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    Working with an older computer.

    Discussion in 'HP' started by Homestar48, Jan 20, 2009.

  1. Homestar48

    Homestar48 Newbie

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    Hey guys, wanted to ask a few questions about an older HP Compaq computer I'm running here.

    It's a desktop for starters, a Compaq Presario SR1810NX. I've been using it for about two years now, and have run through all of the most current updates (to my knowledge). The only problem is, until tax refunds come back (blah,blah), I won't have a new laptop to game on.

    So my question is this, two years ago after I first purchased it, I could run (most) games on their highest setting while still running more than decent FPS. I'm looking at it now, and it can barely sustain anything anymore. What used to be max settings and 60 fps is World of Warcraft is now only lowest settings with a meek 12 fps. Is there anything that could cause this? I've upgraded the ram to 1G, as this is a shared family computer, and putting more money into a pre-built computer isn't my idea of fun. Is it just the two years of wear and tear that have brought it to this condition? Currently, what am I looking at to solve the problem? I can edit the post if my DXdiag is needed.

    Thank you for your time and understanding, any help is greatly appreciated.
     
    Homestar48, Jan 20, 2009
    #1
  2. walterdt3

    walterdt3 Notebook Consultant

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    There are several things that can cause this.
    First off though, if your running the modern version of WoW, then the changes that have been made to it could be the problem.

    Things to check/do on your computer:
    Hard drive space- are there at least a couple of Gig available?
    Anti-Virus scan
    Registry repair
    spyware/adware scan
    defrag the hard drive

    Do you have the recovery disks? The surrist way to see if your computer is still running like new, is to do a full factory recovery, then test it again.

    What operating system?

    Good Luck!
     
    walterdt3, Jan 27, 2009
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  3. Niku-Sama

    Niku-Sama Notebook Enthusiast

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    ^what he said^
    it sounds like your computer is constipated.
    wow did relase some graphical update to the game lately and it was added detail, probally threw in some bump mapping and other effects, i am not sure but i have herd alot of that on another message board.

    i would clear your computer of all the junk you can, make sure any antivirus is disabled while you try to play games, if its an nvidia video chipset its reccomended to get new drivers from nvidia's own website as they are usually more up to date.
    also at the same time if it is an nvidia video chipset nvidia has problems with some their mobile graphics and mabe yours is one of those affected and it gave up the ghost. might be something to look into
     
    Niku-Sama, Jan 27, 2009
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