System Slowdowns

[stratman92]

Sorry this is so long!

Recently, like during the past week, my computer has started to really slow down when changing or modifying files. For instance, my old system (Athlon 550, 128 MB ram), could create WAVs and MP3s while I was doing something else, like 'net surfing or Winamp. Now, in the last week or so, my new system that I built myself http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/mad.gif (see specs below), runs so slow when performing these tasks. Even when I quick save in Max Payne, the system stutters for a few seconds. It didn't do this last week. I have Norton Utilities 2001 installed and its diagnostics tell me I have an error in my memory. Each individual module checks out ok, but together, I get an error. Is this the problem, or could it be something else? Like maybe I didn't setup BIOS right or don't have the correct drivers for somthing.

Operating System: Microsoft Windows 98 (4.10, Build 2222) A
Motherboard: FIC AZ11E-A
Processor: AMD Athlon(tm) Processor, MMX, 3DNow, ~1400MHz
Memory: 256MB RAM
DirectX: DirectX 8.0 (4.08.00.0400)
Video Card: S3 Inc. Savage4
Sound Card: Aureal Vortex
Hard Disk: Western Digital 20GB 7200RPM (plenty of space left)

Please help me, I don't really know what I am doing! http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif Thanks in advance.

[BigBlue66]

Hi and Welcome,

See this review of your FIC board:
http://www.neoseeker.com/Articles/Hardware/Reviews/ficaz11e

Apparently, the board will only support CPU's up to 1.25Ghz. Did you overclock your CPU?

Usually, memory errors will result in freezing completely up. You could have a bad DIMM slot or two.

Do you have Norton disabled on startup, or do you have various utilities loading at startup and thus, running in the background?

Not sure I have a definitive answer for you, but I would suggest that if you have the CPU overclocked by adjusting the FSB speed, back it off. You could even try a lower bus speed to see if that helps.

As for the memory, do you have other known good memory that you can test with? Can you take it to a computer repair shop to have it tested?

Hang tight for some more opinions.

Good luck.

BB 66


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"Right turn Clyde!"

[stratman92]

According to the FIC faq, my board will support my processor; its not overclocked. Only Norton Anti-virus, systray and explorer are running. Each memory module test ok with Norton. I may have bad drivers or something. I don't really know. Oh, yeah "mprexe" likes to "not respond" when windows first starts.

[This message has been edited by stratman92 (edited 08-27-2001).]

[stratman92]

Fixed slowdown problem! Somehow DMA got disabled for my hard drive. Now it runs like it should. Hopefully, this will help with the random crashes/lockups. That may be a whole 'nother thread. Who knows?

[BigBlue66]

Way to go, Stratman! You fixed it!

Still say you may have a bad DIMM slot or two. If you can, try running with just one stick of memory in the first DIMM slot and see what happens.

Also, Norton Anti-Virus running in the background will use up system resources and slow it down. If you don't absolutely have to have it running, disable it.

As for the mprexe error, go to Start/Run and type "msconfig", without the quotes. On the dialog screen that pops up, click on the startup tab on the far right. Look for a line item that represents the mprexe program and uncheck the little box beside it. That will prevent it from trying to load at startup and should get rid of the error message. You will have to reboot after making that change.

You might also consider going to www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com (http://www.windowsupdate.microsoft.com) and download all critical updates if you haven't already. Once you arrive at the site, click on Product Updates. You can also upgrade to 98SE from that site. Can't remember if they charge for that.

Cheers,

Big Blue 66


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"Right turn Clyde!"

[stratman92]

Well, I am still having problems with lockups/freezes. Norton tells me I have an error in my memory, but each module tests fine by itself. It will cost me about $30 to get another module. I already spent too much on upgrading as it is. This happened once before with the original module, and a format/reinstall cleared up the problem. I suspect Windows is just confused. Maybe I'll just get Windows 2000.