T60 really slow Excel 2007, can I change processor?

Hi I am a total newbie and thank anyone in advance who would be so kind to advise me!

I have a T60 with Intel Core 2 CPU T5500 @1.66 ghz processor (that's what's on the system properties, Centrino Duo is on the sticker), XP Pro. I have a 800K row Excel 2007 file that takes 10 mintues to save, 12 to sort in alpha order - needless to say, I am exhausted waiting and of course it crashes a bunch too. The T60 came with 512 mb of RAM, I added another 1 MB, no difference.

My husbnad recently got a Toshiba Satellite A215-7472 with AMD Turion 64 x2 2.2 ghz, Vista Home. My Excel file virtually flew on that notebook! However, I really like the Lenovo much better than the Toshiba (lighter, cleaner look easier on the eyes, better keyboard action), I'd just like to get the Lenovo to perform better.

So I am wondering if I can upgrade the processor, or should I install more RAM (i don't think that would fix it though), or is it some Office 2007 compatibility issue with Vista vs. XP? If the processor can be upgraded, what should I get, and can I do it myself?

Finally, just to let you all know, my Lenovo fingerprint reader just broke one day! I called support today, but gave up after an hour....i'll try again on a day I have even more time and patience!

Thanks for any advice!

 

Your computer probably has a bunch of crap on it, like bloatware and adware. Get a tech to look at your laptop, and remove all the crap, then have them tune it up a little.

 

What OS(xp/vista) are you using and also, you mean you installed another 1GB ram correct? Like the poster above me stated try getting rid of some of the bloatware that is installed on the computer and see how it goes.

edit: Just saw that it was XP Pro, how many processes are you running on taskmanager?

 

Try cleaning bloatware off of it.....It's not a slow processor.

If you were desparate, you could upgrade to a T7200 processor, but that's the last choice to make.

 

A 7200rpm drive will make a big difference too. Much more so than adding memory since you already have 1.5 gig.

 

Hi! Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I have 81 processes running on taskmanager. (I wish I knew what that meant - is it a lot?) How do I get rid of the bloatware myself? Do I just uninstall the stuff I don't use? There isn't much "join AOL" stuff on it, not nearly as much as on the Toshiba.

How much is a 7200 processor? Can I change it out myself - I did the RAM it was super easy.

Thank you so much! You guys rock!

P.S. The 81 processes was with only IE open, no other programs. Thx!

 

Uninstall what you don't use. Go into your Control Panel then Add/Remove Programs then uninstall what you don't need.

 

If you are running Vista, you'll want even more memory, especially if you are dealing with data sets like that. I have a couple of browser windows open right now and one application, and I am on the plus side of 2GB used. Bear in mind that Vista does make better use of your available resources -- it will cache in your extra RAM and give it back if you need it for apps. I've done a clean install but run a number of the ThinkVantage apps (minus Access Connections and R&R).

If you have 512MB + 1GB and are running Vista, I would pull the 512MB and replace it with a 2GB chip for a total of 3GB. Cost should be less than $75. There's a post in the forums for a Kingston 4GB set for $84 (2x2GB), so you might be able to find a single 2GB chip for <$50 now.

Processor will be a lot harder to change than memory. You have to remove the heat sink, reapply thermal grease, etc. Your 5500 aught to be a decent amount of horsepower. I have a T2600 in my T60p and it moves out pretty well.

 

You shouldn't need to change your processor (and it's a pain). Arkit3kt has it right, uninstall anything you don't use. Also look at the icons in the notification area (bottom right of the screen) and right-click and exit/close the applications you don't use (there might be real player, messenger down there; keep the antivirus running of course). If you don't know what they are, write down their name or some identifying info and google it. HTH.

 

Are you still using the preloaded Norton Internet Security?

 

Highly recommended read: http://mywebpages.comcast.net/SupportCD/OptimizeXP.html

 

I know this is pretty basic but in addition to the above suggestions do you regularly defragmnet your hard drive?

 

Thanks all! Hmmm, I've got both Symantec Cleint Security (antivirus and client firewall) and Norton Security Scan. Both were preloaded.

I do defrag pretty regularly - every month or so.

I'll do the steps Arkit3kt recommended and try out my file again! Thx!

 

That definitely does bog down your system...I would recommend that you use Avast or AVG for your Antivirus solutions and another program that uses less resources for your Firewall. But defrags and constant clearing of temp files and other unneeded resources will speed up your system slightly.