Computer Peformance - Overloaded Hard Drive?

[MirrOlure]

My main problem is that my PC is about 2 generations too old.

But lately, it has been inordinately "bogged down". Basic programs like MSWord and IE won't even load.

I started looking at the amount of files I have on the hard drive, and I've got well over 6 GB of music, along with thousands of pictures.

I'm not sure how "full" the disk is (I'm on my laptop presently), but was wondering if offloading any of those files may improve performance?

And, if so, what is the best device for offloading and storing such files, and ultimately, transfer them to a new computer.

Thanks.

 

[Orange&White]

Your computer is slow because it is old and probably has some mal-ware on it. The percentage of use on your HD would not make apps run slow.

If you only need to move 6 GB of stuff, just buy a $5 usb flash drive and move the data with that.

Here is a 8GB stick that would move it all at once. I'm sure you can find them cheaper though.

 

[Stuck_At_Work]

Yeah... malware and bloatware are probably to blame. In other words, stealth programs that load themselves onto your computer while you surf the web. It happens. The only thing you can do is reformat. It takes 30 minutes (if you have your drivers handy) and your computer will be as good as new. I have a 6 year old computer that I've reformatted twice now (about every two years) and it performs as well as when I first bought it. Unfortunately, I'm guessing if you don't know how to check your HDD capacity, you probably don't know how to reformat. I wish I had better advice for you...

 

[Orange&White]

In reply to:

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[MirrOlure]

Thanks guys....and yes, I do know "how" to check my system, I was just in my bed, on my laptop and didn't want to get up and check it.

But I do have what is probably a stupid question.....when I reformat, I realize that I'll have to reload all of my software, but do the files remain in tact? Or do I need to preserve my valuable files first (which I'm sure would be a good idea anyway)?

 

[Orange&White]

You have to save them on some other form of media, like the one in the link I posted.

 

[MirrOlure]

Thank again OW.

I actually got the 16GB Cruzer at Office Depot for $59. My wife has more than a shitload of pictures on the hard drive.

I also found all of the drivers, etc., and the original Windows disc that came with the computer.

It's gonna be a long night.....and I very well may end up at the Apple Store in the morning, swearing off all things PC!

 

[wherzwaldo]

Here are some intermediate steps to try before you drop the bomb and/or buy a new computer:

1. Run a Disk Cleanup (Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup) and check all options except "Compress Old Files". I have had surprisingly good luck with this utility.

2. Defrag the hard drive. Disk Defragmenter is also in the System Tools menu.

3. Run a disk check to see if your hard drive has any problems. If it has developed any bad sectors then that will slow your system down. Running the disk check will repair the bad sectors or make it so that the system doesn't try to use them anymore. Click Start -> My Computer -> right-click your hard disk -> Properties -> Tools -> Check Now). Check both options and click Start. Windows will need to reboot the system and run the disk check at boot-time, which will take a few hours.