Slow Computer Response:

January 10, 200817 yr

Robert wrote:

>> The link I gave you *is* to the free version of Avast! Maybe this

>> link will work better:

>>

>> http://www.avast.com/eng/download-avast-home.html

>>

>> Have you tried any online scans? Try:

>>

>> http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

>>

>> http://security.symantec.com/

>>

>> http://www.kaspersky.com/virusscanner

>>

>

> I went back and installed and ran Trend Micro, Kaspersky, and Avast.

> As I mentioned I use to have Norton products and wasn't happy with

> them so I decided not to do that.

Sounds thorough!

Just for clarification, I assume you did the following:

- installed and ran Avast

- ran the Trend Micro and Kaspersky *online* scans

(I don't blame you for staying away from Symantec. However, the online

scan is not the same thing.)

> Trend Micro found a Http Cookie, which I deleted and then re-ran at

> its suggestion and came out clean

Sounds good. Tracking cookies won't slow you down, by the way. Some

folks don't like to keep them because of privacy issues.

> Kapersky found Malware Exploit.JS.XMLcore.b, which I deleted

Actually, that sounds serious! I did a brief search and couldn't find a

lot on that exploit. Do you have all the necessary patches post SP2?

> Avast came out clean

Good.

> I want to thank you for your advice and suggestions. In regards to

> 'tinkering' or buying another computer I really don't have a choice

> since I'm disabled and can't afford a new computer. I'm trying to do

> what I can to make this one last a bit longer. I've increased my page

> file size and have contacted Dell about additional RAM. I realize that

> at some point I will need a new computer but I just have to work with

> what I have for the present and hope for the best.

I understand, Robert.

If buying another PC is out of the question, then tinkering is your only

recourse. Your bottleneck (assuming you are 100% malware-free) is a low

amount of RAM. Unfortunately, your PC, I believe, takes a rare and

expensive type of RAM:

http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=DC738DFBA5CA7304

(that link should work better than the last one I posted)

That's $264.99 a pop, and you will need to buy two of them because "your

system requires that you install memory in pairs." That's why I had

suggested purchasing a new PC!

Perhaps there are other RAM sticks available you'll need to dig deeper,

or perhaps someone else here could post that information.

If you absolutely need to stay with your current setup with the 256 MB

of RAM, you need to be very careful as to what programs you run (there

are probably some running you aren't even aware of and don't even need).

It is possible to run efficiently with that little RAM. But that entails

not multitasking and not using memory-intensive apps such as photo or

video editing.

I will repeat the information from my other post for your convenience:

If you'd like to tinker instead with what you currently have (in order

to make the most of your 256 MB of RAM and rely on your pagefile less

than you currently are), then use msconfig to see which

programs/processes your PC automatically loads at startup. Then use

these sites to research what you don't need:

http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php#THE_PROGRAMS

http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/

This one is good to have bookmarked, too:

http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

----------------------------------------------------------------

Are you familiar with msconfig? It's easy, if you're not:

Start | Run | msconfig [enter] and look at the Startup tab.

Autoruns is along the same lines, but it is *much* more thorough:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

I also noted in another post you are running something called ImageX.

Why don't you experiment and quit using it for a while and see if your

performance improves? You should be also be able to configure it to not

run at startup.

Once you're running as lean as possible, try Gerry's method again

(noting the Total, Limit, and Peak values for Commit Charge). If you can

get your Total and Peak numbers as low as 262,144 (not easy!), you'll be

golden.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 10, 200817 yr

>

> Sounds thorough!

>

> Just for clarification, I assume you did the following:

>

> - installed and ran Avast

> - ran the Trend Micro and Kaspersky *online* scans

Yes, I did all of the above.

>

> (I don't blame you for staying away from Symantec. However, the online

> scan is not the same thing.)

I understand this, but Symantec just left a bad taste in my mouth and

I didnt like how they presented the free version so I backed away

from it. I figure with Spybot, A-Squared, Avast, AVG, Trend Micro,

Kapersky and Comodo that if something indeed gets through it almost

deserves to! *L*

>

> > Trend Micro found a Http Cookie, which I deleted and then re-ran at

> > its suggestion and came out clean

>

> Sounds good. Tracking cookies won't slow you down, by the way. Some

> folks don't like to keep them because of privacy issues.

>

> > Kapersky found Malware Exploit.JS.XMLcore.b, which I deleted

>

> Actually, that sounds serious! I did a brief search and couldn't find a

> lot on that exploit. Do you have all the necessary patches post SP2?

I recently checked yesterday if there were any service patches and it

said that my computer was current and didn't need any.

>

> > Avast came out clean

>

> Good.

>

> > I want to thank you for your advice and suggestions. In regards to

> > 'tinkering' or buying another computer I really don't have a choice

> > since I'm disabled and can't afford a new computer. I'm trying to do

> > what I can to make this one last a bit longer. I've increased my page

> > file size and have contacted Dell about additional RAM. I realize that

> > at some point I will need a new computer but I just have to work with

> > what I have for the present and hope for the best.

>

> I understand, Robert.

>

> If buying another PC is out of the question, then tinkering is your only

> recourse. Your bottleneck (assuming you are 100% malware-free) is a low

> amount of RAM. Unfortunately, your PC, I believe, takes a rare and

> expensive type of RAM:

>

> http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=DC738DFBA5CA7304

>

> (that link should work better than the last one I posted)

>

> That's $264.99 a pop, and you will need to buy two of them because "your

> system requires that you install memory in pairs." That's why I had

> suggested purchasing a new PC!

Yikes! I had no idea they would be that expensive, but why do I need

to buy two? If I already have (1) 256 RAM chip can't I just buy (1)

more to give me 512 RAM? I guess I should have thought ahead at the

time of purchase and increased the RAM size then.

>

> Perhaps there are other RAM sticks available you'll need to dig deeper,

> or perhaps someone else here could post that information.

Do I absolutely need to buy the sticks from Dell or can I get them

from anywhere? I believe Gerry stated I needed PC800 RDRAM sticks?

>

> If you absolutely need to stay with your current setup with the 256 MB

> of RAM, you need to be very careful as to what programs you run (there

> are probably some running you aren't even aware of and don't even need).

> It is possible to run efficiently with that little RAM. But that entails

> not multitasking and not using memory-intensive apps such as photo or

> video editing.

>

> I will repeat the information from my other post for your convenience:

>

> If you'd like to tinker instead with what you currently have (in order

> to make the most of your 256 MB of RAM and rely on your pagefile less

> than you currently are), then use msconfig to see which

> programs/processes your PC automatically loads at startup. Then use

> these sites to research what you don't need:

>

> http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php#THE_PROGRAMS

>

> http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/startups/

>

> This one is good to have bookmarked, too:

>

> http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm

>

> ----------------------------------------------------------------

I already have Startup but the thing is I dont know what I need and

don't need and Startup was just confusing to me. However I will take a

look at the links and see if I can figure them out.

>

> Are you familiar with msconfig? It's easy, if you're not:

>

> Start | Run | msconfig [enter] and look at the Startup tab.

I've heard the term but never done it and it seems you can really mess

your system up if you dont know what your doing.

>

> Autoruns is along the same lines, but it is *much* more thorough:

>

> http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

>

> I also noted in another post you are running something called ImageX.

> Why don't you experiment and quit using it for a while and see if your

> performance improves? You should be also be able to configure it to not

> run at startup.

ImageX is part of my Dell Imaging software and I have quite a few jpg

file/folders on there but according to Gerry this shouldn't affect its

performance. As you both pointed out its my RAM that bottlenecking

everything. I still think it's kind of strange that this just started

happening.

>

> Once you're running as lean as possible, try Gerry's method again

> (noting the Total, Limit, and Peak values for Commit Charge). If you can

> get your Total and Peak numbers as low as 262,144 (not easy!), you'll be

> golden.- Hide quoted text -

I would like to lean out my computer very much but I'm afraid of

getting rid of something and messing things up and making things even

worst than they presently are. It's alot like using CCleaner which I

understand is good but you sure can do some harm if you don't know

what your doing so I stay away from using it.

>

> - Show quoted text -

I'll checked the links you gave me and see if I can loose some

programs or come back with some questions.

I would appreciate it if you would take a look at my other post O.T.

Nero DVD/RW Question.

Thanks,

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 10, 200817 yr

Robert

You do not have to buy 4 sticks. You can buy 2 retaining the 2 existing

sticks. You presently have 2 x 128 mb.

If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a

memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may

have, even if the new modules were purchased from Dell. Your original

memory modules must be installed as a pair in either connectors RIMM1

and RIMM 2 or RIMM 3 and RIMM4. Do not pair one original memory module

with one new memory module in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 or RIMM3 and

RIMM4. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.

The only two valid memory configurations are: A pair of matched memory

modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 with continuity modules

installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4 or A pair of matched memory

modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 and another matched pair

installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4

Source:

http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8200/replace.htm#1101964

Regarding price I would not be put off by others suggesting it will be

expensive. The price will be what you are asked to pay today not what it

has been in the past. I recommended Dell because they supply replacement

parts for their computers. Crucial are a general supplier of memory who

can often help. Remember this is a part for a 5 year old computer and

eventually Dell will wish to clear their stocks if they have not already

done so.

What loads at StartUp. Instead of using msconfig use Autoruns.

http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Autoruns.mspx

With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from starting,

or you can can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck

you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach than

editing the Registry. Another useful feature of the programme is that

you can right click an item and select Search Online to get information

about the item selected.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry

~~~~

FCA

Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert wrote:

>>

>>> Robert- Hide quoted text -

>>

>> - Show quoted text -

>

> I've contacted Dell about getting RAM but I have a question regarding

> that. Since I have 256 RAM now, can I buy 4x 512 RAM for a total of

> 2048 or 4x 256 RAM for a total of 1024? and plug each module into

> RIMM1-4?

>

> Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 10, 200817 yr

I had a very similar expierence lately with my wife's Dell laptop.

I ran all kinds of virus, spyware, adware, detection programs ....NOTHING

found

I reformatted the hard drive and re-installed XP.......STILL slow as

molasses in winter.

Ran the Dell diagnostics from the service cd....... EVERYTHING checked out

ok.

Finally, saw the fan air inlet holes "lightly" covered with dust. Used my

shop vac to suck the dust out....... and THAT WAS MY PROBLEM all along......

seems the processor was running hot and slowing itself down???????

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 10, 200817 yr

On Jan 10, 6:07 am, "Harlan" <M...@mypc.com> wrote:

> I had a very similar expierence lately with my wife's Dell laptop.

>

> I ran all kinds of virus, spyware, adware, detection programs ....NOTHING

> found

> I reformatted the hard drive and re-installed XP.......STILL slow as

> molasses in winter.

> Ran the Dell diagnostics from the service cd....... EVERYTHING checked out

> ok.

>

> Finally, saw the fan air inlet holes "lightly" covered with dust. Used my

> shop vac to suck the dust out....... and THAT WAS MY PROBLEM all along.......

> seems the processor was running hot and slowing itself down???????

When I upgraded my hard drive and DVD/RW drive I thoroughly cleaned

the inside and outside of my computer so that isn't the problem, but

thank you for the input.

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 10, 200817 yr

On Jan 10, 2:38 am, "Gerry" <ge...@nospam.com> wrote:

> Robert

>

> You do not have to buy 4 sticks. You can buy 2 retaining the 2 existing

> sticks. You presently have 2 x 128 mb.

>

> If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a

> memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may

> have, even if the new modules were purchased from Dell. Your original

> memory modules must be installed as a pair in either connectors RIMM1

> and RIMM 2 or RIMM 3 and RIMM4. Do not pair one original memory module

> with one new memory module in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 or RIMM3 and

> RIMM4. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.

> The only two valid memory configurations are: A pair of matched memory

> modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 with continuity modules

> installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4 or A pair of matched memory

> modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 and another matched pair

> installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4

> Source:http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8200/replace.htm#110...

>

> Regarding price I would not be put off by others suggesting it will be

> expensive. The price will be what you are asked to pay today not what it

> has been in the past. I recommended Dell because they supply replacement

> parts for their computers. Crucial are a general supplier of memory who

> can often help. Remember this is a part for a 5 year old computer and

> eventually Dell will wish to clear their stocks if they have not already

> done so.

>

> What loads at StartUp. Instead of using msconfig use Autoruns.http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Aut...

>

> With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from starting,

> or you can can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck

> you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach than

> editing the Registry. Another useful feature of the programme is that

> you can right click an item and select Search Online to get information

> about the item selected.

>

> --

>

> Hope this helps.

>

> Gerry

> ~~~~

> FCA

> Stourport, England

> Enquire, plan and execute

> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hello Gerry,

Yes I understand the concept of having continous memory modules side

by side e,g, Rimm1&2 and having continuity modules in Rimm 3&4 and to

keep the originals seprate if I remove them but if I already have (2)

128 modules I shouldn't need to remove them but only remove the (2)

continuity modules and replace them with (2) 128 modules. Is this

correct? I just hope that given the age of my computer that I can find

some memory sticks.

I went into Autorun and before I uncheck anything this is my list:

Language Shortcut,Language Application (Cyberlink)

iTunesHelper Module (I don't use MP3 or download any music)

LGODDFU (LG DVD/RW drive updates, tried updating once to digitally

sign my drive but no updates available)

Acronis Scheduler Helper (backups?)

Mmtask TODO: (Music Match jukebox, I use Windows Media player)

Money StartUp (never use this)

Quicktime (never use this)

RemoteControl-Power DVDRC Service

SunJavaUpdate Java Platform SE binary

MoneyAgent Microsoft Money Express Microsoft (never use this)

Display Pannin File not found :deskpan.dll

HKCR\CLSID\{42071714-76d4-11d1-8b24-00a0c9068ff3}

iTunes iTunes Mini Player DLL (I don't use iTunes for anything I

don't think, I don't use a MP3 player and don't download music)

AcroEHIprObj AcroHelper Module (seems to be a part of Adobe

Acrobat which I don't think I ever use)

AcrSch2Svc Provide task scheduling for Acronis applications

ewido security ewido control ewido networks

(apparently this is another malware removal tool I downloaded but

never use)

basic2 NTRksample driver Conexant Systems c:\windows

\system32\drive...

System32\DRIVERS\basic2.sys

Changer file not found (not sure what this

does)

dac2w2k Mylex Disk Array Controller Mylex Corporation (not

sure what this is)

dac960nt Mylex Disk Array Controller Mylex Corporation

(not sure what this is)

DM9102 NDIS 5.0 driver CNet Teachnology Inc

Fallback Fallback driver Conexant Systems

GEARAspiWDM CDRom Class Filter Driver Gear Software

giveio

Gpc Generic Pack Classifier

hHpt3xx HPT3xx Minipoint Driver

hsf_msft file not found :System 32\D

System32\DRIVERS\HSF_MSFT.sys

MxlW2k Music Match Access Layer (I don't think I use music

match I use Window's media Player)

Speaker phone (In don't use this unless of course its referring to

speakers which I do use)

Speedfan

symlcbrd Symantec (it seems I keep running into Symantec

even though I've deleted and uninstalled it)

Thoughts/

Suggestions,

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

Robert

You can add a pair of 128 mb, 256 mb sticks or 512 mb sticks. Get the

largest pair you can afford.

If you were using Adobe Acrobat Reader for reading pdf files replace it

with Foxit. unless you edit pdf files.

Foxit Reader (freeware) a more satisfactory programme:

http://www.foxitsoftware.com/pdf/rd_intro.php

Don't forget with Autoruns you can just disable startups. I am not

conviced disabling startup will make a great deal of difference. If you

can add more memory it could probably be unecessary. If you have

programmes you no longer need remember you can uninstall through Add/

Remove Programmes.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry

~~~~

FCA

Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert wrote:

> On Jan 10, 2:38 am, "Gerry" <ge...@nospam.com> wrote:

>> Robert

>>

>> You do not have to buy 4 sticks. You can buy 2 retaining the 2

>> existing

>> sticks. You presently have 2 x 128 mb.

>>

>> If you remove your original memory modules from the computer during a

>> memory upgrade, keep them separate from any new modules that you may

>> have, even if the new modules were purchased from Dell. Your original

>> memory modules must be installed as a pair in either connectors RIMM1

>> and RIMM 2 or RIMM 3 and RIMM4. Do not pair one original memory

>> module

>> with one new memory module in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 or RIMM3 and

>> RIMM4. Otherwise, your computer may not start properly.

>> The only two valid memory configurations are: A pair of matched

>> memory

>> modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 with continuity

>> modules

>> installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4 or A pair of matched memory

>> modules installed in connectors RIMM1 and RIMM2 and another matched

>> pair

>> installed in connectors RIMM3 and RIMM4

>> Source:http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/dim8200/replace.htm#110...

>>

>> Regarding price I would not be put off by others suggesting it will

>> be

>> expensive. The price will be what you are asked to pay today not

>> what it

>> has been in the past. I recommended Dell because they supply

>> replacement

>> parts for their computers. Crucial are a general supplier of memory

>> who

>> can often help. Remember this is a part for a 5 year old computer and

>> eventually Dell will wish to clear their stocks if they have not

>> already

>> done so.

>>

>> What loads at StartUp. Instead of using msconfig use

>> Autoruns.http://www.microsoft.com/technet/sysinternals/ProcessesAndThreads/Aut...

>>

>> With Autoruns you can uncheck an item, which disables it from

>> starting,

>> or you can can right click an item and then delete it. If you uncheck

>> you can recheck to re-enable the item. It is a much safer approach

>> than

>> editing the Registry. Another useful feature of the programme is that

>> you can right click an item and select Search Online to get

>> information

>> about the item selected.

>>

>> --

>>

>> Hope this helps.

>>

>> Gerry

>> ~~~~

>> FCA

>> Stourport, England

>> Enquire, plan and execute

>> ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

>

> Hello Gerry,

> Yes I understand the concept of having continous memory modules side

> by side e,g, Rimm1&2 and having continuity modules in Rimm 3&4 and to

> keep the originals seprate if I remove them but if I already have (2)

> 128 modules I shouldn't need to remove them but only remove the (2)

> continuity modules and replace them with (2) 128 modules. Is this

> correct? I just hope that given the age of my computer that I can find

> some memory sticks.

>

> I went into Autorun and before I uncheck anything this is my list:

>

> Language Shortcut,Language Application (Cyberlink)

>

> iTunesHelper Module (I don't use MP3 or download any music)

>

> LGODDFU (LG DVD/RW drive updates, tried updating once to digitally

> sign my drive but no updates available)

>

> Acronis Scheduler Helper (backups?)

>

> Mmtask TODO: (Music Match jukebox, I use Windows Media player)

>

> Money StartUp (never use this)

>

> Quicktime (never use this)

>

> RemoteControl-Power DVDRC Service

>

> SunJavaUpdate Java Platform SE binary

>

> MoneyAgent Microsoft Money Express Microsoft (never use this)

>

> Display Pannin File not found :deskpan.dll

> HKCR\CLSID\{42071714-76d4-11d1-8b24-00a0c9068ff3}

>

> iTunes iTunes Mini Player DLL (I don't use iTunes for anything I

> don't think, I don't use a MP3 player and don't download music)

>

> AcroEHIprObj AcroHelper Module (seems to be a part of Adobe

> Acrobat which I don't think I ever use)

>

> AcrSch2Svc Provide task scheduling for Acronis applications

>

> ewido security ewido control ewido networks

> (apparently this is another malware removal tool I downloaded but

> never use)

>

> basic2 NTRksample driver Conexant Systems c:\windows

> \system32\drive...

> System32\DRIVERS\basic2.sys

>

> Changer file not found (not sure what this

> does)

>

> dac2w2k Mylex Disk Array Controller Mylex Corporation (not

> sure what this is)

>

> dac960nt Mylex Disk Array Controller Mylex Corporation

> (not sure what this is)

>

> DM9102 NDIS 5.0 driver CNet Teachnology Inc

>

> Fallback Fallback driver Conexant Systems

>

> GEARAspiWDM CDRom Class Filter Driver Gear Software

>

> giveio

>

> Gpc Generic Pack Classifier

>

> hHpt3xx HPT3xx Minipoint Driver

>

> hsf_msft file not found :System 32\D

> System32\DRIVERS\HSF_MSFT.sys

>

> MxlW2k Music Match Access Layer (I don't think I use music

> match I use Window's media Player)

>

> Speaker phone (In don't use this unless of course its referring to

> speakers which I do use)

>

> Speedfan

>

> symlcbrd Symantec (it seems I keep running into Symantec

> even though I've deleted and uninstalled it)

>

> Thoughts/

> Suggestions,

>

> Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

Daave wrote:

>> If buying another PC is out of the question, then tinkering is your

>> only recourse. Your bottleneck (assuming you are 100% malware-free)

>> is a low amount of RAM. Unfortunately, your PC, I believe, takes a

>> rare and expensive type of RAM:

>>

>> http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=DC738DFBA5CA7304

>>

>> (that link should work better than the last one I posted)

>>

>> That's $264.99 a pop, and you will need to buy two of them because

>> "your system requires that you install memory in pairs." That's why

>> I had suggested purchasing a new PC!

Robert wrote:

> Yikes! I had no idea they would be that expensive, but why do I need

> to buy two? If I already have (1) 256 RAM chip can't I just buy (1)

> more to give me 512 RAM? I guess I should have thought ahead at the

> time of purchase and increased the RAM size then.

Your motherboard only accepts matching pairs.

And according to your Everest report in another post, you currently have

two sticks of 128MB PC800 RDRAM. So, basically, your choices are to get

two more (if you can find them) for Slots 3 and 4 (for a total of 512

MB), get two sticks of 256MB PC800 RDRAM, or two sticks of 512MB PC800

RDRAM. Sure, you *could* remove your current two sticks and get *four*

sticks of the 512MB RAM, but it's probably overkill and the cost would

be more than a new PC! Actually, what I had found (see the link above)

would cost you more than a new PC!

>> Perhaps there are other RAM sticks available you'll need to dig

>> deeper, or perhaps someone else here could post that information.

>

> Do I absolutely need to buy the sticks from Dell or can I get them

> from anywhere? I believe Gerry stated I needed PC800 RDRAM sticks?

Gerry was correct. But you don't need to buy them from Dell. The link I

gave is to crucial.com. I had also looked at kingston.com but came up

empty-handed. However, you may want to look at memoryx.net:

http://www.memoryx.net/deldim82ser.html

I just turned them up in a Google search, so I know nothing about them.

Also, I wasn't sure how fast your FSB is, so I chose 400 MHz. A bit more

affordable than the other one!

Finally, you may want to communicate with other Dell owners:

http://www.dellcommunity.com/

>> I also noted in another post you are running something called ImageX.

>> Why don't you experiment and quit using it for a while and see if

>> your performance improves? You should be also be able to configure

>> it to not run at startup.

>

> ImageX is part of my Dell Imaging software and I have quite a few jpg

> file/folders on there but according to Gerry this shouldn't affect its

> performance. As you both pointed out its my RAM that bottlenecking

> everything. I still think it's kind of strange that this just started

> happening.

Gerry said that the amount of *data* (including .jpg files) on your hard

drive won't slow you down. (But you should always have at least 20% of

your hard drive free, as a rule). However, if ImageX isn't essential,

you certainly don't need to use it. I'm not familiar with this program

what do you do with it? Whatever it is, I imagine you might be happier

with Irfanview, which is free:

http://www.irfanview.com/

>> Once you're running as lean as possible, try Gerry's method again

>> (noting the Total, Limit, and Peak values for Commit Charge). If you

>> can get your Total and Peak numbers as low as 262,144 (not easy!),

>> you'll be golden.- Hide quoted text -

>

> I would like to lean out my computer very much but I'm afraid of

> getting rid of something and messing things up and making things even

> worst than they presently are. It's alot like using CCleaner which I

> understand is good but you sure can do some harm if you don't know

> what your doing so I stay away from using it.

Ccleaner is good for deleting different types of temp files, and you

should certainly use it. However, you are wise to avoid the

"Issues"/registry cleaning function. But that's not what I was referring

to. I was talking about configuring your PC not to automatically run

unneeded programs and processes, especially since you hardly have any

RAM. There shouldn't be any harm at all in disabling startup items (you

can always re-enable them). Then again, you should always be making

backups anyway *just in case*.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

.

>

> Your motherboard only accepts matching pairs.

>

> And according to your Everest report in another post, you currently have

> two sticks of 128MB PC800 RDRAM. So, basically, your choices are to get

> two more (if you can find them) for Slots 3 and 4 (for a total of 512

> MB), get two sticks of 256MB PC800 RDRAM, or two sticks of 512MB PC800

> RDRAM. Sure, you *could* remove your current two sticks and get *four*

> sticks of the 512MB RAM, but it's probably overkill and the cost would

> be more than a new PC! Actually, what I had found (see the link above)

> would cost you more than a new PC!

>

> >> Perhaps there are other RAM sticks available you'll need to dig

> >> deeper, or perhaps someone else here could post that information.

I still haven't heard back from Dell so I guess I will have to try and

see if I can find these sticks on my own.

>

> > Do I absolutely need to buy the sticks from Dell or can I get them

> > from anywhere? I believe Gerry stated I needed PC800 RDRAM sticks?

>

> Gerry was correct. But you don't need to buy them from Dell. The link I

> gave is to crucial.com. I had also looked at kingston.com but came up

> empty-handed. However, you may want to look at memoryx.net:

>

> http://www.memoryx.net/deldim82ser.html

>

> I just turned them up in a Google search, so I know nothing about them.

> Also, I wasn't sure how fast your FSB is, so I chose 400 MHz. A bit more

> affordable than the other one!

I have no idea what FSB is or what your referring to.

>

> Finally, you may want to communicate with other Dell owners:

>

> http://www.dellcommunity.com/

I think from what you and Gerry have said the problem isn't buying the

matched pair but finding them for my computer.

>

> >> I also noted in another post you are running something called ImageX.

> >> Why don't you experiment and quit using it for a while and see if

> >> your performance improves? You should be also be able to configure

> >> it to not run at startup.

>

> > ImageX is part of my Dell Imaging software and I have quite a few jpg

> > file/folders on there but according to Gerry this shouldn't affect its

> > performance. As you both pointed out its my RAM that bottlenecking

> > everything. I still think it's kind of strange that this just started

> > happening.

>

> Gerry said that the amount of *data* (including .jpg files) on your hard

> drive won't slow you down. (But you should always have at least 20% of

> your hard drive free, as a rule). However, if ImageX isn't essential,

> you certainly don't need to use it. I'm not familiar with this program

> what do you do with it? Whatever it is, I imagine you might be happier

> with Irfanview, which is free:

ImageX is Dell's Imaging software program and I'm very happy with it

and use it quite a bit to store my jpg files, and offers many features

to enhance the images. It's a program I would rather keep than loose.

However I am transferring all the jpg's to disc more as a backup

precaution than anything else, but I may just delete those files off

the hard drive once done and free up more space.

As far as disk space I have 127GB out of 148GB free so that isn't too

bad.

>

> http://www.irfanview.com/

>

> >> Once you're running as lean as possible, try Gerry's method again

> >> (noting the Total, Limit, and Peak values for Commit Charge). If you

> >> can get your Total and Peak numbers as low as 262,144 (not easy!),

> >> you'll be golden.- Hide quoted text -

>

> > I would like to lean out my computer very much but I'm afraid of

> > getting rid of something and messing things up and making things even

> > worst than they presently are. It's alot like using CCleaner which I

> > understand is good but you sure can do some harm if you don't know

> > what your doing so I stay away from using it.

>

> Ccleaner is good for deleting different types of temp files, and you

> should certainly use it. However, you are wise to avoid the

> "Issues"/registry cleaning function. But that's not what I was referring

> to. I was talking about configuring your PC not to automatically run

> unneeded programs and processes, especially since you hardly have any

> RAM. There shouldn't be any harm at all in disabling startup items (you

> can always re-enable them). Then again, you should always be making

> backups anyway *just in case*.- Hide quoted text -

>

> - Show quoted text -

I have run Ccleaner once with only a few of the items checked but I

was so leary of it and the damage it may cause I've refrained from

using a second time but I may give it another try.

As far as making back-ups as opposed to System Restore points I was

planning on getting an external hard drive after I upgraded my

internal hard drive when all this happened. Being on a fixed and very

limited income doesn't help matters either. I suppose I could use my

DVD/RW drive for backups but that would only be data and not a true

System Image like Casper or Norton Ghost, correct?

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

Robert wrote:

> I have no idea what FSB is or what your referring to.

Front Side Bus. For more info, see:

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-front-side-bus.htm

Your PC seems to be the older of the two mentioned here:

http://www.lyberty.com/tech/sysspecs/dell_8200.html

Scroll down to Memory. (I'm glad I found this page!) The RAM that

shipped with the PC is non-ECC (different from the other links I gave

you!).

For memory choices, see:

http://www.memoryx.net/dimension.html

Lots of choices!

But there are only two for Dimension 8200 (400MHz FSB):

ECC:

http://www.memoryx.net/deldim82ser.html

And non-ECC:

http://www.memoryx.net/dimension8200.html

I would definitely post to the Dell forum first to determine which would

be better for you. I'm a bit confused since you have PC800, it looks

like the ECC is the way to go (at least on the memoryx web site). But it

seems that the non-ECC is what shipped with it originally. So ask an

expert!

UPDATE:

Quote from ebay auction: "I recently purchased this RAM for my Dell

Dimension 8200, but my Dell requires Non-ECC RAM. The RAM was never

installed, I found the mistake too late "

Hmmm. Looks like non-ECC, then. So........

SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-STD2552-256-Non-ECC-184pin/dp/B00006HUGP

That should be the one! (But, again, I'd research it more, first...)

$140 + shipping

If you can't afford that just yet, you may find you may not need more

RAM after all if you're able to run very lean as I mentioned earlier

(not easy, but still possible). Those Web sites I mentioned have a

wealth of information.

> As far as making back-ups as opposed to System Restore points I was

> planning on getting an external hard drive after I upgraded my

> internal hard drive when all this happened. Being on a fixed and very

> limited income doesn't help matters either. I suppose I could use my

> DVD/RW drive for backups but that would only be data and not a true

> System Image like Casper or Norton Ghost, correct?

Although imaging to an external hard drive is a more pleasant

experience, you should be able to image your hard drive to a series of

CDs or DVDs with the proper software. I've never used Casper or Ghost,

but I'd like to think the answer is yes. I personally like Acronis True

Image. So, you may use your DVD/RW drive for both data and imaging your

entire drive.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

On Jan 10, 9:56 pm, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote:

> Robert wrote:

> > I have no idea what FSB is or what your referring to.

>

> Front Side Bus. For more info, see:

>

> http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-front-side-bus.htm

>

> Your PC seems to be the older of the two mentioned here:

>

> http://www.lyberty.com/tech/sysspecs/dell_8200.html

>

> Scroll down to Memory. (I'm glad I found this page!) The RAM that

> shipped with the PC is non-ECC (different from the other links I gave

> you!).

>

> For memory choices, see:

>

> http://www.memoryx.net/dimension.html

>

> Lots of choices!

>

> But there are only two for Dimension 8200 (400MHz FSB):

>

> ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/deldim82ser.html

>

> And non-ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/dimension8200.html

>

> I would definitely post to the Dell forum first to determine which would

> be better for you. I'm a bit confused since you have PC800, it looks

> like the ECC is the way to go (at least on the memoryx web site). But it

> seems that the non-ECC is what shipped with it originally. So ask an

> expert!

>

> UPDATE:

>

> Quote from ebay auction: "I recently purchased this RAM for my Dell

> Dimension 8200, but my Dell requires Non-ECC RAM. The RAM was never

> installed, I found the mistake too late "

>

> Hmmm. Looks like non-ECC, then. So........

>

> SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

>

> http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-STD2552-256-Non-ECC-184pin/dp/B00006...

>

> That should be the one! (But, again, I'd research it more, first...)

>

> $140 + shipping

>

> If you can't afford that just yet, you may find you may not need more

> RAM after all if you're able to run very lean as I mentioned earlier

> (not easy, but still possible). Those Web sites I mentioned have a

> wealth of information.

>

> > As far as making back-ups as opposed to System Restore points I was

> > planning on getting an external hard drive after I upgraded my

> > internal hard drive when all this happened. Being on a fixed and very

> > limited income doesn't help matters either. I suppose I could use my

> > DVD/RW drive for backups but that would only be data and not a true

> > System Image like Casper or Norton Ghost, correct?

>

> Although imaging to an external hard drive is a more pleasant

> experience, you should be able to image your hard drive to a series of

> CDs or DVDs with the proper software. I've never used Casper or Ghost,

> but I'd like to think the answer is yes. I personally like Acronis True

> Image. So, you may use your DVD/RW drive for both data and imaging your

> entire drive.

Thank you so much for all the effort for researching the memory for me

as I would have no idea what to look for! I appreciate it very much! I

should be able to afford the sticks with my next check (hopefully).

I did delete a few programs such as iTunes and Microsoft Money 2002

both of which I never use. I also checked several of the startup

programs(Outlook, Symantec(I can't believe I still have pieces of that

on my system after I removed it) and some that said 'file not found'

The weird thing was after I did so and had to restart the computer it

came up saying new hardware found namely my DVD/RW drive! So I went

into the add/remove program and deleted all the programs associated

with it and then loaded them back on my system. I didn't get any

digitally not signed errors this time but it still says CD-ROM I

guess it really doesn't matter because I've already burned some disc's

so it seems fine.

One last question if I may, aside from getting the sticks and an

external memory is there anything else I can do to upgrade the

computer to make it last longer, or improve its performance? In

regards to the external hard drive I was going to buy a case and get

another Seagate 160GB hard drive and put it together along with a PCI

card to upgrade me from SB1 to SB2, and use Casper IV or Acronis does

this sound correct or is there a better way?

Many thanks to you and Gerry for all your good help and advise.

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

On Jan 10, 11:24 pm, Robert <magine...@hotmail.com> wrote:

> On Jan 10, 9:56 pm, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote:

>

> > Robert wrote:

> > > I have no idea what FSB is or what your referring to.

>

> > Front Side Bus. For more info, see:

>

> >http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-front-side-bus.htm

>

> > Your PC seems to be the older of the two mentioned here:

>

> >http://www.lyberty.com/tech/sysspecs/dell_8200.html

>

> > Scroll down to Memory. (I'm glad I found this page!) The RAM that

> > shipped with the PC is non-ECC (different from the other links I gave

> > you!).

>

> > For memory choices, see:

>

> >http://www.memoryx.net/dimension.html

>

> > Lots of choices!

>

> > But there are only two for Dimension 8200 (400MHz FSB):

>

> > ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/deldim82ser.html

>

> > And non-ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/dimension8200.html

>

> > I would definitely post to the Dell forum first to determine which would

> > be better for you. I'm a bit confused since you have PC800, it looks

> > like the ECC is the way to go (at least on the memoryx web site). But it

> > seems that the non-ECC is what shipped with it originally. So ask an

> > expert!

>

> > UPDATE:

>

> > Quote from ebay auction: "I recently purchased this RAM for my Dell

> > Dimension 8200, but my Dell requires Non-ECC RAM. The RAM was never

> > installed, I found the mistake too late "

>

> > Hmmm. Looks like non-ECC, then. So........

>

> > SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

>

> >http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-STD2552-256-Non-ECC-184pin/dp/B00006...

>

> > That should be the one! (But, again, I'd research it more, first...)

>

> > $140 + shipping

>

> > If you can't afford that just yet, you may find you may not need more

> > RAM after all if you're able to run very lean as I mentioned earlier

> > (not easy, but still possible). Those Web sites I mentioned have a

> > wealth of information.

>

> > > As far as making back-ups as opposed to System Restore points I was

> > > planning on getting an external hard drive after I upgraded my

> > > internal hard drive when all this happened. Being on a fixed and very

> > > limited income doesn't help matters either. I suppose I could use my

> > > DVD/RW drive for backups but that would only be data and not a true

> > > System Image like Casper or Norton Ghost, correct?

>

> > Although imaging to an external hard drive is a more pleasant

> > experience, you should be able to image your hard drive to a series of

> > CDs or DVDs with the proper software. I've never used Casper or Ghost,

> > but I'd like to think the answer is yes. I personally like Acronis True

> > Image. So, you may use your DVD/RW drive for both data and imaging your

> > entire drive.

>

> Thank you so much for all the effort for researching the memory for me

> as I would have no idea what to look for! I appreciate it very much! I

> should be able to afford the sticks with my next check (hopefully).

>

> I did delete a few programs such as iTunes and Microsoft Money 2002

> both of which I never use. I also checked several of the startup

> programs(Outlook, Symantec(I can't believe I still have pieces of that

> on my system after I removed it) and some that said 'file not found'

>

> The weird thing was after I did so and had to restart the computer it

> came up saying new hardware found namely my DVD/RW drive! So I went

> into the add/remove program and deleted all the programs associated

> with it and then loaded them back on my system. I didn't get any

> digitally not signed errors this time but it still says CD-ROM I

> guess it really doesn't matter because I've already burned some disc's

> so it seems fine.

>

> One last question if I may, aside from getting the sticks and an

> external memory is there anything else I can do to upgrade the

> computer to make it last longer, or improve its performance? In

> regards to the external hard drive I was going to buy a case and get

> another Seagate 160GB hard drive and put it together along with a PCI

> card to upgrade me from SB1 to SB2, and use Casper IV or Acronis does

> this sound correct or is there a better way?

>

> Many thanks to you and Gerry for all your good help and advise.

>

> Robert- Hide quoted text -

>

> - Show quoted text -

I just realized that those sticks are going to be gone by the time I

recieve my check at the end of the month. So do I just put in a search

for

SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

on Google, Amazon or Dogpile?

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

Robert wrote:

> I did delete a few programs such as iTunes and Microsoft Money 2002

> both of which I never use. I also checked several of the startup

> programs(Outlook, Symantec(I can't believe I still have pieces of that

> on my system after I removed it) and some that said 'file not found'

Symantec and McAfee are notorious for sticking around! This page may be

helpful for you:

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/docid/2005092709200113?Open&src=symsug_us

> One last question if I may, aside from getting the sticks and an

> external memory is there anything else I can do to upgrade the

> computer to make it last longer, or improve its performance?

1. Keep it clean on the inside blow out dust bunnies with a can of

compressed air.

2. Turn off indexing:

Double-click My Computer

Right-click on your hard drive icon, select Properties

Uncheck "Allow indexing service....

Click Apply button for C and subfolders

Click OK button.

3. Either turn off the eye candy or keep it and tweak it. See:

http://www.terryscomputertips.com/computers/speeding-up-windows-xp-fine-tuning-visual-effects.php

4. Run with the absolute minimum of startup programs. Definitely don't

run Quick Time or Adobe startup programs (and this doesn't mean

uninstalling them).

5. Regularly clear out your temp files with either Disk Cleanup or

Ccleaner.

6. Practice "safe hex" and don't get malware. :-) If you do, remove it!

7. Refrain from multi-tasking.

8. Periodically reboot to prevent memory leakage.

There may be other tips, but that's all I can think of for now. Whatever

you do, don't run registry cleaners they won't increase your speed and

*could* cause problems.

> In regards to the external hard drive I was going to buy a case and

get

> another Seagate 160GB hard drive and put it together along with a PCI

> card to upgrade me from SB1 to SB2, and use Casper IV or Acronis does

> this sound correct or is there a better way?

What are SB1 and SB2? What kind of PCI card? Sorry, not following you

here. Acronis is very good for both imagining and cloning. Although it

won't speed up performance, it can get you out of a jam and is mush

easier than reinstalling XP from scratch, downloading and installing all

the updates, reinstalling all the latest drivers, reinstalling all your

apps and configuring them to your satisfaction, etc.

> Many thanks to you and Gerry for all your good help and advise.

You're welcome.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 11, 200817 yr

Daave wrote:

> UPDATE:

>

> Quote from ebay auction: "I recently purchased this RAM for my Dell

> Dimension 8200, but my Dell requires Non-ECC RAM. The RAM was never

> installed, I found the mistake too late "

>

> Hmmm. Looks like non-ECC, then. So........

>

> SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

>

http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-STD2552-256-Non-ECC-184pin/dp/B00006HUGP

>

> That should be the one! (But, again, I'd research it more, first...)

>

> $140 + shipping

Also, can't hurt to search on eBay.

Home> Buy> Computers & Networking> Desktop & Laptop Components> Memory

for Desktop PC> RDRAM> Search Results for 'pc800 2x256mb non-ecc'

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=unknown&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&satitle=pc800+2x256mb+non-ecc&sacat=11152%26catref%3DC6&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=ZIP%2FPostal&sabfmts=1&saobfmts=insif&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1%26fsoo%3D1

Good deals here. Make sure you pick a seller with a high rating! And I

still would post to one of the Dell forums first just to make absolutely

sure.

And you should also be able to leave your current RAM in for a total of

768 MB RAM.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

On Jan 11, 8:01 am, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote:

> Robert wrote:

> > I did delete a few programs such as iTunes and Microsoft Money 2002

> > both of which I never use. I also checked several of the startup

> > programs(Outlook, Symantec(I can't believe I still have pieces of that

> > on my system after I removed it) and some that said 'file not found'

>

> Symantec and McAfee are notorious for sticking around! This page may be

> helpful for you:

>

> http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/sharedtech.nsf/docid/20050927092...

>

> > One last question if I may, aside from getting the sticks and an

> > external memory is there anything else I can do to upgrade the

> > computer to make it last longer, or improve its performance?

>

> 1. Keep it clean on the inside blow out dust bunnies with a can of

> compressed air.

>

> 2. Turn off indexing:

> Double-click My Computer

> Right-click on your hard drive icon, select Properties

> Uncheck "Allow indexing service....

> Click Apply button for C and subfolders

> Click OK button.

>

> 3. Either turn off the eye candy or keep it and tweak it. See:http://www.terryscomputertips.com/computers/speeding-up-windows-xp-fi...

>

> 4. Run with the absolute minimum of startup programs. Definitely don't

> run Quick Time or Adobe startup programs (and this doesn't mean

> uninstalling them).

>

> 5. Regularly clear out your temp files with either Disk Cleanup or

> Ccleaner.

>

> 6. Practice "safe hex" and don't get malware. :-) If you do, remove it!

>

> 7. Refrain from multi-tasking.

>

> 8. Periodically reboot to prevent memory leakage.

>

> There may be other tips, but that's all I can think of for now. Whatever

> you do, don't run registry cleaners they won't increase your speed and

> *could* cause problems.

>

> > In regards to the external hard drive I was going to buy a case and

> get

> > another Seagate 160GB hard drive and put it together along with a PCI

> > card to upgrade me from SB1 to SB2, and use Casper IV or Acronis does

> > this sound correct or is there a better way?

>

> What are SB1 and SB2? What kind of PCI card? Sorry, not following you

> here. Acronis is very good for both imagining and cloning. Although it

> won't speed up performance, it can get you out of a jam and is mush

> easier than reinstalling XP from scratch, downloading and installing all

> the updates, reinstalling all the latest drivers, reinstalling all your

> apps and configuring them to your satisfaction, etc.

>

> > Many thanks to you and Gerry for all your good help and advise.

>

> You're welcome.

Hi Daave,

I made the changes as you suggested and went to the link you gave and

implemented those changes. In regards to the external hard drive I'm

sorry, I meant upgrading from USB1 to USB2 so that I have a faster

transfer rate and buying a Airnet/ Azio 4+1 Ports High-Speed USB 2.0

PCI Card, Model: AUD041 so that it will accept the USB2 connection. I

have heard of Acronis and used a version of it to clone my hard drive

when upgraded. I've also heard of Casper IV, both are supposed to be

good.

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

On Jan 11, 1:56 pm, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote:

> Daave wrote:

> > UPDATE:

>

> > Quote from ebay auction: "I recently purchased this RAM for my Dell

> > Dimension 8200, but my Dell requires Non-ECC RAM. The RAM was never

> > installed, I found the mistake too late "

>

> > Hmmm. Looks like non-ECC, then. So........

>

> > SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

>

> http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-STD2552-256-Non-ECC-184pin/dp/B00006...

>

> > That should be the one! (But, again, I'd research it more, first...)

>

> > $140 + shipping

>

> Also, can't hurt to search on eBay.

>

> Home> Buy> Computers & Networking> Desktop & Laptop Components> Memory

> for Desktop PC> RDRAM> Search Results for 'pc800 2x256mb non-ecc'

>

> http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=unknown&sbrftog=1&ca....

>

> Good deals here. Make sure you pick a seller with a high rating! And I

> still would post to one of the Dell forums first just to make absolutely

> sure.

>

> And you should also be able to leave your current RAM in for a total of

> 768 MB RAM.

I'm familar with eBay so that shouldn't be a problem and will check

there when the time comes to buy and will look around in the meantime.

Again, thank you for all the help.

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

I had a thought and was going to buy the RAm you found on Amazon but

now it shows only the used one for sale. Do you think it's a good

idea to buy used RAM?

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

On Jan 10, 9:56 pm, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote:

> Robert wrote:

> > I have no idea what FSB is or what your referring to.

>

> Front Side Bus. For more info, see:

>

> http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-front-side-bus.htm

>

> Your PC seems to be the older of the two mentioned here:

>

> http://www.lyberty.com/tech/sysspecs/dell_8200.html

>

> Scroll down to Memory. (I'm glad I found this page!) The RAM that

> shipped with the PC is non-ECC (different from the other links I gave

> you!).

>

> For memory choices, see:

>

> http://www.memoryx.net/dimension.html

>

> Lots of choices!

>

> But there are only two for Dimension 8200 (400MHz FSB):

>

> ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/deldim82ser.html

>

> And non-ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/dimension8200.html

>

> I would definitely post to the Dell forum first to determine which would

> be better for you. I'm a bit confused since you have PC800, it looks

> like the ECC is the way to go (at least on the memoryx web site). But it

> seems that the non-ECC is what shipped with it originally. So ask an

> expert!

>

> UPDATE:

>

> Quote from ebay auction: "I recently purchased this RAM for my Dell

> Dimension 8200, but my Dell requires Non-ECC RAM. The RAM was never

> installed, I found the mistake too late "

>

> Hmmm. Looks like non-ECC, then. So........

>

> SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

>

> http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-STD2552-256-Non-ECC-184pin/dp/B00006...

>

> That should be the one! (But, again, I'd research it more, first...)

>

> $140 + shipping

>

> If you can't afford that just yet, you may find you may not need more

> RAM after all if you're able to run very lean as I mentioned earlier

> (not easy, but still possible). Those Web sites I mentioned have a

> wealth of information.

>

> > As far as making back-ups as opposed to System Restore points I was

> > planning on getting an external hard drive after I upgraded my

> > internal hard drive when all this happened. Being on a fixed and very

> > limited income doesn't help matters either. I suppose I could use my

> > DVD/RW drive for backups but that would only be data and not a true

> > System Image like Casper or Norton Ghost, correct?

>

> Although imaging to an external hard drive is a more pleasant

> experience, you should be able to image your hard drive to a series of

> CDs or DVDs with the proper software. I've never used Casper or Ghost,

> but I'd like to think the answer is yes. I personally like Acronis True

> Image. So, you may use your DVD/RW drive for both data and imaging your

> entire drive.

Just to let you know, I clicked on the non-ECC link above and started

to do their test of my system to see which RAM I did indeed need and

my Comodo fired up with a Malware alert!

I also registered with the Dell Community and so far they came back

with the same thing you intially did Crucial at $265.00 a stick!@! Oh

man, I hope I can fins some allot cheaper than that! I've done

everything you and Gerry suggested but I would still like to upgrade

before I can't. One this is for sure, if and when I do get another

computer I'm going to make sure it has plenty of RAM!@! I thought by

upgrading my hard drive I was making my computer run faster. Just

shows you how little I know.

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

Robert wrote:

> I had a thought and was going to buy the RAm you found on Amazon but

> now it shows only the used one for sale. Do you think it's a good

> idea to buy used RAM?

I think it's fine as long as it's relatively inexpensive and from a

reputable dealer.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

Robert wrote:

> Just to let you know, I clicked on the non-ECC link above and started

> to do their test of my system to see which RAM I did indeed need and

> my Comodo fired up with a Malware alert!

> I also registered with the Dell Community and so far they came back

> with the same thing you intially did Crucial at $265.00 a stick!@! Oh

> man, I hope I can fins some allot cheaper than that! I've done

> everything you and Gerry suggested but I would still like to upgrade

> before I can't. One this is for sure, if and when I do get another

> computer I'm going to make sure it has plenty of RAM!@! I thought by

> upgrading my hard drive I was making my computer run faster. Just

> shows you how little I know.

Comodo is a firewall. Does it detect malware, too? What was the message?

FWIW, I got a Security Alert from IE (I'm currently on my 98 SE rig w/

IE 6): "The security certificate was issued by a company you have chosen

not to trust." Upon viewing the certificate, I found it was issued to

http://www.sightmaxondemand.com by Go Daddy Secure Certificate Authority. I

wonder if that was something SpywareBlaster did...

I would try an eBay seller who has a lot of transactions and a high

rating, preferably a Power Seller. Item number: 300188450775 is only

$46.99 plus $8.00 shipping (in U.S.) for 2 256MB sticks. And freshcells

is a Power Seller.

A bigger hard drive will give you more space for data, but that's it.

:-)

Speed is a result of the processor and not relying on the pagefile.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

On Jan 11, 10:25 pm, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid>

wrote:

> Robert wrote:

> > Just to let you know, I clicked on the non-ECC link above and started

> > to do their test of my system to see which RAM I did indeed need and

> > my Comodo fired up with a Malware alert!

> > I also registered with the Dell Community and so far they came back

> > with the same thing you intially did Crucial at $265.00 a stick!@! Oh

> > man, I hope I can fins some allot cheaper than that! I've done

> > everything you and Gerry suggested but I would still like to upgrade

> > before I can't. One this is for sure, if and when I do get another

> > computer I'm going to make sure it has plenty of RAM!@! I thought by

> > upgrading my hard drive I was making my computer run faster. Just

> > shows you how little I know.

>

> Comodo is a firewall. Does it detect malware, too? What was the message?

>

> FWIW, I got a Security Alert from IE (I'm currently on my 98 SE rig w/

> IE 6): "The security certificate was issued by a company you have chosen

> not to trust." Upon viewing the certificate, I found it was issued towww.sightmaxondemand.comby Go Daddy Secure Certificate Authority. I

> wonder if that was something SpywareBlaster did...

>

> I would try an eBay seller who has a lot of transactions and a high

> rating, preferably a Power Seller. Item number: 300188450775 is only

> $46.99 plus $8.00 shipping (in U.S.) for 2 256MB sticks. And freshcells

> is a Power Seller.

>

> A bigger hard drive will give you more space for data, but that's it.

> :-)

>

> Speed is a result of the processor and not relying on the pagefile.

Comodo is a firewall, but whenever I add anything new like when I

started to download and run the test Comodo it gives a pop-up menu

requesting if I want to do this and in this case it seemed to know

that this was a possible malware as it came up all red which it's

never done before.

I've been talking to a guy on the Dell site and although he says when

you buy from Crucial you have peace of mind as they stand behind their

products, but for the kind of money they are asking they better!

He gave me this alternative link for RAM sticks:

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=679

Have you ever heard of them? He says he's bought from them before and

there were no issues.

So will I be ok with 512 ? If so, and this is what I need I'm going to

order them as they are the cheapest I've seen.

Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

Robert

Specifications are a matter of balance. Your installed memory does seem

out of kilter with the rest of the machine. The real problem comes when

the processor speed is the bottleneck because that means a new

motherboard and effectively a new computer. Whenever you buy a new

computer you need to ask about upgrade capability.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry

~~~~

FCA

Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert wrote:

> On Jan 10, 9:56 pm, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote:

>> Robert wrote:

>>> I have no idea what FSB is or what your referring to.

>>

>> Front Side Bus. For more info, see:

>>

>> http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-a-front-side-bus.htm

>>

>> Your PC seems to be the older of the two mentioned here:

>>

>> http://www.lyberty.com/tech/sysspecs/dell_8200.html

>>

>> Scroll down to Memory. (I'm glad I found this page!) The RAM that

>> shipped with the PC is non-ECC (different from the other links I gave

>> you!).

>>

>> For memory choices, see:

>>

>> http://www.memoryx.net/dimension.html

>>

>> Lots of choices!

>>

>> But there are only two for Dimension 8200 (400MHz FSB):

>>

>> ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/deldim82ser.html

>>

>> And non-ECC:http://www.memoryx.net/dimension8200.html

>>

>> I would definitely post to the Dell forum first to determine which

>> would be better for you. I'm a bit confused since you have PC800,

>> it looks like the ECC is the way to go (at least on the memoryx web

>> site). But it seems that the non-ECC is what shipped with it

>> originally. So ask an expert!

>>

>> UPDATE:

>>

>> Quote from ebay auction: "I recently purchased this RAM for my Dell

>> Dimension 8200, but my Dell requires Non-ECC RAM. The RAM was never

>> installed, I found the mistake too late "

>>

>> Hmmm. Looks like non-ECC, then. So........

>>

>> SimpleTech STD2552/256 256MB PC800 Non-ECC RDRAM 184pin RIMM

>>

>> http://www.amazon.com/SimpleTech-STD2552-256-Non-ECC-184pin/dp/B00006...

>>

>> That should be the one! (But, again, I'd research it more, first...)

>>

>> $140 + shipping

>>

>> If you can't afford that just yet, you may find you may not need more

>> RAM after all if you're able to run very lean as I mentioned earlier

>> (not easy, but still possible). Those Web sites I mentioned have a

>> wealth of information.

>>

>>> As far as making back-ups as opposed to System Restore points I was

>>> planning on getting an external hard drive after I upgraded my

>>> internal hard drive when all this happened. Being on a fixed and

>>> very limited income doesn't help matters either. I suppose I could

>>> use my DVD/RW drive for backups but that would only be data and not

>>> a true System Image like Casper or Norton Ghost, correct?

>>

>> Although imaging to an external hard drive is a more pleasant

>> experience, you should be able to image your hard drive to a series

>> of CDs or DVDs with the proper software. I've never used Casper or

>> Ghost, but I'd like to think the answer is yes. I personally like

>> Acronis True Image. So, you may use your DVD/RW drive for both data

>> and imaging your entire drive.

>

> Just to let you know, I clicked on the non-ECC link above and started

> to do their test of my system to see which RAM I did indeed need and

> my Comodo fired up with a Malware alert!

> I also registered with the Dell Community and so far they came back

> with the same thing you intially did Crucial at $265.00 a stick!@! Oh

> man, I hope I can fins some allot cheaper than that! I've done

> everything you and Gerry suggested but I would still like to upgrade

> before I can't. One this is for sure, if and when I do get another

> computer I'm going to make sure it has plenty of RAM!@! I thought by

> upgrading my hard drive I was making my computer run faster. Just

> shows you how little I know.

>

> Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

Robert

I appreciate cost is an issue but adding 2 x 128 mb will not represent

value for money. When you need to upgrade again it will be dead money.

You should try to afford 2 x 256 mb.

I cannot comment on the source as I know nothing about it.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry

~~~~

FCA

Stourport, England

Enquire, plan and execute

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Robert wrote:

> On Jan 11, 10:25 pm, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid>

> wrote:

>> Robert wrote:

>>> Just to let you know, I clicked on the non-ECC link above and

>>> started to do their test of my system to see which RAM I did indeed

>>> need and my Comodo fired up with a Malware alert!

>>> I also registered with the Dell Community and so far they came back

>>> with the same thing you intially did Crucial at $265.00 a stick!@!

>>> Oh man, I hope I can fins some allot cheaper than that! I've done

>>> everything you and Gerry suggested but I would still like to upgrade

>>> before I can't. One this is for sure, if and when I do get another

>>> computer I'm going to make sure it has plenty of RAM!@! I thought by

>>> upgrading my hard drive I was making my computer run faster. Just

>>> shows you how little I know.

>>

>> Comodo is a firewall. Does it detect malware, too? What was the

>> message?

>>

>> FWIW, I got a Security Alert from IE (I'm currently on my 98 SE rig

>> w/

>> IE 6): "The security certificate was issued by a company you have

>> chosen

>> not to trust." Upon viewing the certificate, I found it was issued

>> towww.sightmaxondemand.comby Go Daddy Secure Certificate Authority.

>> I wonder if that was something SpywareBlaster did...

>>

>> I would try an eBay seller who has a lot of transactions and a high

>> rating, preferably a Power Seller. Item number: 300188450775 is only

>> $46.99 plus $8.00 shipping (in U.S.) for 2 256MB sticks. And

>> freshcells

>> is a Power Seller.

>>

>> A bigger hard drive will give you more space for data, but that's it.

>> :-)

>>

>> Speed is a result of the processor and not relying on the pagefile.

>

> Comodo is a firewall, but whenever I add anything new like when I

> started to download and run the test Comodo it gives a pop-up menu

> requesting if I want to do this and in this case it seemed to know

> that this was a possible malware as it came up all red which it's

> never done before.

>

> I've been talking to a guy on the Dell site and although he says when

> you buy from Crucial you have peace of mind as they stand behind their

> products, but for the kind of money they are asking they better!

>

> He gave me this alternative link for RAM sticks:

>

> http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=679

>

> Have you ever heard of them? He says he's bought from them before and

> there were no issues.

>

> So will I be ok with 512 ? If so, and this is what I need I'm going to

> order them as they are the cheapest I've seen.

>

> Robert

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

To Robert (additions to Gerry's post inline):

"Gerry" <gerry@nospam.com> wrote in message

news:uT4QZVSVIHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

> Robert

>

> I appreciate cost is an issue but adding 2 x 128 mb will not represent

> value for money. When you need to upgrade again it will be dead money.

> You should try to afford 2 x 256 mb.

Agreed. See:

http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=401

2 x $38 = $76.

The extra $26 is buying you twice the memory.

> I cannot comment on the source as I know nothing about it.

It's the first I heard of them, too. Ask around. Search the Web for any

complaints.

Quote

Mark as Solution

January 12, 200817 yr

On Jan 12, 7:49 am, "Daave" <dcwashNOS...@myrealboxXYZ.invalid> wrote:

> To Robert (additions to Gerry's post inline):

>

> "Gerry" <ge...@nospam.com> wrote in message

>

> news:uT4QZVSVIHA.5360@TK2MSFTNGP03.phx.gbl...

>

> > Robert

>

> > I appreciate cost is an issue but adding 2 x 128 mb will not represent

> > value for money. When you need to upgrade again it will be dead money.

> > You should try to afford 2 x 256 mb.

>

> Agreed. See:

>

> http://www.starmicro.net/detail.aspx?ID=401

>

> 2 x $38 = $76.

>

> The extra $26 is buying you twice the memory.

>

> > I cannot comment on the source as I know nothing about it.

>

> It's the first I heard of them, too. Ask around. Search the Web for any

> complaints.

I will check and see what I can find but at this point it seems this

is my only option versus Crucial . If I do buy, I think I can afford

to buy 4x256 giving me 1024MB.

If so, then this should fix my problems, correct?

Robert

Quote

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