Yeah... my computer isn't working too well, and I'm looking for ways to fix it/speed it up. My dad says we have a pretty beefy computer, its a couple years old, Pentium 4 with only 256k ram... I think more ram would help, but he says it's beefy.
Anyway, the computer is kinda running choppy, well it was earlier and i have gotten two messages that said "Virtual Memory is Low" Both messages were when we let the computer sit, and they popped up on the WindowsXP log in screen. What does this mean?
Also, ZoneAlarm just stopped working on me. When i turn it on this gray window pops up saying "ZoneAlarm is Initializing, this window will close when it is finished." Then it goes away and comes back a little later, finally i just hit cancel on it because it doesn't seem like its going to start up at all.
Does anyone have any tips to fix these problems or speed up our computer in general?
[question posted by Hipponater]
responses and comments:
try to make a scandisk and check the option which say 'arrange errors automaticaly' [verdurilla]
umm, i am not sure but it maybe that ur running or downloading cos virtual memory becomes low cos of that.as far as i know whenever windows viryal memory is low, XP increases it automatically( atleast it does for me). about the zonelalarm thing thing, i dont know cos i use windows firewall. there r many ways to speed up ur computer, like disc cleanups and if u use the internet often then remember to delete temporary internet files. also u can use the google web accelerator. [sanshray]
I also have a perplexing computer problem. Very often when I am on the net , if I do not use the page I am on for 30 seconds or more it will freeze then I have to hit alt, delete and end program. Sometimes it says the CPU is running on 20% then it says 100% and then nothing work and I have to reboot. Sometimes it will freeze in the middle of my posts here on my lot. I am cleaning up disk space by removing some of my sons pics and downloads from the computer. Since I use this computer for my work it is very important that I can access my web emails at any time. Any sugguestions?? [handygal]
hey dude first you have to free some space in the drive where you operating system files is storesd ,then increase the virtual memory in your hard disk from system properties ,do some adware scan thats it your system will work better , 256 ram is enough no need to use much more pentium 4 is a maximum requirement you dont need to worry if its not working re install all your os [cap_leo18]
You need to but more ram to speed up a little bit your computer. About zone alarm... try to install again. But the first thing tant you must do is buy some ram. [miguelcanas]
Basically your computer is not beefy. its just that your using it sadistically. hehe. Seriously, your computers problem is its virtual memory in which adding more ram memory would actually solve it. Running low on virtual memory means that theres a lot of programs that are running "underneath" (start up) your computer. To solve the problem, If you have extra bucks then you can expand your ram memory at least to 512mb. second try to check all the softwares you have already loaded and disable or removed those softwares that you do not use very often from the start up. You can do that by clicking on the start button, then hit run, then type in msconfig. but i suggest you do this with the assistance with somebody who has the technical know how or else you might disable those programs that are not supposed to be disabled that may cause your some programs to malfunction. You can also do some clean up on your hard disk and defrag it as well. and as part of your preventive maintennance, do perform a periodic cleaning of cahche and cookies regualry. In my case since i surf the net evryday for a minimum of 10 hours per day, i do it everyday before i shut down my pc. Hope this would help. [ethaniverson]
thanks man,i downloaded adware and i found more than 30 spyware.thanks for program.i really not aware of this spyware! [hijas007]
From when is it giving you problem.Is it like that from starting.If not then may be you have got some virus or some malware which is slowing your system performance eating up your memory.you can increase your virtual memory depending on how much physical memory you have installed.Supose you have 128 Mb ram installed in to your system then you can increase virtual memory to 128*3.Also i will advise you go check your pc using some good malware removal tool. [sahyd2don]
it is easy i think.just try to re-install your hdd. 1.back up the data that you need from the HDD 2.save the data into a flash disk or cd. 3.try to make a partition on your hdd ,perhaps theres a damaged on your hdd. 3.format the hdd you have already partitioned. 4.install the new operating system ( i suggest you linux it is free from viruses) 5.drink a coffe or softdrink till the installing process is finish. have a nice day. [fahmiri2al]
i think you must check for the virsus with some new anivirus.. upgrade your ram and if you harddisk is small in size install bigger one. disable all the programs which automaticaly start when you bootup your system. you can disable these by running the file msconfig. [bhambra]
try the utility of disc clean up and if u r prob doesnt doesnt solved, format ur pc [hemasonline]
first of all, defrag ur computer, and then scan ur computer with a good antivirus, [smartlubana]
Computers are complicated and can be crazy at times. Sometimes the things people try to do and say to do to make the computer work faster may have been a good method for them but may not work for you so just try some things out and see what happens and hope it works out for you. [magdollars23]
--first uninstall your zone alarm firewall and use winxp sp2 firewall instead; --install norton antivirus 2003; --you can disable services that start with windows...open "run" and type"services.msc"; --read al the description and disable one you dont use; --disable startup programs like msn,yahoo by typing "msconfig" at "run" command; --defragmnet your hard disk; --run scandisk; --install "spyware doctor" for removing spywares; hope this will help you! [hijas007]
I wouldn't recommend turning on winxp2 firewall over zonealarm. The built-in windows firewall is a joke; it has more holes than a sieve. Zonealarm is one of the best firewall solutions around today. If it's giving you problems now, I would suggest uninstalling what's in your computer right now and updating to a new version, as most of the problems that are bugging you now will most likely be addressed in the latest version. I would also suggest not messing with the services unless you know what you're doing. [posterBOY]
lol the ram won't be 256k it might be 256MB...anyway can't help u with computer but good luck may your broblem be get solved [mlotboy]
I am software Engineering. My advice is to take a good hardware engineer person and check your computer he will identify the problem and fix it. This could bring back your computer into action [vekyengineer]
One way to help it without adding ram is to go to start--run--msconfig and turn off a lot of the programs that are starting when the computer starts up. Every program that starts when the computer starts is eating at your resources, so cut out what you can. I would leave printer and antivirus on definitely, but kill things like realplayer, office, quicktime, and things like that. Also go to your start -- programs menu and check your startup folder to see what is running there. Kill what you don't absolutely need running at all times, but keep a document of what you kill and what you leave running, cause you may accidentally kill something you need and have to turn it back on. What I do is I turn off a couple of things, restart the computer, and see how it does, then turn off a few more things, and restart again until I get as many as I can killed. Note you are not getting rid of the programs just turning them off. Also run scandisk and defrag will help clean it up. On some versions of windows it is called chkdsk. That may help you until you decide to get more RAM (or you may decide you don't need it, either). Good luck! [lyndaj70]
Honestly dude, you need to buy more RAM, the minimum today is already 512k. You also need to either free up some space or increase your hard drive capacity. Your zonealarm also adds up to the slowness of your computer. Just put in a reliable Anti-virus and turn on your windows firewall, no need for those faulty internet security all-in-ones. You might also want to regularly clear your temporary internet files and do regular defrags. Also, if you're connected to the net, do not go to sites that are malicious, you'll just get spywares. Hope that helps. [xtedaxcvg]
This only means that you are running out of memory like RAM so you should probably put in some more space by deleting the unwanted ones. About the ZoneAlarm, try to install it again, there might only be somethhing wrong with it but if you reinstall it again and it is still the same, there is something in your PC and better have it take a look in technician. [katan22]
I think you meant 256MB RAM rather than 256K didn't you? Pentium 4 needs to run on at least 256MB RAM and above for it to run smoothly. It also depends on your OS. If you win on Windows 98 or ME, then 256MB RAM should be OK. It also depends on what applications you have on your PC. Do you run a lot of memory hungry applications like Corel Draw, Photoshop, Pagemaker, AutoCAD or other design software. If you have to deal with files that are 100-200MB in size then, that is the problem. 256MB RAM may not be enough. What about your hard disk space. Remember, Windows need a mirror image on the Hard Disk of about the equivalent of its size on your hard disk to run properly. If your Windows OS took up 120MB of disk space, make sure you have at least 500MB available as free space on your hard disk at any one time, just to run Windows. Same thing with Windoes XP, except that XP needs at least 512MB RAM for the PC to run properly. That doesn't mean XP itself needs 512MB RAM. Many people mistakenly get enough RAM to run the requirements of Windows, forgetting about the extra memory to run other applications. When Windows says it needs 64MB RAM minimum to run, and if you have, say 256MB RAM on your PC, it means that when you boot up, Windows takes away 64MB RAM from that memory allowing you only 192MB RAM available to run other applications. Worse, if you had only 128MB RAM. That's why your other applications always will have "illegal operation" messages all the time. Get your PC's memory upgraded to 1GB RAM at least. And make sure your hard disk has enough free space, at least 15GB of free space if you run Win 98 or ME and 20GB of free space if you run XP. (Home. Professional needs more). Run Disk cleanup, Chkdsk and Defrag often. Goto start-accessories-system tools and you find them. Get AdAware from Lavasoft, ZoneAlarm and A-squared to protect your PC from spyware,adware and malware. Get your PC scanned from viruses online from http://www.antivirus.com All the above software are available as free downloads. Also check if your hard disk is partitioned. If you have s small 20GB or 40GB hard disk, partitioning into 2 partitions is not a good idea. Maybe if your hard disk is 80GB and above. Also if you run on 2 OS's, this is also the problem. Hope this helps. [boeyong]
Look man anything done these days you need a gig of ram or more. Your computer is beefy as you say but its like putting a 4 cylinder engine into a 10000 lb truck it just isnt going to be strong enough to run that vehicle. I would also say run a defragment or just format the entire system and start from scratch. [adamk911]
Try adding more ram in your computer system. If your running windows xp it is best that you have at least a 512mb ram so that your system will not experience computer crashes. Xp automatically allocate virtual memory that why you have to have a bigger memory inorder that it can allocated more to programs that is in your computer. Also, try uninstalling unnecessary software that you have installed. software uses big memory. Even those 3d mouse cursors also uses memory so if you have a small memory it is better to use the standard cursors. [rhie0216]
first you have to check you hard drive for the bad sectors by scandisk in DOS not by the WINDOWS program .. after that you can check your hard too by easy check disk and start to search about viruses by any good anti virus offered .and start to delete some of usless programs which affect on the computer work .. after solving all problems i think that you will not face any problems here . [mohammed4444]
as i know for memory if you need a better result then you upgrade the ram then it is good. mylink:www.freewebs.com/mylotmoney [whattobegood000]
Well Im no tech guy but my computer was doing similar things to before christmas. I took it into the local computer shop got a new hard drive and got the max memory you could put onto this computer and its works great. Mine computer is even about 10 years old and talk about beefy this thing is a monster but works great now. Hopefully you find something that works but if not when in doubt add more memory. [7nicole1]
Hey Y'all. Yes, RAM can play a factor in sluggishness but the real culprit is almost always adware or malware! To search you computer for those, download two free things - Spybot search & Destroy and Adaware from Lavasoft. Run adaware first and once that's done let Spybot run to catch everything else. I guarantee this will speed up your computer like it was brand new. If you are a n00b messing with the virtual memory then you need to know that you are not solving the problem!! Those programs can be downloaded at : http://www.spybot.info/en/mirrors/index.html http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10045910.html?part=dl-ad-aware&subj=dl&tag=top5 Please do this before you do anything else. I've been an IT professional for years and have dealt with both personal computers in the field as well as government computers. [not4me]
the best thing to do with your pc is to format it, your pc has a fine system specification and speed, sometimes we need to format so that we could make it fine, maybe your system registry is already affected by viruses and spywares, so I recommend you to format it and just make sure you have a back of your files. [Jamian]
Yes, more RAM will definately help despite what your father says. I started with 256 and it just wasnt enough. I now have 1gb and it helps a LOT. Try doing all these things and let us know if it helps. I'm assuming you have Windows XP. 1) click start, control panel, add/remove programs. Remove the zone alarm you have. 2) go to http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/company/products/znalm/freeDownload.jsp and install the free zone alarm firewall and run it. 3) go to http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-anti-virus-free and get the free AVG anti-virus and install and run it. 4) go to http://free.grisoft.com/doc/5390/lng/us/tpl/v5#avg-anti-spyware-free and install and run it. 5) click start, My computer, right click C: and click properties. Click "disk cleanup" and tick all options once the program has calculated how much free space you can create. 6) Click start, My Computer, right click C: and click properties again, then click the TOOLS tab, and click "defragmentation". This will take a while, but you should do this every now and then. 7) go to http://www.update.microsoft.com and choose the "express" option. On the right hand side of the page just have a look and see if it says "automatic updates: turned on". If not, click on it and turn it on. I hope this helps :) [signum]
virtual memory low shows in two cases only when ur using heay software though you dont have suffiecient RAM and when your downloading/uploading . Try to do only one task when ur specially downloading or uploading .Please dont do any thing like disk cleanup,defragmentation it will mostly damages your hard disk [athaur]
I'm not saying defrag every day, once every 3 months is when i do mine roughly. But I do not see how disk cleanup will ruin the HDD. I have never ever had any probs with my hard drive from using defrag or cleanup. [signum]
The specs of my PC is very similar to yours, and though it slows down at times, it still runs pretty well. You probably have spywares running in the background, consuming memory. Install anti-spyware programs like Ad Aware Personal or Spybot. Then have either scan through your system. You might also want to consider downloading Free RAM XP Pro, to clear the RAM regularly. Or you can buy a new and more powerful RAM. Defragmenting your HDD will also speed up your computer. Defragment your system if you haven't done so for a while. As for ZoneAlarm, your version may be too outdated. Try installing the newest version. [mogg20]
1. delete any junk you have example: msn toolbar 2. upgrade your ram to 512 or 1 gb 3. defrag your pc click start>all programs>accessories>System Tools>Disk defragmenter OR you can just back up your files and reinstall windows xp/vista/2000 from scratch [taga7a]
When mine runs slow, I go to ewido.com and run a free scan for spyware and that sort of stuff. I usually end up having a bunch of junk from the sites that my kids cruise. It may help some. [mjgarcia]
Hello, Anyone have computer problems out there? Could resolve some issues for you. I posted this before i guess people missed it. [decrepit]
you must afresh the windows. [jacklee]
you must afresh build in windows agin. [jacklee]
First I'd do a disk clean up (right click on start, right click on hard drive) and it will find unwanted stuff you don't need (cookies, etc.) Then, check and do a defrag. Last but not least, add some more RAM. With today's videos and graphics, 256K isn't a lot. I had 256 on our desktop, I upgraded to 768K and it made a HUGE difference in the speed of the computer. Best of luck!! :-) [classyphotobuggy]
Your computer is virused, do you visit a website? sometime those websites are giving a free info or free download but at the end you will see that your computer is virused. [algie123]
this responce will seem to be of no use but at the moment your computer is the least bit beefy compared to what is required to run most programs, also if you were looking at running windows vista (came out 5 days ago) you would find out quick that your computer is WAY WAY too slow [crh431]
To Speed Up you machine do the following 1. Download a software called CRAP CLEANER. This will clean up all the extra temp file ie cache etc etc its hardly 1.5MB. 2. Download a software called Executive Software Diskeeper. This will defragment (arrange) all the file on your hdd for faster access and will improve speed. 3.For the virtual memory problem: Right click the icon "My Computer" on the desktop and click properties. Click the Advanced Tab and under performance click settings. Then Click "Adjust For Best Performance". Then go the "Advanced Tab" and under "Vitual Memory" click "Change". Set the size of the paging file to 4906MB = 4GB (the max windows can support) and preferably move it to another drive other than C: and click set. Click OK and restart. AFTER THIS YOU WILL NEVER GET "WINDOWS IS RUNNING LOW ON VIRTUAL MEMORY" lemme know how it goes :) [shirazabdulla]
It seems you have so many background programs on your system. You may have a virus or spyware on your computer. Try to clean it up. You may use Kaspersky Internet Security 6.0, with updated database to clean it up. After all, checks your startup registry. You may use TuneUp Utilities 2006 if you are unable edit your registry using Regedit. If there is any unknown program that started up within your windows, delete it. After all, reboot your computer, scandisk, and defrag your computer. I hope these steps should work for you [yudishtira]
hi dude this is srikanth dont use zonealrm software uninstal it and use spyware doctor software it work great instal xp with service pack so it would be safe and service pack helps u in protecting ur syspem while u r using the internet increse the vertual memory little to a medium level to spped up urpc dont instal too many software..... if u have any problem u mail me ok dude..... bye [chikkusri]
A Pentium IV CPU is already enough nowaday. I prefer you to replace your 256MB ram into 1GB ram. Of course, buying a new computer would be the best solution for your question! [xeron0719]
I think his computer is not running optimially. [KHyuga]
what are you kiddin me?! dude..my comps only got 128k ram and you think you have probs? just clean up the junk on your comp and religiously run disk defrag... [skb369]
Yuo should consult a professional and get all problem fixed. [msbawangada]
You may have malwares on your computer. Try running Adaware and Spybot. [KHyuga]
You most likely mean 256MB RAM. Yes, a RAM upgrade would help a lot. Virtual memory is hard-drive space your computer uses as RAM so to fix this right click on your my computer icon and go to advanced then settings under performance then go to the advanced tab and at the bottom click change. Then you can set the size to as much as you want. Oh this program will clear your computer of junk and it should run smoother/have more space on your hard-drive: I recommend everyone to use this. http://www.atribune.org/content/view/19/2 [Zikaro]
okk.. i had the same configuration of my computer, and also the same problems. i work on adobe photoshop and it always used to cry virtual memory low! try these tips- 1- make sure the drive which has you "windows" folder has atleast 5-10gb of free space, the more , the better! 2- probably you have a lot of programs in the windows startup. try to get rid of them... start>>run>>type "msconfig">>click "startup" tab>>uncheck every thing except "zlclient" or if you are using webshots or anything>>click ok>>restart..... now see how fast it boots again! 3- regularly run the "disk cleanup" function in your drive that has windows. 4- do not keep anything on your desktop. keep it as clean as possible. nothin except shortcuts to the most important programs should be kept here. 5- uninstall all junk programs or games that you dont use anymore! 6- upgrade you RAM.. i ve added an additional 512mb.. so my total is about 768mb.. it rocks! 7- try to keep a lot of free space in your hard disks.(i can even give you tips how to increase you hard disk space without buying more. wink wink!) i am no computer pro. just an ameteur. learnt all this with hit n trial methods on my computer.. and all this works! i think all this should do this trick!! all the best! [pix_trix]
Firstly increase the memory of your computer. secondly assembled the anti virus. third one is use with interest. Check your p.c . [eshant2002]
i got one best solution.. reformat ur computer and "DO NOT INSTALL THE UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS". [19virus73]
hey you must uninstalled some software.i am faraid that ur computer is heavily loaded with software.pentium4 with 256k ram is enough for speedy work,but u dont get this.this mean you dont have more spaces on ur harddisk.dont set any screen saver or like this item as it slowest the machine.dont installed more than one os if not very needed. i think it help you much. [raj9433327675]
i think u must formate ur disc and reinstall the os [papcash]
I was having the same problem too. My computer is 4 years old. But I clean my system and it is quite better now. Try following steps: 1 Install a fresh copy of windows. 2 Donot store anything in your C drive 3 Do a defragmentation after that. Hope it will resolve your problem. [cooldudepankaj]
use pc accelrater and memory booster [datir1]
You definitely should increase the RAM as that will help the computer run faster. I am going to do the same thing as mine as they say you should have almost or about 1 GIG of RAM. I too had the problem of the virtual memory being too low. You need to go to control panel and then system. click on the advanced tab and then the settings tab for performance. Click on advanced and then increase your RAM. Mine is 700 mb and have not had a problem since then. How fast is your processor and hard drive? You may want to check those as well. [kgwat70]
Easy way is format your computer..What i'm thinking here is all your pronblem is about your operating system.. [ito_kmk]
I think you have just some kind of worms , they cause this kind of slowing down the PC and consuming all the virtual memory , so get a strong anti virus with latest updates and run them right now , if you can just reformat your hard drive quick : format /q c: , and reinstall your OS again, good luck [the_netvoice]
i think virus may be ,scan for anti virus. [anil595]
i think you gotta get a new ram of good memory.. [adnanmd2]
helo computer is good for life specialy for earning if u want to earn more through surfing than contact u only do this that u please windows again install then good for computer if u want to earn more than contact me faisalawan18@hotmail.com added me u have balance in e-gold [nicefaisal76]
dude,..the computer is aging. Computer price had came crashing down. It's no longer those expensive toys anymore. Most branded computers are pretty affordable. Oh yeah, not to mention that they keep changing and upgrading the operating system. Yesterday you still can run this program smoothly, but tomorrow, wham ! It's a total different story... Look at Microsoft Vista - it's a memory-hunger operating system. Try to load it in your old system, and you will sure see it crashing like nobody business, or at least it will crawl like a tortoise... Change !!! [whykay]
There are many ways through which you can improve your pc performance. try refreshing the OS in few months. also keep a check over all the programs which get loaded on the RAM during system startup, disable all those un-necessary. Try removing all those software from your pc which are not of use or those of seldome use and can be installed when needed.And there can be many such things which affects PC performance. I have the same configuration as you have mentioned but i m happy with the performance. [pbarjatiya]
hi fren, i also face the same problem here.i think it will be better if we increase the ram. some times it is due to viruses,we have to remove the virus from the software..........haha. [mlotboy]
hi fren, i also face the same problem here.i think it will be better if we increase the ram. some times it is due to viruses,we have to remove the virus from the software..........haha. [mlotboy]
hi fren, i also face the same problem here.i think it will be better if we increase the ram. some times it is due to viruses,we have to remove the virus from the software..........haha. [mlotboy]
hi fren, i also face the same problem here.i think it will be better if we increase the ram. some times it is due to viruses,we have to remove the virus from the software..........haha....all the best. [mlotboy]
hi fren, i also face the same problem here.i think it will be better if we increase the ram. some times it is due to viruses,we have to remove the virus from the software..........haha....all the best. [mlotboy]
When they say "virtual memory" they're mostly referring to your ram. What type of ram do you have? A DDR or a DDR2? What is the ddr ram's speed, how many mhz? Fact, if you have a dvd burner and are planning to burn a whole movie chances are your computer will hang up due to lack of virtual memory or system resources. Here are a couple of things you can do to speed up your pc. 1) go to the start menu, programs, accessories and sytem tools... choos disk cleanup. 2) get reg cleaner to remove cookies that can't be removed by windows. 3) Check your system resources. Either you lack ram or your hardrive is almost full. 4) Remove the icons on your task and tray bars that you don't need. 5) deactivate the programs on your start-up that you don't need. Hope those help. [merkava]
Hey It is also happened to me once. For me it happened when i installed some patches like TCP/IP ptches and it was fixed when i Reinstalled Windows. And Do not Put Files in C Drive. Putting Large Files on Desktop and MyDocuments willcause your System slow Down. I put all my works in Different Drives. Now i am not Experiencing any problem in my PC. [tinkutr]
I think that a problem with your virtual memory. you can change paging system by left click your computers lick properties go to tab advanced and click settings on performance. there you go, you can setup virtual memory on there. [istanto]