Windows XP running slow even in safe mode

I ran into a computer the other day that had suddenly started running extremely slow.  One of the clues to the problem was that the slow performance happened even when the system was booted in safe mode, this mode was specifically created to allow a system to be booted in a minimal configuration so modifications could be made to the setup. This pointed the problem in the direction of being a hardware issue. It turned out the BIOS had a setting for a CPU Compatibility Mode. This is a mode that turns off some of the CPU functions for compatibility with certain older software. Setting it to the factory default of “off” and rebooting immediately fixed the problem.

Dead Emachine

I had a client whose Emachine died unexpectedly. Four years old, 1.3ghz Celeron, 512mb dram and a dead power supply. I advised them that it was probably not cost effective to put a lot of time/money into resucitating it. I removed the hard drive and installed it in a external enclosure. Luckily it powered up and I was able to get the data they wanted off of it and burn a DVD. They’re going to get a new box and use their existing monitor with it. Lesson – Backup your data! 

Random XP Shutdowns

Recently a client called because their system was randomly rebooting while they were using it. If a problem happens every time you perform a certain act, like run a program, open a file, turn on a piece of hardware, etc, it can be reproduced. This allows you to eliminate possible causes. But if a problem just randomly occurs with no apparent cause, this is typically harder to fix.

This was a Celeron system with 256mb of DDR in the form of 1 Dimm. This is a really low amount of memory for a Windows XP system. XP needs at least 512mb to run reliably and more like 1gb to starting running well (more than this will only lead to minor performance enhancement unless running memory hungry applications).  The initial recomendation was to install a 1gb Dimm. This improved performance by reducing the computer’s reliance on virtual memory.

The client contacted us la few days later and told us that while the computer was faster, it was still randomly rebooting. We returned and decided that the system could be suffering from overheating issues. The CPU fan was removed and a considerable amount of dust was blown out. The existing heatsink grease was wiped away, replaced with fresh grease, and the heatsink was reinstalled. The rebooting issues seem to have been resolved.

Acer Aspire One

These are very cute laptops. they’re in the category of Netbooks..small, lightweight, cheap. The one I used was blue, they’re also available in white, black, red, brown and pink(!). Typical configuration is 1gb of ram and a 80-120gb hard drive. No optical disc built in but, ask yourself..do you need to carry one with you all the time? Remember, this is meant to be a second computer, so your primary machine would normally have a DVD/CD reader/burner. The Aspire One also has multiple USB ports, a multimedia slot for memory cards, Wifi (802.11G).

For approximately $349.00 you’ve got a great computer for the Web,  listening to music, watching videos and email.

We Finished A New Charleston Website

Digital Blade, LLC just completed a website for Carolina One Auctioneer Gregg Napier. The site is based on Drupal and was designed in a way that allows Gregg to maintain the site and add new content on his own. We believe that out clients should have control over their information because it’s an asset just as much as any physical object. The site is located at www.charlestonrealestateauctions.com. Please visit it and tell us what you think.

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