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  • #2197317

    Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

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    by ejames6342 ·

    I have a Dell Inspiron 1545 T4200 at 200 Ghz with 3 GB RAM as well as a 2 GB USB key using Ready Boost. I also have 1.3 terrabytes of space in two external hard drives.

    After doing a clean install of Windows 7 64-bit I’ve noticed an annoying problem. About five or more times an hour my PC will stop responding for a few seconds and then it works fine. I just wait 5 or 10 seconds and it is okay. I’ve noticed that if I don’t want to wait I can start task manager and everything immediately unfreezes. It is like a pregnant pause which is kind of annoying.

    On a daily basis I scan for viruses, defrag my hard drive and run Glary utilities. I have upgraded to all 64-bit applications where available and I don’t run any applications that are not compatible with Windows 7. I’ve checked the memory for seven passes and it is okay. I have 150 MB left on my c: drive so disk cache space is not a problem. I also ran the windows system file checker and all is fine. All of my drivers are native Windows 7 64-bit drivers and Windows update is run daily.

    I can’t figure out what is causing this problem. I had no problem with this computer running Vista 32-bit. I would greatly appreciate some ideas here, even if they are only suggestions and not THE solution.

    Thanks!

    Elizabeth

All Answers

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    Replies
    • #3031216

      Clarifications

      by ejames6342 ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      Clarifications

    • #3031201

      What is the Power Saving set to?

      by oh smeg ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      If the system is attempting to go into Hibernation it’s going to take some time to start again. While not long it is still a lag.

      Col

      • #3031092

        My Power Settings

        by ejames6342 ·

        In reply to What is the Power Saving set to?

        The power settings are set for high performance and to never turn off either in battery mode or power mode.

    • #3031185

      RE “..with 3 MB RAM as well as a 2 MG USB. .Ready Boost”

      by older mycroft ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      I’m a little concerned as to which abbreviations you’re using here. I’m assuming that by [b]”3 MB”[/b] you actually mean 3 [u]GB[/u] and that [b]”2 MG”[/b] actually means [u]2 GB[/u].

      So you are actually running Windows 7 64-bit with THREE GIGABYTES of system RAM, supplementing that with a USB ReadyBoost of TWO GIGABYTES.

      According to Microsoft’s own specification, ReadyBoost should be employed to act within set parameters. These parameters range between [b]1:1[/b] up to [b]2.5:1[/b] meaning that the ReadyBoost should at least match the system RAM going up to two and a half times system RAM.

      If your system RAM was 1GB you could employ ReadyBoost of between 1GB up to 2.5GB.

      Therefore with [b][u]THREE GIGABYTES[/b][/u] of system RAM, you ought to have [u]AT LEAST THREE GIGABYTES[/u] of ReadyBoost. – You don’t.

      I’d take a stab in the dark and suggest that the imbalance between system RAM and ReadyBoost is what’s causing the intermittent slowdowns because the system is expecting RAM to be present within the ReadyBoost but when it can’t find it, it has to commit to system RAM which requires a sudden shift through the Pagefile, shifting data in the process.

      I’d also be interested to know how your 3GB of system RAM is configured because there’s not any formulation of RAM sticks that I can think of that would allow you to get the benefit of dual channel RAM, if you only have 3GB (you ought to have 4GB made up of 2 matching sticks of 2GB each AT LEAST).

      Try running your system for a couple of hours WITHOUT the Ready Boost USB stick inserted. It’ll run slightly slower overall but if it doesn’t stop intermittently – there’s your answer.

      Edited for layout.

      • #3031183

        No edit for layout necessary

        by santeewelding ·

        In reply to RE “..with 3 MB RAM as well as a 2 MG USB. .Ready Boost”

        Your cogency was native.

        Led through it, I am the better.

      • #3031090

        Memory Configuration

        by ejames6342 ·

        In reply to RE “..with 3 MB RAM as well as a 2 MG USB. .Ready Boost”

        Yes, I did mean 3 GB of RAM and 2 GB USB key. Sorry about that, I’ve changed it in my post.

        This Dell came from the factory configured with one 1 GB stick and one 2 GB stick. I’ve been thinking about replacing the 1 GB stick with a 2 GB stick for a total of 4 GB. Although Microsoft Windows 7 says that it can run on 1 GB, so I’m not sure if I should spend the money for a memory upgrade, even though it is cheap to do.

        Thanks for the information about Ready Boost. I’ll take the USB key out and see if that is the problem. I’ll let you know.

        I was also wondering if this computer can handle more than 4 GB of RAM since it is running 64-bit Windows 7. The manual says that it can support only up to 4 GB but that I think is because it was originally configured with Vista Home Premium 32-bit. I’d really like to have 8 GB in two 4 GB sticks of RAM.

        Thanks for the help and I’ll let you know the results.

        Elizabeth

        • #3031085

          It appears the maximum RAM is going to be 4GB …

          by older mycroft ·

          In reply to Memory Configuration

          I’ve checked quite a few reviews and spec listings for this model and 4GB seems to be listed in all of them. Perhaps because the T4200 has a Pentium Dual Core cpu, whereas the T4300 has a full blown Core2Duo.

          http://reviews.cnet.com/laptops/dell-inspiron-1545-p/4507-3121_7-33712899.html?tag=rnav

          Let’s see if we can track down the cause of the intermittent interruptions first – it might just be the slightly mis-matched Ready Boost.

        • #3032325

          Ready Boost Doesn’t Seem to be the Problem

          by ejames6342 ·

          In reply to It appears the maximum RAM is going to be 4GB …

          Well, I removed the USB key and it was still not responding only it was much worse. It would stop responding for about 15-20 seconds whereas before it was only for 3-5 seconds. Therefore, I reinserted the USB key and used it under the Windows recommended usage of dedicating 1805 MB for optimal performance.

          I also have Tuneup Utilities 2010 running with the “live optimization” feature turned on which is supposed to optimize memory on the fly, when needed, and “turbo mode” which is supposed to help with response time.

          I turned both of these off and tried it with and without the USB key and still the same non-responding issue. It was much worse with these two things off too, so I re-enabled them.

          Anything else you can think of, I would greatly appreciate hearing!

          Thanks!

          Elizabeth

        • #3032312

          Perhaps you could check your Pagefile …

          by older mycroft ·

          In reply to Ready Boost Doesn’t Seem to be the Problem

          There is always the possibility that the inclusion of the Ready Boost into the mix, perhaps altered the size of the Pagefile (usually between 1.5 – 2.0 times the size of available RAM).

          If your Pagefile is 1.5 times 5GB and then you remove 2GB (or thereabouts) from the available RAM, the system might object. To be perfectly honest other than the theory of the principle, I’ve never so much as touched a machine with Ready Boost – I’ve usually just upped the system RAM internally.

          Where did you find the reference for “[i]the Windows recommended usage of dedicating 1805 MB for optimal performance[/i]” – that doesn’t bring it anywhere near the Microsoft factor of [b]1:1 – 2.5:1[/b]?

          As for TuneUp Utilities 2010, I’ve not heard of it until now. What is reported by the Trouble-Shooting utilities within this very pack? Do they detect anything wrong with your system?

        • #3032302

          Setting Up the USB Key for Ready Boost

          by ejames6342 ·

          In reply to Perhaps you could check your Pagefile …

          When I go and select the USB Key to use Ready Boost there is a statement below that says that “While the device is being used for system speed, the reserved space will not be available for file storage.

          Windows recommends reserving 1805 MB for optimal performance.”

          Tuneup Utilities says “System Status is optimized. Computer’s performance is fully optimized. No problems have been detected.”

          It scans my disks each day for hard drive errors and has never found any.

          In the help file for changing the size of virtual memory it says

          “If you receive warnings that your virtual memory is low, you’ll need to increase the minimum size of your paging file. Windows sets the initial minimum size of the paging file equal to the amount of random access memory (RAM) installed on your computer plus 300 megabytes (MB), and the maximum size equal to three times the amount of RAM installed on your computer. If you see warnings at these recommended levels, then increase the minimum and maximum sizes.”

          I have received no warnings but it says that “the total paging file of all drives is 3032 MB.”

          Any ideas?

          Elizabeth

        • #3032299

          A couple of points …

          by older mycroft ·

          In reply to Setting Up the USB Key for Ready Boost

          Firstly, is this Ready Boost being provided by a thumb drive that is designed for use as Ready Boost? Does it actually have a legend on it to say it is suitable? Thumb drives that are suitable for Ready Boost generally have a closer-packed format and are slightly faster within themselves (they’ll never be as fast as internal RAM due to the limitations of USB 2.0 but they’re faster than standard thumb drives).

          Second – This “[i]help file for changing the size of virtual memory[/i]” – is this the Windows help file or are you getting this from your TuneUp program? Either way, I don’t agree with what it is telling you. Any Pagefile that has a variance between the Minimum and the Maximum means that the size of the Pagefile varies throughout each session, expanding and contracting as required. This can result in the Pagefile getting broken up and becoming fragmented.

          For maximum stability I always set the ‘Minimum’ and the ‘Maximum’ to the same figure (2x total RAM). That way there is a permanent area on the hard drive that is allocated for the Pagefile and it tends to prevent the Pagefile from becoming fragmented. The problem with a fragmented Pagefile is that you cannot defragment it while the system is running, because the system is using it (and you can’t defragment a file while it is in use). This requires that you defrag it at BOOT, before it has become occupied and not all defragmentation programs are capable of this procedure.

          I’d go into the Pagefile and set the Minimum and the Maximum to the same figure of [b]6144MB[/b] clicking out of the set-up screen [u]THEN REBOOT[/u].

          I’m just wondering – [b]WHEN[/b] did this slowdown begin? Is there anything that you did to the system just [u]BEFORE[/u] you noticed the stuttering happening?

      • #3032052

        Your peermail tells me the problem’s solved …

        by older mycroft ·

        In reply to RE “..with 3 MB RAM as well as a 2 MG USB. .Ready Boost”

        Well, not completely solved but at least it’s not stuttering quite as much.

        Now that you’ve adjusted the Pagefile to a constant (realistic) size, perhaps the occasional stutter might subside by itself.

        As I replied to your email, this is what you do when you’ve reached the ‘maximum message level’. Just move back up the thread and continue from a higher point, so further replies can once again be indented to the right.

        Glad you’re running smoother again. 🙂

    • #3036289

      I’m having the same problem!

      by orenao ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      I’m using a Lenovo ThinkPad T410 with a Pentium i7, 4 gb ram, plenty of space on my 500 gb 7200 rpm HDD and Win 7 x64. Every few minutes my system just freezes up for a couple of seconds (I can’t even move my mouse!), even if I’m barely running anything. At first I thought it might be my USB hub, but after removing it the problem continues. It happens regardless of whether I’m plugged in or on battery, regardless of whether im online or not, my system doesn’t feel too hot, and every scan (viruses, adware, memory check, disk errors, etc) seems to be ok.

      Since this is really bothering me, I’d like to figure out what’s going on! I was thinking maybe it has to do with an anti-theft program (like LoJack) I installed that I can’t seem to find on my comp for the life of me. It was supposed to scan every few minutes for break in attempts or for a signal from a signal from the server if I ever reported the laptop stolen. Since installing it, I wiped my comp and now can’t remember if I reinstalled it, as I continue having this problem. It’s a shot in the dark, but did you by any chance install something like this program?

      If not, did you ever figure out what was the cause?

      Thank you!

      -Oren

      • #2883564

        Reponse To Answer

        by followersofhim ·

        In reply to I’m having the same problem!

        2.5 GB’s RAM Terminology Correction: This answers a whole lot of problems listed on this page: http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/questions/101-325021/why-does-windows-7-64-bit-stop-responding Here’s the short of it: DELL should NEVER have put together & sold computers/Lap Tops with Windows 7, running x64 based, with only 2.5GB’s RAM available memory! It doesn’t work if your a true professional is running several software items — even with Terra GB’s! It’s like selling a Bus that runs on a Golf Cart engine! It’s like getting stuck in the mud with a Ford 350 Diesel Engine that can pull 20,000 pounds, but doesn’t have 4 wheel drive! We’ve been dooped! Get your money back! or ( if you have terra GB’s Storage) Get a free 18 + GB RAM Chip installed at one of there stores/repair stores!

    • #2900974

      windows 7 stopped responding

      by ashily24dee ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      Hi,
      Usually new systems are packed with lots of software that might not be useful for the user. These often include trial versions and limited edition versions of software that you can upgrade to full version later on. When you don???t want or use such software, just delete them as they might slow down or result in non-responding of your Windows 7 system. They might also occupy large space in your system memory, disk space and processing power.

      get more information to fix windows 7 stopped responding :

      http://supportformicrosoft.iyogi.com/windows-7/windows-7-stopped-responding.html

      Hope this information helps you.

    • #2883567

      Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?,RE “

      by followersofhim ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      This answers a whole lot of problems listed on this page: http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/questions/101-325021/why-does-windows-7-64-bit-stop-responding Here’s the short of it: DELL should NEVER have put together & sold computers/Lap Tops with Windows 7, running x64 based, with only 2.5GB’s available memory! It doesn’t work if your a true professional running several software items — even with Terra GB’s! It’s like selling a Bus that runs on a Golf Cart engine! It’s like getting stuck in the mud with Ford 350 Diesel Engine that can pull 20,000 pounds, but doesn’t have 4 wheel drive! We’ve been dooped!

    • #2883566

      Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?,RE ” Response #2

      by followersofhim ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      2.5 GB’s RAM Terminology Correction: This answers a whole lot of problems listed on this page: http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/questions/101-325021/why-does-windows-7-64-bit-stop-responding Here’s the short of it: DELL should NEVER have put together & sold computers/Lap Tops with Windows 7, running x64 based, with only 2.5GB’s RAM available memory! It doesn’t work if your a true professional is running several software items — even with Terra GB’s! It’s like selling a Bus that runs on a Golf Cart engine! It’s like getting stuck in the mud with a Ford 350 Diesel Engine that can pull 20,000 pounds, but doesn’t have 4 wheel drive! We’ve been dooped! Get your money back! or ( if you have terra GB’s Storage) Get a free 18 + GB RAM Chip installed at one of there stores/repair stores!

    • #2883565

      RE “..with 3 MB RAM as well as a 2 MG USB. .Ready Boost

      by followersofhim ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      2.5 GB’s RAM Terminology Correction: This answers a whole lot of problems listed on this page (including Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?): http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/questions/101-325021/why-does-windows-7-64-bit-stop-responding Here’s the short of it: DELL should NEVER have put together & sold computers/Lap Tops with Windows 7, running x64 based, with only 2.5GB’s RAM available memory! It doesn’t work if your a true professional is running several software items — even with Terra GB’s! It’s like selling a Bus that runs on a Golf Cart engine! It’s like getting stuck in the mud with a Ford 350 Diesel Engine that can pull 20,000 pounds, but doesn’t have 4 wheel drive! We’ve been dooped! Get your money back! or (if you have terra GB’s Storage) Get a free 18 + GB RAM Chip installed at one of there stores/repair stores!

    • #2883563

      Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?,RE ” Response #3

      by followersofhim ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      2.5 GB’s RAM Terminology Correction: This answers a whole lot of problems listed on this page: http://www.techrepublic.com/forum/questions/101-325021/why-does-windows-7-64-bit-stop-responding Here’s the short of it: DELL should NEVER have put together & sold computers/Lap Tops with Windows 7, running x64 based, with only 2.5GB’s RAM available memory! It doesn’t work if your a true professional running several software items — especially with Terra GB’s storage! It’s like selling a Bus that runs on a Golf Cart engine! It’s like getting stuck in the mud with a Ford 350 Diesel Engine that can pull 20,000 pounds, but doesn’t have 4 wheel drive! We’ve been dooped! Get your money back! or ( if you have terra GB’s Storage) Get a free 18 + GB RAM Chip installed at one of there stores/repair stores!

    • #2883559

      Here’s a few thoughts…..

      by gisabun ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      First a T4200 is a Pentium processor. It ain’t fast. It’s probably quite low on the CPU ranks for past few years.
      Second, most say that ReadyBoost does very little to help unless you have limited RAM. At 3GB, the system will never use it.
      Third, laptop HDD are slower than desktops and considerably slower than a SSD. Pull out the HDD and put in a SSD. You will see the laptop run better.
      Just because you bought it with Vista [I’ll assume] doesn’t mean it even runs with Vista well.
      PS – What ever Microsoft says about minimum requirements are generally laughable because you can’t run Vista [or later] on 1GB of RAM on a Pentium processor properly without getting fustrated.
      3GB is sufficient for standard usage.

    • #2883551

      MisMatch of memory

      by kevin ·

      In reply to Why does Windows 7 64-bit stop responding?

      Several things may be contributing to this ‘stalling’.
      1) Get rid of the ReadyBoost. Even if it was upped to 4 gig there is little chance the memory does any good. Small, cheap flash drive might meet the minimum ReadyBoost certification standards (barely) and won’t do you a lot of good due to USB transfer limitations. They are no substitute for bus connected physical memory.
      2) Dell should not have offered or installed a memory mismatch. Pull ALL the memory and install ‘matched’ memory modules. Check the Kingston site for the possible memory configurations that model Dell can deal with and install the maximum and fastest memory your wallet can afford to buy.
      3) Set your virtual memory to a static size and stop Windows from managing it on the fly. I generally set a static to 3 times the physical size, however if you have say 8 gig you can probably set the virtual size lower and have no problems.

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