Mildly disappointed with my dv2000t

Ok. I just got my dv2000t about five days ago. When I first got it, I thought it was pretty slow to open programs, shut down, and start up. However, I didn't think much of it because I had only installed 512 MB of RAM with the intention of upgrading shortly. Today, I got a 1 GB stick of RAM and installed it and I can not tell any difference.

I did a scan at www.pcpitstop.com and the test comes out ok except for my memory performance. It says it is a little less than half the speed it should be. It told me to fix this problem to go into BIOS and turn on the L2 cache, but I did not see a setting for that in my BIOS. Have you guys used that site and what are your results in the memory section?

The computer takes almost three minutes to boot and to me that is unacceptable. I desparately wish I would have gotten my computer a couple months ago so I could have gotten one when XP was still standard.

I am pretty computer savvy, but I don't know what to do. I have already streamlined my startup programs and uninstalled everything that I don't need and it still boots like molasses.

Is there anything that you guys can think of?

 

run msconfig and disable those junks first.
a clean install will also do the job.

 

I already ran msconfig and disabled all the junk that was running that I didn't need. The startup time is ridiculous. My six year old laptop with Windows 98 starts faster than this one.

 

One of my friends has this notebok, and I have used it a little. It did feel quite sluggish and slow in response, and also programs opened very slowly. I would suggest to do a complete format and reinstallation, as that will get rid any programs/applications that slow the notebook down. I don't see why the notebook should be slow, it has a goos specifications, and the hard disk isn't somthing slow.

 

Yeah, that was my thought...to do a complete format and then reinstall, but I don't know if I am confident enough in what I am doing to try that. I don't want to create any problems trying to find drivers or anything like that as I have read a few things that say it is not as easy as it sounds. I wish I had the cash to just buy a retail copy of Windows to install that way, though I suppose even in that case I would have to track down drivers.

 

If you have a driver disc with your noteboo, then the Windows Vista drivers should all be included on the disc. However, I d agree that it may be difficult to find and install some drivers after the format. I tink it may be best for you to use the notebook for a few more weeks, and then when you feel omfortable, format the notebook then. That way, the latest drivers should be on the HP website, and you should have no problems from there on.

 

How is the laptop going to be any different after a format from when I bought it if I format using the recovery disc that came with the computer when I bought it?

 

It should get rid of any of the bloatware. That means that there will be no registry entries left, and there will also be saved space of the hard disk. It also allows the Windows files to become less cloged up by modifications. For example, if you install a Norton product and then uninstall, it will leave so much stuff behind, you might aswell format. The whole of Windows becomes slower because of Norton. The same is true for some of the bloatware prgrams included.

 

But won't the recovery disc that came with the computer reinstall all the bloatware if I use them?

 

Yes, they will. I think that there were a few threads that were on the forum on how to prevent them from installing, but you may need to do some searching. The guides show you how to format and install without the bloatware, which should be helpful to you.

 

I would do a defragmentation and check the power settings to best performance.

I have the dv2000z and it runs great!

Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium
Mobile AMD Sempron(TM) 3500+ (1.80GHz/512KB)
14.1" WXGA BrightView Widescreen!!
NVIDIA(R) GeForce(R) Go 6150 (128MB)
HP Imprint Finish + Microphone
2048MB DDR2 System Memory
Hard Drive 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
8X DVD+/-R/RW w/Double Layer Support
802.11a/b/g WLAN
12 Cell Lithium Ion Battery

 

I have read a few different guides on how to cleanly install your operating system, but I don't understand how to get the OS to install without the bloatware. If you put the recovery disc in your computer, doesn't it just make your computer like it was when you bought it? I think I am missing something here.

 

Yeah, the restore discs will just put the system back to factory settings. I assume your system shipped with Windwos Vista. If you have Windows XP then you could have made a clean disc using the i386 folder, but unfortunately there isnt such a method for Vista(atleast I havent heard of one).

As for as the pcpitstop reporting the lack of L2 cache it is most likely en error on their part.

 

Yeah, I did a defrag, though I'm not sure it works right because when I start it, it says that my system could benefit from a defrag, so I do it. Then, when I am done, that same message is there that says I could benefit from a defrag. Frustrating!