Upgrade or repair for vista hp computer?

11 years ago

Hubby has a wide screen, touch screen, HP desktop running vista. It has gotten extremely slow bringing up web pages. Is there any upgrade or program that would help speed the poor thing up. He needs the wide screen and is really reluctant to consider dumping and replacing. Any suggestions?

Featured Answer

mikie_gw

11 years ago

I used vista for a long time when everybody else was using win7.. it was fine then - just used an extra bunch of memory which isn't a real bad thing.

February 2012, vista lost Microsoft regular support & only gets security updates but that may quit too when it reaches 10 yrs old so early 2017 it will be spoken of like XP security is now.

I don't remember exacts, but several things security wise just don't work anymore as it is now on vista - think IE highest version in vista has reached the end of usable use now. If he uses IE, he's pretty much required to change to another browser, probably chrome with its built in Flash or he wont be doing much banking or emailing from it. My sister just hit that wall with her banking and emails.

Vista has been around since 2007 but was some hated or spoken poorly of it too much and it wasn't even 2 full years until win7 replaced it.

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (11)

kudzu9
11 years ago
It doesn't need an upgrade, and don't start downloading programs that are supposed to fix slow computers. He's probably had this computer for what, 8 years or so? Does he ever do maintenance on it, like defragmentation? Is the hard drive almost full? Has he run any anti-malware programs lately to get rid of junk that could have ridden along on other downloads? Has he added any free toolbars? Is his antivirus up-to-date and has he scanned the computer lately? Is he current on Windows updates? Has he checked his download speeds?

With the info you provide, it's impossible to say what is going on, but it's very common to see computers slow down over time if people don't maintain them, or if they are not careful about what they download. If your husband is not very computer savvy, the best thing might be to get a computer tech in to do a cleanup of the machine to get it running like it was when it was new. If you start hunting for programs online that are supposed to work wonders, you could just end up making things worse.
User
11 years ago
last modified: 11 years ago
I agree with Kudzu9. Those Fix All Computer Programs are more like Screw Up Your Computer Programs! Don't ever download or Trust them. A Good Anti-Virus and Malware Program is all you should need!

Is his computer just slow when Surfing the Internet? Is he Running more than one Anti-Virus Program? Does he have any Add-Ons Running? Is he running more than one Adblocker (if so, uninstall all except one)!

Like Kudzu9 stated above, more information would be great!
Related Discussions
Has anyone upgraded XP to Vista?
Q
Comments (10)
Jane, you could install a second hard drive and run both Operating Systems. This isn't really that difficult to do but would cost some money for the new drive. Maybe, $100.00+ (us), not including installation. Just format both as NTFS drives. After you start the computer, then after the BIOs screen a screen appears that will let you choose the OS you want. You can even move files between the two OSs using a USB memory stick. This works well. the only down side to this configuration is some added scan time for malware and anti-virus scans, check disks and the like because you have two systems installed. You would also need two security software suites if you buy them. It's like two computers in one. Here is a link that might be useful: Not as hard as this makes it look. You get the idea.
...See More
Help resetting or downgrading to Vista
Q
Comments (5)
Before doing anything be sure to back up anything you do not want to lose including your contact list for emails. Make a note of installed programs and find the needed CD/DVD for each. I think you will have to do a fresh install of Vista, not positive but I doubt they included the ability to move backwards. The advantage would be that everything is squeaky clean. Use the Vista CD/s you have but when it requires the 25 digit authentication code use the one fixed to the computer now. If you go with a fresh install you should allow the computer to format the drive, select NTFS to make the best use of the hard drive. You should go to the Dell site, download and save all the drivers you will need before proceeding. Save these on a thumb drive or CD if the DVD player problem has been addressed. DVD player is very easy to install. simply shut down and either switch off at the rear if provided or remove the power cord. Remove both sides, remove 2 screws each side of DVD player, remove wide (2 inch) ribbon cable, flat power cable and skiiny sound wire. Slide defective DVD player out then reverse the procedure to install the new DVD player. done.
...See More
HP Pavilion with bad motherboard ?
Q
Comments (10)
I also have an HP Pavilion - and thought last year motherboard was toast - at 2 years - but it was something else, so I paid for the other "card" whatever it was and the diagnositic ($50 in Canada). BUT prior to purchasing this computer I had an IBM - with an extended warrantly. Motherboard went at 3 years and 1 day - IBM would do nothing for me. I did not buy the extended warranty for the HP because of this. HP couldn't understand why not?! And IBM couldn't understand why I wouldn't buy another unit from them. Same thing with a good quality toaster - lasted 1 year and 2 weeks - warranty wouldn't cover - next toaster wouldn't even start - so now at 6 months with newest toaster. When my HP was in for service I was looking at other models, just in case and the HP rep was in the store - he told me not to bother with the extended warranties. Re the motherboard going at one year and one month - they can go any time. At work one day my hard drive crashed, the tech came and replaced it and by the time he got back to his office, the new one had crashed. Yet I know someone who is still operating a 12 year old computer. I am using XP on my HP. I don't know what I will get next time. I really only use it for e-mail and internet - no music, movies, games - ZIP. Just the basics trying to extend the life best I can. I would do as suggested and get a new tower - and make sure you get back you old drive if you have anything personal on it. I am event thinking of a 17 inch laptop - but I would need to plug in a "real" keyboard and mouse - I hate the laptop keyboards - they interfere with my 120 wpm typing.
...See More
Anything VISTA Comparable to Microsoft Digital Image Pro 9 ?
Q
Comments (5)
Amity - I love DIP and now DIS (I am using the newest, and last, version - Digital Image Suite 2006-Anniversary Edition) I started using it way back in the "Picture It" days. I also have Photoshop Elements 5.0 - and find that DIS 2006 can do everything that PSe does - so MUCH easier though! I have one friend that is using DIS2006 Anniversary Edition with VISTA. eBay has a few copies of DIS2006 Anniversary available for a great price. If you are interested - I would get one ASAP - there used to be a ton listed and now just a few! I am attaching a link to a Microsoft patch. Some users experienced problems, and this patch (if needed) fixes that. I don't know if the "Anniversary Edition" needs it. They released DIS2006, then released DIS 2006 Anniversary Edition later - basically the same, but DIS2006 Anniversary appears to be Vista compatible. I have a few links of user forums (mostly dealing with digital scrapbooking) and tutorials for DIP/DIS. If you are interested in them, I can post the links. I went from using DIP/DIS for simple fixes, to doing some REALLY awesome photo editing. Simple to learn, simple to remember :0) Using edge finder tool to copy raspberries, then "Gaussian Blur" on image - then pasted unblurred raspberries back in, extending over the frame. Curling border, used edge finder tool to copy colored flower, made imgage b/w and pasted colored flower back in: Used "filters" to change the same picture as used above: Here is a link that might be useful: Microsoft Patch for DIS2006 - Vista
...See More
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
If the system hasn't been maintained, or not for a long time, I personally would clear the browser history manually, and then run CCleaner at the default settings. This would include the registry tool (Be sure to allow the creation of a backup when offered.) End with a shut down, 1 minute delay, and a start.

I would run each tool 2-3 times as an ignored system may not completely clean in one swipe.

It would also be worth a look into the Startup. A Vista system has limited power for today's needs. Too much unnecessary drain to that power by unwanted entries could slow the processing of the packet flow for the Internet.

If he is using Firefox try a different browser. I have detected FF slowing down in the last 10 or so releases.

DA
User
11 years ago
DA,

I typed something about Clearing History and Cookies. I must have hit a wrong key before posting it because it's gone. That is definitely something that should be tried!
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
Sometimes posts take up a mind of their own.

I recommend for users to do the manual clearing first with CCleaner second at default settings. From my experience the on-board utility is not always as deep as CC. Just sometimes.

DA
zep516
11 years ago
It might be considered for the user to perform a recovery from the recovery partition on the computer, using "recovery manager" that "usually" is installed on HP desktop computers, save your personal data, recovery, visit Windows up date, reinstall browsers......

That way you're done with probably better results... After 6 or 7 years nothing like a fresh install.

http://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c00814731
kudzu9
11 years ago
It would be helpful if the OP would respond to at least a few of these many suggestions with a little more info...
DA_Mccoy
11 years ago
Problem updates are always appreciated, but rarely done.

DA
Terrapots
Original Author
11 years ago
done virus scans and drive optimization, has only 1 virus scans. Will take your suggestions to heart and try to get in there to try most or all. Sorry for d elay in replying. Thanks for suggestions.
kudzu9
11 years ago
Good luck. Let us know how it goes, please.

Upgrade or repair for vista hp computer?

mikie_gw

Comments (11)

kudzu9

User

Related Discussions

DA_Mccoy

User

DA_Mccoy

zep516

kudzu9

DA_Mccoy

Terrapots
Original Author

kudzu9

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Upgrade or repair for vista hp computer?

Comments (11)

Related Discussions

TerrapotsOriginal Author

COMPANY

BUSINESS SERVICES

GET HELP

CONNECT WITH US

Terrapots
Original Author