General slowness after reinstalling XP Home

[Powerstroke2000]

Unfortunately, not being completely computer savy, regarding issues I was having, I took my computer into my local computer shop, where they decided my "C" drive had to be wiped out, and a fresh install of Windows XP was needed to be reinstalled.
At the same time I had a DVD burner installed, as well as a new P4 2.8 GHZ processor installed (from my previous 2.5 GHZ), as apparently my processor was giving them troubles after reinstalling XP.

Now, Windows XP runs about the speed of my old Pentium I back in the old days!

As an example, upon boot up, where XP shows the names of those who use this computer, it takes a good 30 seconds before the cursor with change to the "hand cursor" where I can actually click on any of the names to get it to boot to that persons settings!
After spending $400.+ on getting this computer back up and running, I'm reluctant to take it back to the same place, as I would have thought this issue should have been fixed long before I picked it up!

At any rate, I'm wondering if this is a driver issue, registry issue, or something hardware related?

I've thankfully found in the past, that those of you on this forum have helped me tremendously, so I'm hoping I can find some answers as to why this computer is now such a dog! Internet wise, all seems to work fine, but often I have to leave a cursor over an application, and click over and over several times before it opens. It's as if it needs a rest (and takes one) whenever it wishes!

Thanks in advance!

Frustrated - Dale

[kev7555]

It sounds as though they may have the multiplier for the new processor set wrong. Lacking more information, that would be my best guess.

There are multiple hardware and software issues that can cause slowed performance.

For $400 you could have bought a nice, brand new tower from www.computerstop.com...



-Kev

[Powerstroke2000]

Thanks Kev, that at least gives me something to work on, as I didn't have a clue where to start!

Is this something I could reset myself (or check if it's correct) or would the processor have to come off for this reset? I have done any "Windows" updates that where available, and also checked for driver updates, and those all seem to be fine by what I can tell.

Thanks once again!

Dale

[FLG]

Is this a pre-built PC or custom? Either way, post full system specs.

I would check the jumpers on the hard drive. Put it to cable select (CS), and make sure its plugged into the very end (black connector) on the IDE cable. Go into your bios, whats the clock speed of the processor?

[kev7555]

Yeah, you can do it yourself if you feel up to it.

It should say on on your post screen what processor is installed. Make sure that it shows the proper value (if it's a 1.8 G processor, that's what it should show on post). If the value shown at post is not correct, the multiplier is likely set wrong.

You need to go into setup and search for the menu where you can set the bus speed. Usually it's under advanced chipset features (or something like that). There is a frequency adjustment that can be set to a number of different values, depending on what CPU is used (example: 133 MHz, 166 MHz, 200MHz, 233 MHz, 266 MHz or any combination similar). If you have the documentation for the m-board and CPU that may be helpful. If not, you can look it up online by going to the manufacturer's website. Setting the correct bus frequency will result in showing the right value on POST.

This is different for each motherboard, so yeah...post some specs about your computer first.


-Kev