Win2000 Problems

[Zinedene]

Ive quite a newbie to the Win2000 world , so bear with me!

I installed Win2000 about 2 months ago, and over the last few weeks, its going a bit funny.

Previously, everything used to load up real fast. Now its slowing down. Even after the post test , it sometimes takes a lot longer than what it used to. A lot of the time, when I double click on something to open it, it freezes, and the hard disk drive light stays on for 10-20 seconds, and eventually goes out. After it goes out, the programs appear.
Its the same with the internet, When I click on something to open, it hangs for about 10-20 seconds, Hard disk drive light comes on, and once it goes off, then the program loads..

What can I do?
Its getting really annoying. I used to be able to boot up the PC in about 1-2 mins, but its starting to take a lot longer than that now.
The desktop appears, with nothing on it, and I have to wait up to 5 mins for everything to load..
Oh yeah, I got Service pack 2 running on it..


Any advice appreciated...
thanks

Zinedene

[Cricket]

Hi Zinedene,

Have you been defragging the drive on a regular basis? You might also want to clean out the Windows Temp folder and the Temporary Internet Files folder.

Cricket

[Zinedene]

Hi Cricket,

Yeah, Ive been emptying the Win Temp Folder, and the TIF folder weekly. I always keep an eye on that.
I also been defragging regularly.. Ive done it 3 times a month, for the last 2 months.

I just dont get it..
I just logged on, and it loaded up as quick as it used to do. It hasnt froze yet..Everything is opening straight away..
The hard drive light is only flashing for a second everytime I open something, whereas before it would stay on for longer.

But I know the problem will occur again, as it comes and goes..

I did notice something, when I put my hand infront of the front intake to block it, the fan noise/speed goes up slightly. This shortens the hang. It hangs up to 20seconds, but when I cover the fan, it quickly recovers within 5-10 seconds..
Do you think the fans are sucking too much power or something?
Its a cheapo PS at 400W.

Thanks for the previous response, much appreciated.

Zinedene

[Cricket]

Hi Zinedene,

The problem could be related to the power supply if it's not a good quality one. Maybe it's not providing enough clean power to the system or the power is "dirty" (wavey, not steady).

Seeing how important the power supply really is, I don't take chances on brands I don't recognize or know to be a good quality brand. I prefer to use Sparkle Power when I can, but have had good results with Antec PSU's.

Cricket

[Zinedene]

Thanks for the reply,

I think its the Power supply.
Its called Solermax I think..400w for about £15.
Done a search on google, and nothing...so I know its not a good power supply!!!

Yeh, I was gonna get a new case anyway. I seen a Antec case, i think its called SX1240, comes with a 400W Power supply for $135 dollars. Does that sound like a decent case, and power supply..

Now, i gotta find it over here in UK, thats the hardest part!

Thanks for the advice...

Zinedene

[Cricket]

Hi Zinedene,

That's a very good case and it comes with a good quality power supply. It's a full tower with lots of room inside to work in and space for 14 drives. One drawback is it's a very heavy case...almost 40 pounds empty.

Cricket

[Jstyle]

more money, no Power Supply, better case.

just a suggestion

http://stores.yahoo.com/shentech/lianpcusbalb.html

[Zinedene]

Hi,

Thanks for the responses.

I think I'll go for the SX1240. Plus, it comes with a 400W power supply and its antec, so it should be reliable..
Jsyle, the case you mentioned is very nice, but its way too expensive for me...I would never spend that kind of money on a PC case...I dont know, I just cant imagine paying over £100 for a case. And even if I did, I would still have to get a decent power supply. Thanks for the suggestion anyway.

Well, I hope that the power supply is the problem to the PC freezes..otherwise I'll be posting in here, with the same problem.
Strange, it running fine now. Booting up in under 1-2 minutes, loading up straight away, and running nice...

I'll keep you guyz posted, once I get a better power supply, and let you know if it was that..

Thanks for the help,

Zinedene