Painfully slow IBM T60

[KoMoDo]

hey guys,

this is my dad's laptop, when we bought it i had the impression its one of the best business laptops out there. i think it has dual cpu's if not dual core etc.. for some reason it states it has 504 mb and not 512 mb.
anyhow, not long ago he complained that his laptop is slow and i started messing around with it, for starters, it has 76 processes (!!!) running at any single moment. also, theres this process called Avsvc.exe that goes from 0 cpu load to 50 constantly, im sure that gives the load a beating. i checked it and its related to the wireless connectivity on the laptop.
lastly, there are about an infinite amount of little "Thinkvantage" gadgets etc, that most of them he doesn't use, he does use the fingerprint option but if it takes any resources he won't mind it gone. i was wondering how can i optimize his laptop so it won't be so freaking slow.
heres a hijackthis log i just did:

Logfile of HijackThis v1.99.1
Scan saved at 6:50:35 PM, on 5/20/2007
Platform: Windows XP SP2 (WinNT 5.01.2600)
MSIE: Internet Explorer v7.00 (7.00.6000.16441)

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\ibmpmsvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\spoolsv.exe
C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\AcPrfMgrSvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgamsvr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgupsvc.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgemc.exe
C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\TPHDEXLG.EXE
C:\WINDOWS\system32\TpKmpSVC.exe
C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Rescue and Recovery\rrservice.exe
C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Common\Scheduler\tvtsched.exe
C:\Program Files\ThinkVantage\SystemUpdate\UCLauncherService.exe
C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\AcSvc.exe
C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Common\Logger\logmon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\System32\svchost.exe
C:\WINDOWS\Explorer.EXE
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\TpShocks.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\EzEjMnAp.Exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Lenovo\PkgMgr\HOTKEY\TPHKMGR.exe
C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\THINKV~2\PrdCtr\LPMGR.exe
C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Client Security Solution\cssauth.exe
C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\SafeGuard PrivateDisk\pdservice.exe
C:\Program Files\Lenovo\PkgMgr\HOTKEY\TPONSCR.exe
C:\Program Files\Lenovo\PkgMgr\HOTKEY_1\TpScrex.exe
C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\ACTray.exe
C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\ACWLIcon.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\rundll32.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgcc.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxsrvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Nokia\NOKIAP~1\LAUNCH~1.EXE
C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\jusched.exe
C:\Program Files\Babylon\Babylon-Pro\Babylon.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktopIndex.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\PCSuite\Services\ServiceLayer.exe
C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe
C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe
C:\Program Files\Nokia\Nokia PC Suite 6\PcSync2.exe
C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Bluetooth Software\BTTray.exe
C:\Program Files\Digital Line Detect\DLG.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\Nokia\MPAPI\MPAPI3s.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\rapimgr.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\BLUETO~1\BTSTAC~1.EXE
C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Client Security Solution\pwmgr.exe
C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktopCrawl.exe
C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\usnsvc.exe
C:\Program Files\Common Files\PCSuite\Services\NclBTHandler.exe
C:\PROGRA~1\Intel\Wireless\Bin\Dot1XCfg.exe
C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox\firefox.exe
C:\Program Files\HijackThis\HijackThis.exe

R0 - HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://www.haaretz.co.il/
R1 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Default_Page_URL = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
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
R0 - HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Main,Start Page = http://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=69157
R3 - URLSearchHook: Radio Israel Toolbar - {889eb3f6-f16b-4bc0-bc81-9c407c8a3240} - C:\Program Files\Radio_Israel\tbRad1.dll
O2 - BHO: Yahoo! Toolbar Helper - {02478D38-C3F9-4EFB-9B51-7695ECA05670} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll (file missing)
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {53707962-6F74-2D53-2644-206D7942484F} - C:\PROGRA~1\SPYBOT~1\SDHelper.dll
O2 - BHO: SSVHelper Class - {761497BB-D6F0-462C-B6EB-D4DAF1D92D43} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\ssv.dll
O2 - BHO: (no name) - {7E853D72-626A-48EC-A868-BA8D5E23E045} - (no file)
O2 - BHO: Radio Israel Toolbar - {889eb3f6-f16b-4bc0-bc81-9c407c8a3240} - C:\Program Files\Radio_Israel\tbRad1.dll
O2 - BHO: Google Toolbar Helper - {AA58ED58-01DD-4d91-8333-CF10577473F7} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar3.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Yahoo! Toolbar - {EF99BD32-C1FB-11D2-892F-0090271D4F88} - C:\Program Files\Yahoo!\Companion\Installs\cpn\yt.dll (file missing)
O3 - Toolbar: Israeli-Radio Toolbar - {3cfb2c5f-d269-4d07-8066-24ea40379b94} - C:\Program Files\Israeli-Radio\tbIsra.dll
O3 - Toolbar: &Google - {2318C2B1-4965-11d4-9B18-009027A5CD4F} - c:\program files\google\googletoolbar3.dll
O3 - Toolbar: Radio Israel Toolbar - {889eb3f6-f16b-4bc0-bc81-9c407c8a3240} - C:\Program Files\Radio_Israel\tbRad1.dll
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPLpr] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPLpr.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SynTPEnh] C:\Program Files\Synaptics\SynTP\SynTPEnh.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPKMAPHELPER] C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Utilities\TpKmapAp.exe -helper
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TpShocks] TpShocks.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [EZEJMNAP] C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\EzEjMnAp.Exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [TPHOTKEY] C:\PROGRA~1\Lenovo\PkgMgr\HOTKEY\TPHKMGR.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAXPnP] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\Core\smax4pnp.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SoundMAX] C:\Program Files\Analog Devices\SoundMAX\Smax4.exe /tray
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [suScheduler] C:\Program Files\ThinkVantage\SystemUpdate\UCLauncher.exe /SCHEDULER
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [LPManager] C:\PROGRA~1\THINKV~2\PrdCtr\LPMGR.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSPM Startup] c:\PROGRA~1\COMMON~1\INSTAL~1\UPDATE~1\ISUSPM.exe -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ISUSScheduler] "c:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\UpdateService\issch.exe" -start
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [cssauth] "C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Client Security Solution\cssauth.exe" silent
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PDService.exe] "C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\SafeGuard PrivateDisk\pdservice.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ACTray] C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\ACTray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [ACWLIcon] C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\ACWLIcon.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PWRMGRTR] rundll32 C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\PWRMGRTR.DLL,PwrMgrBkGndMonitor
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [BLOG] rundll32 C:\PROGRA~1\ThinkPad\UTILIT~1\BatLogEx.DLL,StartBattLog
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [AVG7_CC] C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgcc.exe /STARTUP
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxtray] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxtray.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxhkcmd] C:\WINDOWS\system32\hkcmd.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [igfxpers] C:\WINDOWS\system32\igfxpers.exe
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Google Desktop Search] "C:\Program Files\Google\Google Desktop Search\GoogleDesktop.exe" /startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [PCSuiteTrayApplication] C:\PROGRA~1\Nokia\NOKIAP~1\LAUNCH~1.EXE -startup
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [SunJavaUpdateSched] "C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\jusched.exe"
O4 - HKLM\..\Run: [Babylon Client] C:\Program Files\Babylon\Babylon-Pro\Babylon.exe -AutoStart
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [ctfmon.exe] C:\WINDOWS\system32\ctfmon.exe
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [MsnMsgr] "C:\Program Files\MSN Messenger\MsnMsgr.Exe" /background
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [H/PC Connection Agent] "C:\Program Files\Microsoft ActiveSync\wcescomm.exe"
O4 - HKCU\..\Run: [PcSync] C:\Program Files\Nokia\Nokia PC Suite 6\PcSync2.exe /NoDialog
O4 - Global Startup: Bluetooth.lnk = ?
O4 - Global Startup: Digital Line Detect.lnk = ?
O8 - Extra context menu item: &יצא ל- Microsoft Excel - res://C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\EXCEL.EXE/3000
O8 - Extra context menu item: Send To &Bluetooth - C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Bluetooth Software\btsendto_ie_ctx.htm
O8 - Extra context menu item: Translate with &Babylon - res://C:\Program Files\Babylon\Babylon-Pro\Utils\BabylonIEPI.dll/Translate.htm
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Sun Java Console - {08B0E5C0-4FCB-11CF-AAA5-00401C608501} - C:\Program Files\Java\jre1.5.0_11\bin\ssv.dll
O9 - Extra button: Create Mobile Favorite - {2EAF5BB1-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: Create Mobile Favorite... - {2EAF5BB2-070F-11D3-9307-00C04FAE2D4F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~3\INetRepl.dll
O9 - Extra button: ??÷? - {92780B25-18CC-41C8-B9BE-3C9C571A8263} - C:\PROGRA~1\MICROS~2\OFFICE11\REFIEBAR.DLL
O9 - Extra button: Software Installer - {D1A4DEBD-C2EE-449f-B9FB-E8409F9A0BC5} - C:\Program Files\Lenovo\PkgMgr\\PkgMgr.exe
O9 - Extra button: (no name) - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
O9 - Extra 'Tools' menuitem: @xpsp3res.dll,-20001 - {e2e2dd38-d088-4134-82b7-f2ba38496583} - %windir%\Network Diagnostic\xpnetdiag.exe (file missing)
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
O11 - Options group: [INTERNATIONAL] International*
O11 - Options group: [JAVA_IBM] Java (IBM)
O14 - IERESET.INF: START_PAGE_URL=http://www.lenovo.com/us/en/
O18 - Protocol: livecall - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O18 - Protocol: msnim - {828030A1-22C1-4009-854F-8E305202313F} - C:\PROGRA~1\MSNMES~1\MSGRAP~1.DLL
O20 - AppInit_DLLs: C:\PROGRA~1\Google\GOOGLE~1\GOEC62~1.DLL
O20 - Winlogon Notify: ACNotify - ACNotify.dll (file missing)
O20 - Winlogon Notify: igfxcui - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\igfxdev.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: NavLogon - C:\WINDOWS\
O20 - Winlogon Notify: psfus - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\psqlpwd.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: tpfnf2 - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\notifyf2.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: tphotkey - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\tphklock.dll
O20 - Winlogon Notify: WgaLogon - C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\WgaLogon.dll
O21 - SSODL: WPDShServiceObj - {AAA288BA-9A4C-45B0-95D7-94D524869DB5} - C:\WINDOWS\system32\WPDShServiceObj.dll
O23 - Service: Ac Profile Manager Service (AcPrfMgrSvc) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\AcPrfMgrSvc.exe
O23 - Service: Access Connections Main Service (AcSvc) - Lenovo - C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\ConnectUtilities\AcSvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Alert Manager Server (Avg7Alrt) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgamsvr.exe
O23 - Service: AVG7 Update Service (Avg7UpdSvc) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgupsvc.exe
O23 - Service: AVG E-mail Scanner (AVGEMS) - GRISOFT, s.r.o. - C:\PROGRA~1\AVG\avgemc.exe
O23 - Service: Bluetooth Service (btwdins) - Broadcom Corporation. - C:\Program Files\ThinkPad\Bluetooth Software\bin\btwdins.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Event Log (EvtEng) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\EvtEng.exe
O23 - Service: Google Updater Service (gusvc) - Google - C:\Program Files\Google\Common\Google Updater\GoogleUpdaterService.exe
O23 - Service: ThinkPad PM Service (IBMPMSVC) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\ibmpmsvc.exe
O23 - Service: InstallDriver Table Manager (IDriverT) - Macrovision Corporation - C:\Program Files\Common Files\InstallShield\Driver\1050\Intel 32\IDriverT.exe
O23 - Service: IBM PSA Access Driver Control (PsaSrv) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\PsaSrv.exe (file missing)
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Registry Service (RegSrvc) - Intel Corporation - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\RegSrvc.exe
O23 - Service: Intel(R) PROSet/Wireless Service (S24EventMonitor) - Intel Corporation  - C:\Program Files\Intel\Wireless\Bin\S24EvMon.exe
O23 - Service: ServiceLayer - Nokia. - C:\Program Files\Common Files\PCSuite\Services\ServiceLayer.exe
O23 - Service: ThinkPad HDD APS Logging Service (TPHDEXLGSVC) - Lenovo. - C:\WINDOWS\System32\TPHDEXLG.EXE
O23 - Service: IBM KCU Service (TpKmpSVC) - Unknown owner - C:\WINDOWS\system32\TpKmpSVC.exe
O23 - Service: TSS Core Service (TSSCoreService) - IBM - C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Client Security Solution\ibmtcsd.exe
O23 - Service: TVT Backup Service - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Rescue and Recovery\rrservice.exe
O23 - Service: TVT Scheduler - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\IBM ThinkVantage\Common\Scheduler\tvtsched.exe
O23 - Service: ThinkVantage System Update (UCLauncherService) - Unknown owner - C:\Program Files\ThinkVantage\SystemUpdate\UCLauncherService.exe

(if this needs to be a .log upped somewhere and not pasted here let me know please)

p.s. whilst i was writing this post, there were about a couple of times where it just stopped writing whatever i was writing, and then whatever i was writing came out in a burst, im sure its related to the cpu overloading or whatnot.

Thanks.

[flanzig1]

First, that machine could do with another 512m of ram.
To trim down the number of processes that are loaded at boot up, open up MSCONFIG and disable any of the Thinkpad utilities he doesn't need. Also would disable any of the Google things from start-up, they can be resource hogs during boot-up.
If you have MS Office set to load during boot, that can be disabled in start up also.

[KoMoDo]

ok, figured i'd have to go with msconfig.
ill let him know about the ram, its just a stock laptop and we expected it to run a LOT faster.

also, ill check the msconfig startup and go through that list aswell, including ms office.

he uses google desktop alot and can't go without it, i told him its a resource hog as it constantly archives data in the background etc but he says that can't be it, i agree with him but it certainly adds to the strain

btw forgot to add we have 3 anti-spyware proggies and AVG free on that pc (aswell as mine and the rest of the pc's in the household) and its clean

[flanzig1]

Would open up Task Manager and see what is using CPU cycles and Ram resources. If you can trim down the ones that Don't need to run all the time, probably get back the speed you should have.

[KoMoDo]

as i said, that Acsvc.exe (i think its an IBM wireless process) goes from 0-50 cpu load constantly. for RAM the max is like 20 mb so i doubt its the ram issue.

[Rossl]

Originally Posted by flanzig1 Would open up Task Manager and see what is using CPU cycles and Ram resources. If you can trim down the ones that Don't need to run all the time, probably get back the speed you should have.

What do you mean about trimming down the ones that you don't need? How do you trim them?

[kev7555]

He doesn't need any of that Thinkpad stuff. Instead of disabling it in MSCONFIG, I'd go to add/remove programs and get rid of it, along with all the toolbars and other useless clutter.

-Kev

[KoMoDo]

ok, and its safe to just pick which ones we dont need?
ill leave the wireless one intact since i really hate the microsoft wireless wizard (although, i think that avsvc.exe is the thinkpad wireless agent.. is there any third party wireless manager available ? i personally use my netgear manager here and it doesn't even load it just works in the background or sth)

edit: ok im going to do that tomorrow followed by a restart. i do have to point out ill leave the thinkpad wireless manager as i didnt get a response from you guys whether theres a replacement, whatever comes with windows is awful.
also, regarding the fingerprint, i think its called client security or sth, he said he doesn't use it but it can come in handy so ill leave that there for the moment as i have no idea how i can reinstall whatever we'd want afterwards. anything else is pure garbage frankly, dont think he needs any IBM stuff really, 76 processes, im still shocked.

[kev7555]

Sorry about the delay...

The thinkpad wireless manager is a nice convenience if you want it. But I removed it from my girlfiend's Thinkpad and never missed it a bit.

-K

[KoMoDo]

hmm, well i do think its one of the major causes, i mean 76 processes, lets see theres around 10 active thinkvantage stuff? if i remove all that that'll take me down to what 60-65 if im optimistic? thats still a LOT. also, as i said if theres a good free, or cheap, or at least good, wireless manager that works globally i would appreciate that rather than to use the stuff that came with the laptop since as i said multiple times, that Avsvc.exe seems to be the problem or at least a big chunk of it, and im pretty sure its the wireless manager

[kev7555]

I always use the wireless connection service built into XP. Never had any trouble with it.

Just be sure you go into services.msc and enable the wireless zero configuration service.

[Fatality]

Just go to Add/Remove and remove of anything you are 100% positive you don't need. Anything with weird names that you never seen before or just look suspicious get rid of. Your 512Mb of RAM is fine. I have an old 256mb machine and I have this 7 year old computer running like a beaut. The only reason it is so slow is probably because of spyware, possibly virus or malware, and useless junk laying around. Not sure if you picked up the program CCleaner yet but you should download it from www.ccleaner.com and run a scan and delete all the junk on your computer. Also, if you uninstall a lot of useless programs and unselect programs from your startup I'd suggest running a registry scan on CCleaner as when you get rid of programs there is left over registry files laying around. The only reason other people suggest more RAM is because 76 processes is way overboard for a computer. Mine runs from 22-25 processes which is normal. Only thing is I don't have AVG and all those other security programs running. Take a hour of your time and thoroughly search his computer for junk and remove it.

[kev7555]

Got to agree with Fatality.

I regularly use old cmputers as work machines in the shop. Most are below 1000 MHz and they run like a dream.

The key to a smooth running system is to strip it down to only the essentials. Anything you do not need, get rid of it. Run ccleaner regularly, install a good antivirus progrqam and all of the antispyware programs in my signature and make sure they are undated regularly.

Typical setup on one of my customer systems:

XP OS (Home, Pro or Media Center)
Microsoft office ( I prefer 2000 premium edition but install whatever the customer wants).
Nero Burning ROM
AVG Free Edition antivirus
Spywareblaster
AdAware SE
Spybot Search and Destroy
Ccleaner

Macromedia or whatever flash player they desire
Adobe acrobat reader (latest version).
Power DVD

If they don't need instant messaging, delete messenger from program files.
Go to Blackviper website and follow instructions to disable all unneccesary services.


-Kev

[KoMoDo]

yea i personally did the services thing here and its a charm, but i wont do that on my dad's laptop, its different there and i dont wanna mess anything up there. ill go through add/remove later.

so what about the wireless manager though? from my experience the one that comes with win xp is junk, and i do prefer removing the thinkvantage stuff, but i do want another manager option, something lightweight etc, anything ?

[KoMoDo]

ok i uninstalled quite a few of the toshiba stuff and also removed a LOT of entries from the startup tab in msconfig, its down to 43 processes running, its definitely a lot better but, i mean, when i compare it to my machine (2600 +, 768 mb memory etc.. its 4 years old) my computer still beats it.. when my dad accesses OE it takes a few seconds, or when he tries opening firefox or IE.. over here i wait around a sec or two max, anything more i can do ? gone through anti-spyware software asewll

[Alaron]

At this point, it is not a matter of processes, it is a lack of RAM. Right now memory is so cheap, I'd pop in at least another 512 stick, if not replacing the current RAM with a 2x1GB kit.

[KoMoDo]

alrighty, do you know by heart perhaps what RAM it needs? im a bit lazy to google and im in no hurry, if you don't know ill search it when ill think of buying one, im going to the US soon so i might pick a 512 stick for him there
btw i dont presume laptops have dual channel memory ? im sure that would also help

[Floppyman]

Go to Crucial.com and select your system (there are different types of T60's) or run the crucial advisor tool to determine what type of ram you need. Ram is cheap right now -- I bought a 1GB stick of Ram for my T60 for $44 the other day. HTH

[kev7555]

I'm not trying to throw a wrench in the works here, but I still have older computers running on 256 to 300+ ram that appear to run smoother then this one. I am not convinced that a hardware upgrade is the answer here.


What are you comparing this computer with when talking about "running slow"?

-Kev

[KoMoDo]

any single thing, its just a pain trying to open up OE or like, there are times when i actually press the firefox icon in the taskbar, and it just appears as if nothing happens/is loading, so i either wait or keep browsing if IE is open or let my dad check his email if OE is open, and bam firefox magically appears! :|
btw floppyman ive went there but theres a LOT of Series there, i also checked in IBM but there was no T60 series there and im almost convinced this is still an IBM and not a lenovo, i did check Lenovo and there are a lot of series there, thats what i was referring to 2 lines ago.. i think ill just pop it open see what it says on the current RAM. i think my dad can ask his tech people from his workplace to get him a 512 stick or even a 1gb stick so he'll have 1536 mb or sth.. i checked a few series there and its all DDR2 PC5300, sounds feasible.

[Floppyman]

There are different kinds of T60's with different numbers. If you look at the bottom of the laptop you find that number near the serial (should be a 4 digit number). You can take that number then to Crucial's website. However, if you can't locate it, Crucial has a tool on their website you can download that will determine exactly what type of T60 you have and what memory it needs.

HTH

[KoMoDo]

ok, thanks
and do you guys think its important considering the money spent, im pretty sure a 512 mb is enough, a gig of ram for a laptop mainly used for OE, web surfing, emails and the likes is well over, its just that my dad doesn't like to close stuff he already has open, thats why that laptop is a dual processor (or maybe just dual core) yet it really isnt up to par at the very moment for multitasking, not even close. so i was hoping that extra stick would do the trick. i DID take it down to around 40-45 processes

[Alaron]

The dual core is only going to show its teeth when you have multiple programs that are actively crunching numbers. If your dad just has a bunch of apps like IE, OE and Word open at once, RAM is what you need.

I think adding another 512 or 1GB is a very smart move. And now is a great time to buy ram.

[KoMoDo]

aye captain, ill check the prices here and the US and come up with figures for him, he'll be the one deciding if its needed as all the removals i did sure helped his laptop speed up by like 20% i'd say, although im still not sure if its enough, i mean i just <3 mine, its so fast compared to different pc's i get to check at friends' houses and the likes