System Resources Problem

JCG20 · #1 February 8th, 2003, 09:48 PM

My computer running Win Me only shows about 40% of free system resources on start-up with out any programs being opened at all. The only sytem tray programs I have on start up are for a wireless kb & mouse, and my printer.
I recently installed another 256mb of memory to see if it would help - but am still experiencing the same problems. After I open 1 or 2 applications (simple things like word and outlook), my resources fall to around 25% and things become very unstable. Is there any way to reserve some of these resouces and what is the reason for it starting so low??

Any help in this area would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance!!!

PostCode · #2 February 8th, 2003, 10:27 PM

Once you have started your computer and Windows has completed loading, do a Ctrl+Alt+Del. A Close Program box should appear. In here it will show any running programs. If it's possible, copy the contents from this box and put them up here. Showing the running processes might help with trying to narrow it down.

Another approach is to run a virus scan. Personally, I prefer to run a virus scan from a bootdisk after a cold boot. Tool of choice being F-Prot, which you can get free for personal use from here.

I would first run a complete system scan, then, if no viri are found, work on trying to find the resource hog/memory leak.

JCG20 · #3 February 8th, 2003, 11:04 PM

The following are the running programs listed on start-up:

Ctfmon
Zapro
Hpobnz08
Hposts08
Rsrcmtr
Hpzipm12
Hpoevm08
Loadqm
Hpgs2wnd
Hpgs2wnf
DirectCD
Imgicon
Navapw32
Point32
Systray
Mdm
Devldr16
Type32
Ahqtb
Qttaxk

I will try your other suggestion now. Thanks much!!!!

PostCode · #4 February 8th, 2003, 11:21 PM

Hpgs2wnd
Hpgs2wnf

These two are related to the HP Share-To-Web software. Reportedly, it's a pretty cumbersome piece of software and unless you are using it with someone else using the same software, I recommend you un-install it. It should be listed in the Add/Remove Applications applet in the Control Panel.

Zapro is Zone Labs, Devldr16 is the emulation driver for 16-bit sound for Creative sound cards, DirectCD is just that, Mdm is most likely your modem, perhaps a Motorola modem, Rsrcmtr is the Resource Meter for Windows 98, Imgicon has to do with your Zip drive software (I think it's the backup program...can't remember), Ahqtb is the Audio Headquarters for your Sound Blaster Live card, and the Navapw32 is Norton.

I'm not sure what the Qttaxk is though. Never seen this one before. Might try highlighting it when you have the Close Program box open and then select End Task at the bottom. Once this is done, check the resource meter again. Continue doing this for each application. At any given time, the resource meter may simply spike up-wards. If this happens, you have more than likely found the offending application.

Hope this helps.

maxximilian · #5 February 8th, 2003, 11:33 PM

A few things....

1. Windows can run with resources very low, many times as low as 15%...but what you are showing is too low for start up.

2. Adding RAM will not increase sytem resources. Memory and reources are two different critters. Resources occupies a very small part on a single stick...

3. WHOA........no wonder you got resource trouble. That is WAY too many start up items.

I agree with PostCode...they are your problem. Follow his one by one advice. Keep track of what you disable in case something stops working. Then you can go back and re-check it.

Good luck....