Starting Again

[mintymow]

My laptop is now running so slowly its not worth turning on. Can I take everything off and start again. If so is it relatively straight forward or do I need to take it to an expert or dump it and buy a new one. I'm willing to give it a go myself as its useless as it is. It has nothing on it that I haven't got saved elsewhere. Any ideas?

[mikey4444]

There are too many factors involved here ! First you have told us nothing about your laptop. How old is it, for instance ?

If you haven't done a defrag for a while, you should try that first. Its easy to do but it will take quite a time...perhaps overnight is best.

There are lots of reasons why its running slow.

Is it happening when you are "off-line" ie, not connected to the 'net, or is it happening when you are surfing ?

What kind of download speed should you be getting ?

Has it suddenly started going slow ?

Sorry but too any imponderables to help very much ! The good thing about laptops these days is that they are so cheap compared to years ago, if you do replace it, it won't cost you a fortune.

[-Talbot-]

Reset it to factory setting by pressing the F key on start up (different ones for different manufacturer)

[Pete65]

Mine is going the same way.
I took it to a local computer repair shop and told them my problem and they very enthusiastically told me not to worry, they would sort it out.
When it came back it was slightly quicker and now is as bad as ever.
My next move is to replace it.
Thinking of a chromebook as they are getting good reports in Which.

[-Talbot-]

I think mintymow will end up replacing it, Pete.
Old computers don't take long before they start slowing up even after a bit of TLC.

[mikey4444]

Minty...you have lots of things to do before you ditch your laptop and incur the expense of buying another one. You still haven't give any details !

[hc4361]

I would take it right back to factory default. It is suprising what a difference that makes to an older pc and I do it every two years or so.

It can take a bit of time but is well worth it.

[Pete65]

I agree, Talbot.
For myself, I will buy a new one and start afresh.

Who is honzstgirl23?
Lots of her answers removed today!

[ummmm]

A scammer.

[Pete65]

Could you explain, please, Ummm?
What type of scam?

[hc4361]

My 6 year old desktop is still whizzy and I won't even think of replacing it for at least another 2 years.

[whiskeryron]

If at the end of the day you decide to replace it why not consider an iPad which will do all that a laptop will do but less weighty & can easily be carried about a reasonable sized handbag.
Amazon.co.uk User Recommendation

[Pete65]

i bought a Hudl2, and it is a good tablet for the money. £99 now.
I don't have a handbag, though!

[TTG]

A fresh install of Windows (the option that wipes the hard drive...not a repair) can do wonders for an old pc/laptop. Be sure to backup your documents and files first. Of course you will need to reinstall any programs like Anti Virus, Microsoft Word, Excel etc so be sure you have the installation discs.

[Pete65]

TTG, does this re-install of Windows cost money?

[hc4361]

It doesn't cost money if you have the original windows disc. Even if you have to borrow a disk it should not cost as you use your own licence number.

Resetting to factory default does much the same thing without the disk with the advantage (and disadvantage, often!) of getting all the software and drives the pc came with.
Of course the software and drivers will need updating (this should happen automatically), and if you've any sense you'll remove the bloatware that came preinstalled on the machine.

Don't forget that Windows 10 will be released in a few weeks - free to most current Windows 7 and 8 users.

[Pete65]

Thank you for that, HC.
I have Windows 7 and was wondering about Windows 10.
Will this be done automatically, I wonder?

[hc4361]

I doubt it will be automatic but you will have 12 months to download it.

I've been using the tech preview for about 3 months and like it very much.

[Pete65]

OK, HC, thank you for your help!

[mintymow]

Have set it up for a defrag so will wait and see if that makes a difference. Looks like a long wait.