Help w/ old computer (Urgent)

[Fuzziekiwi]

Hey guys, I'm a dilemma right now with a friend's old computer. It's extremely slow, freezing, and just slow.., slow to the point it wouldn't be worth uninstalling the bloatware. It's hard to open more than 3 tabs in chrome, and even go to a simple website. It also takes like 10 minutes for it to connect to the internet (it has a ethernet cable plugged directly into the router). I checked startup programs, and the only programs that are probably affecting system performance are Norton 360 and Carbonite. They used to go to Staples for their computer management, and it seems like they disable most of the bad startup bloatware programs.

It's running Windows 7 64bit

Here are the specs of the Compaq Presario CQ5320F:
http://h20564.www2.hp.com/hpsc/doc/public/display?docId=emr_na-c01949110

Here is what I'm thinking:
Fresh install of Windows 7, using recovery disc, and upgrading RAM
or
Installing an SSD

Any other suggestions are greatly appreciated.

 

[i7Baby]

Its an old AM2 mobo with a weak CPU with only 3gb slow ddr3 ram and integrated graphics.

I'd only spend money on it on things I could use again later

eg SSD - $110 - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820148820

I'd get rid of Norton and install Avast (free version). It won't take any other ram.

You probably won't be able to install Windows 7 - it won't have drivers available. XP was OK though.

Its not built for gaming. Just office work.

 

[DarkSable]

Why not re-install windows 7 and see what difference that makes, and then spend the money for a SSD if you absolutely have to?

 

[geofelt]

Since you already have 3gb, any ram upgrade will probably lead you to a 64 bit windows reinstall.
That is not a bad idea anyway.
But, be careful about adding ram.
Ram is sold in kits for a reason.
A motherboard must manage all the ram using the same specs of voltage, cas and speed.
Ram from the same vendor and part number can be made up of differing manufacturing components over time.
Some motherboards can be very sensitive to this.
That is why ram vendors will NOT support ram that is not bought in one kit.
You want documented ram compatibility. If you should ever have a problem, you want supported ram.
Otherwise, you risk a finger pointing battle between the ram and motherboard support sites, claiming "not my problem".
For more current info, go to a ram vendor's web site and access their ram upgrade configurator.
Enter your motherboard / pc , and you will get a list of compatible ram kits.

Generally, I think a good ssd is one of the best performance upgrades you can do.
Intel and Samsung are my favorites, and they offer proprietary ssd migration tools that you can use.
I think I would go that route.

One other thing, windows security essentials is a very low impact antivirus, and it is free.
I would remove Norton and use that.

 

[Fuzziekiwi]

Thanks guys for the answers so far.

I have an ssd in my home computer, but with their old processor and slow old ram, would the ssd be worth it for their computer? They want to save money as much as possible so I was thinking of a Crucial MX100 120g for $62.

Can I use the HP recovery discs with the ssd or do I have to install home premium retail with their old key?

 

[i7Baby]

The SSD will let it boot quicker. Not run faster.

 

[tsnor]

Assume PC use is web surfing and email. If not post it.

Guessing the SSD will not be noticeable. (And I have 5 SSDs in various servers around the house). If you really want to spend $100 grab and AMD Phenom II X4 955 from ebay. Double check me, but it should work in that MB. Or see update with MB bundle.

Agree with people who said essentially teh first thing you do should be:
0. Make a back up of their system on an external USB drive. That way when they says "where's my music/photos/email/etc." you can pull them back from backup.
1. Format down the old windows 7 64 bit using the factory recovery partition. Get back to factory software load.
2. Get current with win 7 service. This will take 8 or 10 trips thru windows update. Load all the updates it gives you. Reboot whether it says to or not. Search for more service using windows update. I've done this recently, took many hours on a fast internet connection. Most of the time was install time and reboot time.
3. If the system is stable then go into control panel and remove all the bloatware you can find.
4. I use Norten at work. For my home PCs I use microsoft security essentials because it is light weight and not chatty. Your choice to keep or nuke norten. I'd nuke it.

After fresh install the system will be better. Possibly much better. It will certainly support a dozen tabs in chrome.

If it's still not fast enough, recommend they consider a new laptop.

UPdate: the MB is a standard microATX. If you want to go wild and drop $200 into the system a new MB, CPU and Memory would make the system current. e.g. i3-4150 Processor/MSI B85M-P33 Intel B85 Motherboard + 4gb ddr3. http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=9168255&Sku=M69-10167

 

[DarkSable]

The SSD will let it boot quicker. Not run faster.

It will make the system feel 'snappier', though.

 

[Fuzziekiwi]

They want an SSD for sure since I told them about it.

I'm not exactly sure how I can go about installing.

I'm thinking this:
1) Deactivate the Windows 7 64bit on the HDD
2) Unplug HDD
3) Plug in SSD
4) Install Windows 7 32bit (I believe the 64bit keys can also be used on 32bit keys) on SSD using a retail iso
5) Enter the old Windows 7 Key
6) Set default boot device to ssd

Would I have to call Microsoft to get a replacement key or will the same exact one work?

 

[geofelt]

A ssd is for more than boot times.
Files open instantly, and, if you are short on ram, demand paging is 50x faster.

A clean install to a ssd is relatively easy.
Since you probably have junk or malware, that is a good idea.

1. Find your activation key. on an oem pc, there should be a sticker with it.
Or, a free app called "magical jellybean keyfinder" will find it.
No need to "deactivate" or such.
2. Remove the old hard drive, or windows will try to put a hidden recovery partition on it.
3. Do a clean install using a windows iso or a borrowed windows 7 dvd.
You could convert to 32 bit, and yes, the key will work.
But, I suggest you stay with 64 bit. 64 bit is slightly more secure.
The size of the os is a tad bigger, but not enough to worry about. a 32 bit os will set aside some ram for hardware buffers, likely leaving you with less net ram available.
4. Activate using your key. Since the motherboard is the same, I would expect no problem.
5. Look into adding ram. Find a ram upgrade app from a ram vendor to see what your options are. Ram is not particularly expensive these days.
6. Put the old hard drive in an external USB enclosure. Reformat it and use it as an external backup device.

 

[Fuzziekiwi]

A ssd is for more than boot times.
Files open instantly, and, if you are short on ram, demand paging is 50x faster.

A clean install to a ssd is relatively easy.
Since you probably have junk or malware, that is a good idea.

1. Find your activation key. on an oem pc, there should be a sticker with it.
Or, a free app called "magical jellybean keyfinder" will find it.
No need to "deactivate" or such.
2. Remove the old hard drive, or windows will try to put a hidden recovery partition on it.
3. Do a clean install using a windows iso or a borrowed windows 7 dvd.
You could convert to 32 bit, and yes, the key will work.
But, I suggest you stay with 64 bit. 64 bit is slightly more secure.
The size of the os is a tad bigger, but not enough to worry about. a 32 bit os will set aside some ram for hardware buffers, likely leaving you with less net ram available.
4. Activate using your key. Since the motherboard is the same, I would expect no problem.
5. Look into adding ram. Find a ram upgrade app from a ram vendor to see what your options are. Ram is not particularly expensive these days.
6. Put the old hard drive in an external USB enclosure. Reformat it and use it as an external backup device.

They want to spend little to no money, and they like the idea of having the SSD in their next computer as well. Upgrading the RAM too would be pushing it sadly. They want their computer to start fast and want a more responsive computer, just enough to last them to the end of this year until they buy a new one.

Thanks so much for the answer, it's enough to guide me through the fresh install.

 

[geofelt]

The link you gave shows 3gb of ram.
I think you have a 2gb stick and a 1gb stick of DDR3 either 1066 of 1333 speed.
CPU-Z will tell you exactly what you have.
The max ram on that motherboard is 4gb, and you would need to replace the 1gb stick with a 2gb stick to get 4gb.
That would be about $20. Probably less on ebay.
I think you would probably not find that worthwhile.

 

[Fuzziekiwi]

The link you gave shows 3gb of ram.
I think you have a 2gb stick and a 1gb stick of DDR3 either 1066 of 1333 speed.
CPU-Z will tell you exactly what you have.
The max ram on that motherboard is 4gb, and you would need to replace the 1gb stick with a 2gb stick to get 4gb.
That would be about $20. Probably less on ebay.
I think you would probably not find that worthwhile.

I'll see how it is after a fresh install and if needed add more ram. Hopefully under $20.

 

[Aristotelian]

1. Simplest next step is to get rid of Norton. Norton is what my mom and in-laws have always had, and it always runs slowly. Do some research--there are tons of free antivirus programs out there that are less demanding.

2. If that doesn't work, then reinstall Windows on your current HDD.

3. If that doesn't work, then install Windows on a SSD.

If you want to get an SSD to improve your computer performance regardless of this specific issue, then skip to #3.

 

[Rahul Fernandes]

Before putting down dough on a SSD and RAM, I'd suggest doing a fresh install and seeing where it takes you. I'm guessing it would make a pretty massive difference, especially if you replace some of the bloated applications with better ones.

Once you have eradicated the software issues, you and your neighbor will be in a better position to decide whether they want to buy new parts, or run this for a while and get a major upgrade down the line. I wouldn't recommend spending too much money on this rig if your friends are price conscious and want to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

 

[Fuzziekiwi]

Before putting down dough on a SSD and RAM, I'd suggest doing a fresh install and seeing where it takes you. I'm guessing it would make a pretty massive difference, especially if you replace some of the bloated applications with better ones.

Once you have eradicated the software issues, you and your neighbor will be in a better position to decide whether they want to buy new parts, or run this for a while and get a major upgrade down the line. I wouldn't recommend spending too much money on this rig if your friends are price conscious and want to avoid unnecessary expenditure.

I already tried convincing to fresh install on the HDD first. They told me no several times. SSD is the only option they want to choose. *sigh* They could end up not spending money at all but they won't listen.. in the meantime I told them to try and uninstall Norton, and see if that helps.

 

[geofelt]

I think they are right.
If you have ever used a SSD, you will never go back.