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    Insufficient system resources? slow computer

    Discussion in 'Windows OS and Software' started by Goren, Aug 31, 2011.

  1. Goren

    Goren Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    Dell M4400
    Windows 7 Prof
    4gb ram
    150gb HD

    I noticed that when I leave my computer on for long periods of time (say 3-5 days), that the computer becomes slow and eventually my programs start functioning for example I get messages such as Insufficient system resources, or skype would give i/o error, etc. When transferring files between hard drives.. it becomes super slow.. and even frozen. The computer also can't shut down normally (stalls) and I have to force shut down by holding the power button.

    All this is resolved when I restart the computer.. but does anyone have an idea what causes this in the first place?
     
    Goren, Aug 31, 2011
    #1
  2. reb1

    reb1 Notebook Evangelist

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    You have most likely checked it for a Virus correct. I looked up your specifications and your processor can run in multiple speeds. Have you tried setting your power options to high performance. Also go into advanced system settings and check that you are at the recommended Virtual memory.
     
    reb1, Aug 31, 2011
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  3. newsposter

    newsposter Notebook Virtuoso

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    any chance you're running firefox with a pile of addons, extensions, or toolbars?
     
    newsposter, Sep 1, 2011
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  4. chimpanzee

    chimpanzee Notebook Virtuoso

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    3-5 days is not a long period of time. Something is leaking. My average time between boot is a month or so due to windows update and never seen this behaviour.
     
    chimpanzee, Sep 1, 2011
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  5. Goren

    Goren Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    yep, my avast is constantly updated.. and when I do have a virus, I use deepfreeze to restore the computer to a previous state.

    Firefox, only 3 add ons, no extensions or toolbars.

    I can't figure this one out.. why my computer would have these resource and i/o errors that would cause file transfers to be super slow/halt to a stand still, as well as shutting down, etc
     
    Goren, Sep 1, 2011
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  6. JOSEA

    JOSEA NONE

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    Goren , had you run any tests on you hardware (RAM, HDD)? Also when it slows down how high is memory usage in task mangler?
    Are you using a Swap/page file?
    I would also scan with MB or MS security scanner in safe mode also.
    Do you see any errors in event viewer?
     
    JOSEA, Sep 1, 2011
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  7. Goren

    Goren Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

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    any programs you recommend to run these tests? im guessing HD tune for the HDD?
     
    Goren, Sep 1, 2011
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  8. ScuderiaConchiglia

    ScuderiaConchiglia NBR Vaio Team Curmudgeon

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    Sounds like a classic memory leak. Go to the Sysinternals page on Microsoft's website and pull a copy of Process Explorer. Start it up and sort the processes by memory usage. Then let it run in the background. Periodically take a look at the list of processes and see which one is consuming the most memory and if its usage grows from day to day.

    Gary
     
    ScuderiaConchiglia, Sep 1, 2011
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  9. KLF

    KLF NBR Super Modernator Super Moderator

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    Memtest86+ for ram, HDD manufacturer's own software (or seagate seatools) for the drive.
     
    KLF, Sep 2, 2011
    #9