Upgrade RAM to run faster?

I was wondering if/how I can get my laptop to run a bit faster, like when playing games and such?
It's a HP Pavilion dv6000 with XP Media Edition V. 2002 SP2
Intel Core 2 CPU
T5500 @ 1.66GHz
1.66GHz 2GB RAM

Can I upgrade to 3, maybe 4GB of RAM?

Thanks

Hello,

2GB is about the optimal amount for a PC running XP. I'm not sure if there will be much difference in speed, but if you often run many softwares on your PC at one go, then it's fine.

It might be due to too many items running at startup, read this: http://www.geekpolice.net/operating-systems-f20/slow-computer-read-this-t16457.htm

I'll give you advise to speed your up computer.

Thank you.
Should this thread be closed and I post the HJT report in a new thread in op systems?

Hello,

Post it here, it's fine.

Logfile of Trend Micro HijackThis v2.0.2
Scan saved at 10:09:14 PM, on 12/10/2009
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16945)
Boot mode: Normal

Running processes:
C:\WINDOWS\System32\smss.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\winlogon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\services.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\lsass.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
C:\Program Files\hpq\HP Wireless Assistant\HP Wireless Assistant.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\RUNDLL32.EXE
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\QuickPlay\QPService.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Quick Launch Buttons\QlbCtrl.exe
C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehRecvr.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehSched.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
C:\Program Files\Vongo\Tray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqimzone.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Vongo\VongoService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mqsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Shared\hpqwmiex.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\mqtgsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqSTE08.exe
C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
C:\WINDOWS\eHome\ehmsas.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\dllhost.exe
C:\Program Files\Trend Micro\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\notepad.exe

R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.myspace.com/
R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = about:blank
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://www.myspace.com/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Search_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Search Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=54896
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Connection Wizard,ShellNext = http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=pavilion&pf=laptop
R1 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Window Title = Windows Internet Explorer provided by MySpace
R3 - URLSearchHook: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O2 - BHO: AcroIEHlprObj Class - {06849E9F-C8D7-4D59-B87D-784B7D6BE0B3} - C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\ActiveX\AcroIEHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ehTray] C:\WINDOWS\ehome\ehtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [hpWirelessAssistant] C:\Program Files\hpq\HP Wireless Assistant\HP Wireless Assistant.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvCplDaemon] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvCpl.dll,NvStartup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:\WINDOWS\system32\NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /installquiet /nodetect
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [MsmqIntCert] regsvr32 /s mqrt.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] CHDAudPropShortcut.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QPService] "C:\Program Files\HP\QuickPlay\QPService.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [HP Software Update] C:\Program Files\HP\HP Software Update\HPWuSchd2.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QlbCtrl] %ProgramFiles%\Hewlett-Packard\HP Quick Launch Buttons\QlbCtrl.exe /Start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Cpqset] C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Default Settings\cpqset.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [RecGuard] C:\Windows\SMINST\RecGuard.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Reminder] C:\Windows\CREATOR\Remind_XP.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:\Program Files\QuickTime\qttask.exe" -atboottime
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:\Program Files\iTunes\iTunesHelper.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [avast!] C:\PROGRA~1\ALWILS~1\Avast4\ashDisp.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [WMPNSCFG] C:\Program Files\Windows Media Player\WMPNSCFG.exe
O4 - S-1-5-18 Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:\Program Files\Vongo\Tray.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
O4 - .DEFAULT Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:\Program Files\Vongo\Tray.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:\Program Files\Vongo\Tray.exe (User 'Default user')
O4 - Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:\Program Files\Vongo\Tray.exe
O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:\Program Files\Adobe\Acrobat 7.0\Reader\reader_sl.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqtra08.exe
O4 - Global Startup: HP Photosmart Premier Fast Start.lnk = C:\Program Files\HP\Digital Imaging\bin\hpqthb08.exe
O8 - Extra context menu item: E&xport to Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_06\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Research - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~4\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - C:\WINDOWS\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe
O9 - Extra button: Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Windows Messenger - {FB5F1910-F110-11d2-BB9E-00C04F795683} - C:\Program Files\Messenger\msmsgs.exe
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://ie.redirect.hp.com/svs/rdr?TYPE=3&tp=iehome&locale=EN_US&c=64&bd=pavilion&pf=laptop
O18 - Filter hijack: text/html - {2f3c27c3-ac4a-49fc-bbb5-571afd6937ef} - C:\WINDOWS\batmeter16.dll
O23 - Service: AddFiltr - Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\HP Quick Launch Buttons\AddFiltr.exe
O23 - Service: Apple Mobile Device - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\Apple\Mobile Device Support\bin\AppleMobileDeviceService.exe
O23 - Service: avast! iAVS4 Control Service (aswUpdSv) - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\aswUpdSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Antivirus - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashServ.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Mail Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashMaiSv.exe
O23 - Service: avast! Web Scanner - ALWIL Software - C:\Program Files\Alwil Software\Avast4\ashWebSv.exe
O23 - Service: Bonjour Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\Bonjour\mDNSResponder.exe
O23 - Service: hpqwmiex - Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. - C:\Program Files\Hewlett-Packard\Shared\hpqwmiex.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\11\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: iPod Service - Apple Inc. - C:\Program Files\iPod\bin\iPodService.exe
O23 - Service: LightScribeService Direct Disc Labeling Service (LightScribeService) - Hewlett-Packard Company - C:\Program Files\Common Files\LightScribe\LSSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: NVIDIA Display Driver Service (NVSvc) - NVIDIA Corporation - C:\WINDOWS\system32\nvsvc32.exe
O23 - Service: Pml Driver HPZ12 - HP - C:\WINDOWS\system32\HPZipm12.exe
O23 - Service: Vongo Service - Starz Entertainment Group LLC - C:\Program Files\Vongo\VongoService.exe

--
End of file - 8603 bytes

Also can I put in a bigger HD in my laptop or is it better to buy an external drive?

Hello,

I recommend getting an external hard disk. Unless you know how to replace a laptop's hard disk.

• Open HijackThis
  
• Choose "Do a system scan only"
  
• Check the boxes in front of these lines:
  
  
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [ehTray] C:WINDOWSehomeehtray.exe
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [NvMediaCenter] RUNDLL32.EXE C:WINDOWSsystem32NvMcTray.dll,NvTaskbarInit
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [nwiz] nwiz.exe /installquiet /nodetect
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [MsmqIntCert] regsvr32 /s mqrt.dll
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [High Definition Audio Property Page Shortcut] CHDAudPropShortcut.exe
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [SynTPEnh] C:Program FilesSynapticsSynTPSynTPEnh.exe
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [QPService] "C:Program FilesHPQuickPlayQPService.exe"
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [HP Software Update] C:Program FilesHPHP Software UpdateHPWuSchd2.exe
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [ISUSScheduler] "C:Program FilesCommon FilesInstallShieldUpdateServiceissch.exe" -start
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [Cpqset] C:Program FilesHewlett-PackardDefault Settingscpqset.exe
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [RecGuard] C:WindowsSMINSTRecGuard.exe
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [Reminder] C:WindowsCREATORRemind_XP.exe
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [QuickTime Task] "C:Program FilesQuickTimeqttask.exe" -atboottime
  O4 - HKLM..Run: [iTunesHelper] "C:Program FilesiTunesiTunesHelper.exe"
  O4 - HKCU..Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:WINDOWSsystem32ctfmon.exe
  O4 - HKCU..Run: [WMPNSCFG] C:Program FilesWindows Media PlayerWMPNSCFG.exe
  O4 - S-1-5-18 Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:Program FilesVongoTray.exe (User 'SYSTEM')
  O4 - .DEFAULT Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:Program FilesVongoTray.exe (User 'Default user')
  O4 - .DEFAULT User Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:Program FilesVongoTray.exe (User 'Default user')
  O4 - Startup: Vongo Tray.lnk = C:Program FilesVongoTray.exe
  O4 - Global Startup: Adobe Reader Speed Launch.lnk = C:Program FilesAdobeAcrobat 7.0Readerreader_sl.exe
  O4 - Global Startup: HP Digital Imaging Monitor.lnk = C:Program FilesHPDigital Imagingbinhpqtra08.exe
  O4 - Global Startup: HP Photosmart Premier Fast Start.lnk = C:Program FilesHPDigital Imagingbinhpqthb08.exe
  
  
  
• Press "Fix Checked"
  
• Close Hijack This.
  

---

During the normal operation of your computer, Windows and your other program create an awful lot of temporary files. Though it's called temporary, they don't usually get removed, so they build up.

CCleaner is a great and free utility I use to delete temporary files automatically. It's able to free up disk space and speed up your computer. Read this topic on how to install and run CCleaner.

---

Having a lot of programs installed on your computer can slow it down. Do you really use them all? If you don't, uninstall the ones which you do not need.

If you are using Windows XP:

• Click Start >> Control Panel >> Add or Remove Programs
  
• Select the program you want to remove to highlight it.
  
• Click the Change/Remove button and follow the instructions given on screen.
  
• Repeat these steps for all programmes you wish to remove.

If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7:

• Click Start >> Type in uninstall a program
  
• Select the program you want to remove to highlight it.
  
• Click the Uninstall/Change button and follow the instructions given on screen.
  
• Repeat these steps for all programmes you wish to remove.

---

Every time you write a file to your hard drive, the drive controller has to find space on it. During this process, it break the files into fragments so that it can use the available disk space efficiently. However over time files can become very fragmented because of this, and your drive controller has to work harder to find all the fragments and combine them so that a program can use it. This slows things down, depending on the amount of fragmentation of your files, it can slow things down a lot.

So it's a good idea to defragment your hard drive. This will rearrange the fragments on your drive so they form contiguous entities which are much easier for your drive controller to deal with. Note that this is a time consuming operation, usually taking several hours if you're doing it for the first time. You can stop defragmenting any time and start again. It will continue defragmenting from where it stopped.


If you are using Windows XP:

• Click Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> Disk Defragmenter >> click the Defragment button.

If you are using Windows Vista or Windows 7:

• Click Start >> Type in Disk Defragmenter >> click the Defragment Now button >> Select drives to defragment >> Click OK to start.

Let me know how it goes.

Thank you, i'll look into an external HD. Have any suggestions on good ones?

-I ran HJT and fixed the ones you mentioned.
-I use cleanup! but am reading the thread for ccleaner now and will switch if you think it's better??
-I'll go through my programs, uninstall what i dont need and defrag before i go to bed.

Hello,

I would recommend those external HDs which use AC power. Almost any brand of HDs will do e.g. Seagate. I got my External HD separated from the casing.

I have not used cleanup! before, so I don't know what areas it cleans.

It doesn't do as much as ccleaner so i will use that from now on.
As far as the registry, will fixing all the issues it shows be a problem?

Er, not touch the registry part. Just clean the temp files. Sometimes cleaning the registry might crash your system.

Yea that's what i thought, thanks.

SOLVED!