Computer Speed and Performance May Decrease (259161)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Millennium Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98 Second Edition
  • Microsoft Windows 98
  • Microsoft Windows 95
This article was previously published under Q259161
If this article does not describe your hardware-related issue, please see the following Microsoft Web site to view more articles about hardware:

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx/w98?sid=460

SYMPTOMS

Under some conditions, your computer may run slowly.

CAUSE

This behavior can occur for any of the following reasons:
  • Programs may be started automatically when you start your computer. Programs that run when you start your computer typically run all the time; this uses a portion of your computer's system resources that cannot be used for any other task.
  • You may be running a program that creates memory leaks. When you quit a program, the system resources that the program uses should be returned to the operating system. However, some programs do not return all of these resources, effectively "leaking" memory, and this can create a low system-resource state.
  • Your computer may have a small or minimal amount of random access memory (RAM), or a slower central processing unit (CPU). For example, although Windows 95 can run with a minimum of 4 megabytes (MB) of RAM (24 MB for Windows 98 and Windows Millennium Edition), this amount of RAM may not be sufficient to maintain a high speed while you run one or more programs. Also, if your computer has only the minimum CPU requirements for Windows 98 (486DX/66 or higher) or Windows 95 (386DX or higher), it may not be sufficient to maintain a high speed while you run one or more programs.

RESOLUTION

To resolve this issue:
  1. Verify that any programs that start automatically when you start your computer are truly needed and, if not, quit them. For example, an antivirus program is a program that you probably want to run all of the time, but you may have other less essential programs that you do not need to have running all the time. To determine which programs are running, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, and note of all of the programs that are listed. Note that Explorer is the Windows operating system and Systray is the system tray that is located on the right side of the taskbar. You should not quit these two programs. Determine which programs must run all of the time, and then quit the remaining programs. To quit a program, press CTRL+ALT+DELETE, click the program that you want to quit, and then click End Task.

    To permanently prevent a program from starting automatically, view the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

    267288 How to Perform a Clean Boot in Windows Millennium Edition

  2. Determine if you are running programs that create memory leaks. Your computer may be leaking memory if your computer becomes slow after you run and quit one or more programs. If your computer runs well before you run a program, but then slows noticeably after you quit the program, the program may have a memory leak. To verify this:
    1. Restart your computer and do not manually start any programs.
    2. Right-click My Computer, click Properties, and then click the Performance tab. Note the percentage number that is next to System Resources. This is the amount of free system resources before you run any programs.
    3. Start one of your programs, use it as you would normally for 15 or more minutes, and then quit the program.
    4. Right-click My Computer, click Properties, and then click the Performance tab. Note the percentage number that is next to System Resources, and then compare that number to the number that you noted in step B. If the system resources are substantially less than they were before you started the program, the program may be creating a memory leak. To resolve this issue, contact the manufacturer of the program to inquire about the availability of a fix for this issue. To work around this issue, restart your computer after you quit the program.
  3. If you are using the minimal amount of RAM or a slower CPU, you can add more RAM to your computer or obtain and install a faster CPU. For information about how to do this, contact your computer manufacturer, or view the documentation that is included with your computer.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about performance-related issues, click the article numbers below to view the articles in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

141368 Poor Performance from CD-ROM-Based Program

137114 Can't Access Compact Disc If Wrong Speed Set in Windows 95

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/8/2006
Keywords:kbenv kbPerformance kbprb KB259161
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