windows xp professional

[mnko]

I have just had my PC wiped and had windows xp pro installed, i had all my documents saved and reloaded back on, my computer is now running slower than it was b4. i only have 256 of RAM how much should i have? i also have windows office added. a friend has 3 sticks of 256mb and said that i should have a minimum of 512mb
please help
thanks in advance

[peanut]

The memory could be the bulk of your problem. Your friend is right 256 is nothing. What os did you have before? I assume it was 98 or ME. I think XP requires an absolute minimum of 256.

[mnko]

� had windows xp home

[frankland]

The only major difference btween home and professional to my knowledge is extended networking and security options. So I imagine, as the only difference on your system is the addition of office which will stretch your memory usage--more memory is a def. need!

[stevie21]

If you want to add more memory, download and install a program called Everest which will tel you the model number (and brand name) of your motherboard, and also which type of memory it takes and also the maximum that your motherboard will accept.
Armed with that, you can buy more (or even go to crucial.com and enter your motherboard details there for confirmation of which type of RAM your motherboard will accept). I'd aim to add at least an additional 512MB but the more the merrier.

From there it's just a matter of buying it and adding it in. RAM just slots into your PC - it's dead easy to "install". There'll probably be websites with pictures showing just how simple it is.

[fo3nix]

Run the system scanner from here:
http://www.crucial.com/uk/systemscanner/

That'll tell you how much RAM you can upgrade to, and what kind. If your friend has the right kind of RAM, and you're confident you can change it yourself (it's easy), then add some.