Need help troubleshooting a friends pc

pcu

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Jul 29, 2004
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I'll start with some specs

Windows 8.1
HP envy x2 model c7f27av
Intel atom cpu z2760 @ 1.8Hz
DDR3 SDRAM 2.00 GB
32 bit samsung mcg8ga (29.34 GB used, 18.28 free)
motherboard HP18f6

So my friend is absolutely and completely computer illiterate. Basically described the problem as "my computer is a slow piece of crap I want to throw in the trash." When pressed for details...well I didn't get many. She described frustrations trying to copy pics to an external HDD. Also ( again I know this isn't very helpful) that its just randomly slow. She says she basically watches netflix, listens to music, uses word processor and browses the web. So nothing that could/should be described as very resource intensive.

A little about me. Definitiley no IT tech. But with the help of websites like this and understanding how to use google I've fixed many a problems over the years (albeit that I've gotten myself into). This is somewhat more of a challenge as I'm not very familiar with the exact behaviors she's been encountering. Also I've yet to use windows 8 very much. I'm much more familiar with xp and 7.

Anyway before writing this I tried some basic things. Checked for windows updates. And their were quite a few. She has automatic check/apply on so not sure why it hadn't updated. So those have all been applied and updated.

Ran malware bytes, spybot search and destroy, avast antivrus and cc cleaner. And to my surprise...no malware, spyware, or viruses. Then again she doesn't really download much (if anything) or visit suspicious websites.

PC pit stop overdrive seems to indicate drivers are all up to date or ok

chkdsk seems to indicate ssd is healthy

Then on to soluto. In the last 2 weeks it indicates 2 blue screen errors. Both are 000009f. Then last night as I was running avast I got one, 0000015a. I only found this last error code via soluto. When I saw the blue screen it said "sdbus_internal_error." A google search of that seemed to have a fairly high association with this particular pc. Other then that I haven't yet really delved into them that much but I imagine they can offer some clues.

Having said all that I just wonder if the 1.6 Hz processor along with only 2gb of ram is part of the problem At the same time she claims the pc was once much faster/more responsive. So something must to be to blame for the poor performance currently.

At this point outside of possibly seeing some speed boost simply from the windows updates (although I worry it might just be a placebo effect on my end not really being that familiar with this pc's behavior) I'm at a slight loss as to what to do next outside of investigating the blue screen errors.

So that brings me here, to the experts. Humbly looking for some advice

Thanks!

p.s. if I left out any obvious info that I should have included just let me know
 
Solution
That is possible. I just noticed that the date on that chart is todays date. They probably update it daily.

Released September, 2012. It is likely she got it 3 years ago, since that's when it hit the market.

I feel sorry for her. Companies that put out slow stuff like this know what they are selling better than the buyers do. But it was probably cheap.
I went to see what I could find on the atom chip. The very first thing I found was a chart showing the atom in relationship to other CPU's Intel makes, and one quick glance at that tells me that your friend has probably described her system quite accurately.

http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Atom+Z2760+%40+1.80GHz

The next thing that caught my eye was that the benchmark was done this month. That is likely a brand new system. I would suggest that she return the computer using the exact same description she gave you.

Even more telling was the second chart. The atom was 1 of 2 CPU's that was given a value rating of 0.0. I would say thats pretty low.
 
Well I think she bought it at least 3 years ago and I imagine she is out of warranty. Just texted her though and still waiting on a reply. Thanks! I've been kind of leaning towards the processor being the culprit. And knowing my friend, she probably has no idea! Ha! I'll report back though.
 
That is possible. I just noticed that the date on that chart is todays date. They probably update it daily.

Released September, 2012. It is likely she got it 3 years ago, since that's when it hit the market.

I feel sorry for her. Companies that put out slow stuff like this know what they are selling better than the buyers do. But it was probably cheap.
 
Solution
Yup. Out of warranty. I've upgraded RAM and HDD's in laptops, Is that possible with a cpu? She spent like $900 only 3 years ago on this junk. Wondering if there is any way to salvage it for her.
 
I lbelive the RAM is upgradable. However I'm tempted to point her towards a machine that would more suit her purposes.

Something like this from
http://thewirecutter.com/reviews/best-budget-laptop/

Acer Aspire E 15 E5-571-58CG 15.6-Inch Laptop for $430

Won't break the bank and should suit her needs just fine. Sorry for the poor formatting of the links
 
So, having declared this thing a hunk of junk. Where might be the best place to sell it to make some money towards a future computer purchase. I magine some place might want it for at least parts?
 
Pretty standard for a tablet computer.... but who in the hell would pay that much for a tablet when the same in a desktop would get you so much more?

Tablets aren't known for longevity, its probably wearing out already.
 


Someone who has no clue about computers and wanted portability cause she was in school. She got duped for sure but lets not hate! She needed a laptop not a desktop. She at least knew that haha

 
Ebay if she doesn't care about maybe getting a bad rep mark...

I dont know. I have a conscience. I don't think I could pawn that off on someone and still sleep well at night. But that is her call. I love her description of that thing though.. When I saw that CPU chart, and where that atom ranked, I kind of fell in love with that girls honesty!!
 
I can see this Ebay screen flash up on my screen...

My computer is a slow piece of crap I want to throw in the trash. But instead, I am offering it to the highest bidder. Paid $900 3 years ago. Has been well maintained, all patches and updates are installed! It is in Like-New condition!! BUY IT TODAY!!!

LOL