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Nov 30, 2022 19:24:52   #
robertjerl Loc: Corona, California
 
AnotherBob wrote:
Fancy, I'm not. A knowledgeable friend uses CCleaner; I've shied away from it, but this may be the time.

Thanks for your thoughts.


I use CCleaner Professional, and it does just about everything to one degree or another. Some better than others, but it is my quick "go to" when I don't want to fritz around with the more advanced specialty apps.

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Nov 30, 2022 22:11:09   #
User ID
 
BebuLamar wrote:
Really for me instead of using cleaning software just clean it up. Reinstall everything.

Nuke and repave monthly.

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Dec 1, 2022 08:17:12   #
jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY
 
You seem to have good specs there. Spending a $1,00 will get you a fast computer, but yours already has good specs. The links below cost nothing to use.

https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/tips-to-improve-pc-performance-in-windows-b3b3ef5b-5953-fb6a-2528-4bbed82fba96#:~:text=Restart%20your%20PC%20and%20open%20only%20the%20apps%20you%20need&text=If%20this%20is%20happening%2C%20close,and%20browser%20windows%20you%20need.
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000179.htm
https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-fix-a-slow-computer
https://vintageits.com/how-to-fix-slow-computer/
https://www.cnet.com/tech/computing/why-is-my-computer-so-slow/

EDIT: I didn't realize I already had links saved for this topic. I'm posting them below, but I'm not forcing you to use them. Remember - all of this is free!

https://www.cnet.com/how-to/tired-of-dealing-with-a-slow-pc-here-are-6-steps-to-fix-it-yourself/
https://www.ccleaner.com/knowledge/why-your-pc-is-so-slow-and-how-you-can-speed-it-up
https://www.crucial.com/articles/pc-users/how-to-fix-a-slow-computer
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000179.htm
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/4002019/windows-10-improve-pc-performance

https://www.computerworld.com/article/3029168/windows-10-quick-tips-13-ways-to-speed-up-your-pc.html?page=2
https://www.techradar.com/how-to/how-to-speed-up-windows-10
https://www.pcmag.com/how-to/12-tips-to-speed-up-windows-10
https://www.cnet.com/how-to/easy-ways-to-speed-up-windows-10/
https://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000179.htm
https://www.howtogeek.com/228570/10-quick-ways-to-speed-up-a-slow-windows-pc/
https://support.norton.com/sp/en/us/home/current/solutions/v59066932_EndUserProfile_en_us
http://computersupportservicesnj.com/11-reasons-for-pc-issues-and-tips-on-how-to-fix-slow-computer-i-bet-you-wouldnt-like-10/

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Dec 1, 2022 09:11:18   #
Wasabi
 
As said, clean the registry. Also weed out the start up programs. Task master should tell you what programs are competing with the copy procedure. If it doesn't try 'process explorer'.

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Dec 1, 2022 09:25:03   #
lamiaceae Loc: San Luis Obispo County, CA
 
AnotherBob wrote:
My aging Dell computer, which is usually reliable and pretty responsive, has become a sloth.
Dell XPS 435MT 2009 vintage
Intel i7, 2.67 GHz
24 GB RAM
64 bit Windows 10 - Home version
C drive: 1 terabyte SSD
D drive: 1 terabyte SSD
E drive: 500 Gigabyte spinning drive

All discs have been defragged and optimized within the windows operating system. All have about 1/3 unused capacity.
Task master shows 5% CPU, 16% memory, 10% disk usage
I run Microsoft Office and Adobe Lightroom

Within the past week, all activity has nearly stopped. I can open files. I can run all applications, but with outrageously slow response. I tried to copy files from one drive to another....the system ran all night, and shows it it is 1% complete. The "discovery" phase of the copy took about 12 hours. The "copy" part has made no progress since I got up this morning. The copy application is moving, but at 200 bytes / sec, then 0, then something between. No measurable progress.

The only recent change in software was a Lightroom update, but all activity is slow, regardless of drive or application.

I don't know where to look further. Any suggestions (other than the perhaps inevitable Costco trip) are welcome.

Thanks for your thoughts.

/Bob
My aging Dell computer, which is usually reliable ... (show quote)


I'd check for malware or bloatware that came with wanted software. I have a 2014 vintage Dell XPS 9800 Windows 10 Home (with latest / last update) tower that still runs fine. From time to time I have a professional clean up problems. I have only a 1TB spinner HDD in it but I at least once per year archive my Image and music files to several pairs of 2TB external drives. I have a subscription for MS Office 360 (Professional). But the big difference between our uses and issues is that I am still using Photoshop CS6 Extended and ACR 9.1.1 (the last version that will run under Win 10 and CS6).

Oh, what video card do you have? That might be more out of date that your MOBO or CPU. If this was sudden it could be a virus or an update. Good luck.

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Dec 1, 2022 09:26:43   #
BebuLamar
 
I have a 2010 vintage HP Z600 running Windows 10. It's not slow in my opinion.

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Dec 1, 2022 10:07:09   #
joer Loc: Colorado/Illinois
 
AnotherBob wrote:
My aging Dell computer, which is usually reliable and pretty responsive, has become a sloth.
Dell XPS 435MT 2009 vintage
Intel i7, 2.67 GHz
24 GB RAM
64 bit Windows 10 - Home version
C drive: 1 terabyte SSD
D drive: 1 terabyte SSD
E drive: 500 Gigabyte spinning drive

All discs have been defragged and optimized within the windows operating system. All have about 1/3 unused capacity.
Task master shows 5% CPU, 16% memory, 10% disk usage
I run Microsoft Office and Adobe Lightroom

Within the past week, all activity has nearly stopped. I can open files. I can run all applications, but with outrageously slow response. I tried to copy files from one drive to another....the system ran all night, and shows it it is 1% complete. The "discovery" phase of the copy took about 12 hours. The "copy" part has made no progress since I got up this morning. The copy application is moving, but at 200 bytes / sec, then 0, then something between. No measurable progress.

The only recent change in software was a Lightroom update, but all activity is slow, regardless of drive or application.

I don't know where to look further. Any suggestions (other than the perhaps inevitable Costco trip) are welcome.

Thanks for your thoughts.

/Bob
My aging Dell computer, which is usually reliable ... (show quote)


Your computer specs indicate your should be able to run just about anything.

Before you get carried away down load Pegasun System Utilities.(http://www.Pegasun.com). It will shut down all unnecessary activities and boost speed, with just one click. I use it all the time with a computer less able than yours.

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