Hardware Problems

[Pat]

I have upgraded my computer to:
P4 2.8E GHZ
512 MB ram
P4P800 Asus Motherboard
Geforce 2 MX400 (From old computer)
DVD & Cd Burner (From old computer)
Maxtor 40Gb 2Mb cache 7200 RPM 100ATA (From old computer)
IBM 12 Gb 2mb cache 7200 RPM 66ATA (From old computer)
O/S Win ME

My computer is choppy in everything and very slow. My CPU
temperature never goes over 49C / 120F. I have no
hardware conflict and have all up to date Drivers.

I have run the PCpitstop benchmark and some others and
obtained those results:

-My harddrives score very low at 0.36 MB/sec
(I had run scandisk and Defrag before testing session)
-My CPU load is alway at 100%
(I had disable CPU cooling software)

This new computer run slower than my PIII 500 MHz. I had
to disable HT tech because ME doesn't support it.

What can I do to get some speed:
Is my video card slowing everything down?
Should I update to Windows XP?
Any solutions out there....

Thanks

Pat

[Rick T]

Well, you can upgrade to XP if you want (though does the MX400 have XP
drivers? better check), and it will possibly cure your problems, simply
because you're installing fresh, but reinstalling ME would have the same
effect (if any).

Your HD and CPU benchmarks are ridiculous though. I suspect some sort of
pest and/or incredibly crappy system settings.

But first things, first:

Did you disable HT properly ?

Is it still slow in SafeMode?


Rick


Pat wrote:
> I have upgraded my computer to:
> P4 2.8E GHZ
> 512 MB ram
> P4P800 Asus Motherboard
> Geforce 2 MX400 (From old computer)
> DVD & Cd Burner (From old computer)
> Maxtor 40Gb 2Mb cache 7200 RPM 100ATA (From old computer)
> IBM 12 Gb 2mb cache 7200 RPM 66ATA (From old computer)
> O/S Win ME
>
> My computer is choppy in everything and very slow. My CPU
> temperature never goes over 49C / 120F. I have no
> hardware conflict and have all up to date Drivers.
>
> I have run the PCpitstop benchmark and some others and
> obtained those results:
>
> -My harddrives score very low at 0.36 MB/sec
> (I had run scandisk and Defrag before testing session)
> -My CPU load is alway at 100%
> (I had disable CPU cooling software)
>
> This new computer run slower than my PIII 500 MHz. I had
> to disable HT tech because ME doesn't support it.
>
> What can I do to get some speed:
> Is my video card slowing everything down?
> Should I update to Windows XP?
> Any solutions out there....
>
> Thanks
>
> Pat

[Jack E Martinelli]

1) Re: your "Kernel Processor Usage" issue.
MS System Monitor is known to utilize a faulty algorithm
to measure "cpu usage", or "load".

Obtain the free MS "process viewer" tool, Wintop, at
http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/downloads/contents/wutoys/w95kerneltoy/default.asp

or the free "Process Explorer" www.sysinternals.com


2) Troubleshooting MS-DOS Compatibility Mode on Hard Disks:
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q130/1/79.asp

MS-DOS Compatibility Mode Problems with PCI IDE Controllers
http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q151/9/11.asp

Look for a copy of the free HD test program, HDTach, to evaluate disk
I/O.


3) New M/B installation

You will likely need to reinstall Windows over itself after swapping
motherboards, especially if this is a major change in hardware (P3 to
Athlon, Celeron to P4, etc) due to a special driver file named
"VMM32.VXD".
This file is custom-built when you install Windows, has the CPU and
motherboard-level drivers in it, and can only be rebuilt by reinstalling
Windows.

Your previously-installed software and documents should survive the
reinstall OK but you'll need to reinstall all Windows updates again.
Also,
if you have installed Windows Media Player Beta 9, you'll need to take
some
special precautions before reinstalling - let me know if that's the
case.

--
Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x 1/07/2003
------

Before you reinstall, assuming you have a retail Windows (9X) disc, do
this:

1. Make a bootable floppy disk and make sure you can boot from it and
see
your Windows CD-ROM disc with it.

2. Before you shut down Windows to replace your hardware, use
SCANREGW.EXE
to make a backup copy of the Registry, then delete the key
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum branch of the Registry. This removes all
hardware
data from the Registry.

3. Restart in MS-DOS Mode, find the file VMM32.VXD in the
\Windows\System
directory and rename it to VMM32.OLD

4. Finally, shut down, boot with the floppy, reinstall Windows.

--
Richard G. Harper (MVP MPS-D)
----

Repost with additional information after reviewing the above
suggestions.

If your finances permit, I strongly urge you to replace the ATA66 HD
with a ATA100 or 133 and to replace the now ancient MX400 video card.
Create a 2.1 GB primary partition, using 4 KB cluster size, at the start
of the second drive and move the swapfile to it, leaving only a 50 MB
swapfile on the first drive for backward compatibility. This will
increase disk performance.

A nVidia 5200 or ATI 9200 should be your minimal consideration --- ca.
$US 50-70 at many internet vendors. Whichever you choose, confirm that
it will support most DX 9.b features in hardware.
--
Jack E. Martinelli 2002-04 MVP for Win9X / DTS
Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
Your cooperation is very appreciated.
____
"Rick T" > wrote in message
...
> Well, you can upgrade to XP if you want (though does the MX400 have XP
> drivers? better check), and it will possibly cure your problems,
simply
> because you're installing fresh, but reinstalling ME would have the
same
> effect (if any).
>
> Your HD and CPU benchmarks are ridiculous though. I suspect some sort
of
> pest and/or incredibly crappy system settings.
>
> But first things, first:
>
> Did you disable HT properly ?
>
> Is it still slow in SafeMode?
>
>
> Rick
>
>
> Pat wrote:
> > I have upgraded my computer to:
> > P4 2.8E GHZ
> > 512 MB ram
> > P4P800 Asus Motherboard
> > Geforce 2 MX400 (From old computer)
> > DVD & Cd Burner (From old computer)
> > Maxtor 40Gb 2Mb cache 7200 RPM 100ATA (From old computer)
> > IBM 12 Gb 2mb cache 7200 RPM 66ATA (From old computer)
> > O/S Win ME
> >
> > My computer is choppy in everything and very slow. My CPU
> > temperature never goes over 49C / 120F. I have no
> > hardware conflict and have all up to date Drivers.
> >
> > I have run the PCpitstop benchmark and some others and
> > obtained those results:
> >
> > -My harddrives score very low at 0.36 MB/sec
> > (I had run scandisk and Defrag before testing session)
> > -My CPU load is alway at 100%
> > (I had disable CPU cooling software)
> >
> > This new computer run slower than my PIII 500 MHz. I had
> > to disable HT tech because ME doesn't support it.
> >
> > What can I do to get some speed:
> > Is my video card slowing everything down?
> > Should I update to Windows XP?
> > Any solutions out there....
> >
> > Thanks
> >
> > Pat

Thank you very much for all you sugeestion.
I have downloaded Process Explorer and realized that one
signle program was causing errors and holding my CPU load
between 95% to 99%...

Since I have removed it (not really useful anyway) and my
CPU load at idle is running at 3% to 5%. I have use
Pcpitstop again and got a very good score this time.

My temperatur of my CPU is running now between 37C to 41C
a difference of 10C

I will change my Video card next month for a ATI 9600 XT
and also probably upgrade to Windows XP

Thank you veru much.

Pat
>-----Original Message-----
>1) Re: your "Kernel Processor Usage" issue.
>MS System Monitor is known to utilize a faulty algorithm
>to measure "cpu usage", or "load".
>
>Obtain the free MS "process viewer" tool, Wintop, at
>http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/downloads/contents/wuto
ys/w95kerneltoy/default.asp
>
>or the free "Process Explorer" www.sysinternals.com
>
>
>2) Troubleshooting MS-DOS Compatibility Mode on Hard
Disks:
>http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q130/1/79
..asp
>
>MS-DOS Compatibility Mode Problems with PCI IDE
Controllers
>http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q151/9/11
..asp
>
>Look for a copy of the free HD test program, HDTach, to
evaluate disk
>I/O.
>
>
>3) New M/B installation
>
>You will likely need to reinstall Windows over itself
after swapping
>motherboards, especially if this is a major change in
hardware (P3 to
>Athlon, Celeron to P4, etc) due to a special driver file
named
>"VMM32.VXD".
>This file is custom-built when you install Windows, has
the CPU and
>motherboard-level drivers in it, and can only be rebuilt
by reinstalling
>Windows.
>
>Your previously-installed software and documents should
survive the
>reinstall OK but you'll need to reinstall all Windows
updates again.
>Also,
>if you have installed Windows Media Player Beta 9, you'll
need to take
>some
>special precautions before reinstalling - let me know if
that's the
>case.
>
>--
>Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x 1/07/2003
>------
>
>Before you reinstall, assuming you have a retail Windows
(9X) disc, do
>this:
>
>1. Make a bootable floppy disk and make sure you can
boot from it and
>see
>your Windows CD-ROM disc with it.
>
>2. Before you shut down Windows to replace your
hardware, use
>SCANREGW.EXE
>to make a backup copy of the Registry, then delete the key
>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum branch of the Registry. This
removes all
>hardware
>data from the Registry.
>
>3. Restart in MS-DOS Mode, find the file VMM32.VXD in the
>\Windows\System
>directory and rename it to VMM32.OLD
>
>4. Finally, shut down, boot with the floppy, reinstall
Windows.
>
>--
>Richard G. Harper (MVP MPS-D)
>----
>
>Repost with additional information after reviewing the
above
>suggestions.
>
>If your finances permit, I strongly urge you to replace
the ATA66 HD
>with a ATA100 or 133 and to replace the now ancient MX400
video card.
>Create a 2.1 GB primary partition, using 4 KB cluster
size, at the start
>of the second drive and move the swapfile to it, leaving
only a 50 MB
>swapfile on the first drive for backward compatibility.
This will
>increase disk performance.
>
>A nVidia 5200 or ATI 9200 should be your minimal
consideration --- ca.
>$US 50-70 at many internet vendors. Whichever you
choose, confirm that
>it will support most DX 9.b features in hardware.
>--
>Jack E. Martinelli 2002-04 MVP for Win9X / DTS
>Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm
>
http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
>Your cooperation is very appreciated.
>____
>"Rick T" > wrote in message
...
>> Well, you can upgrade to XP if you want (though does
the MX400 have XP
>> drivers? better check), and it will possibly cure your
problems,
>simply
>> because you're installing fresh, but reinstalling ME
would have the
>same
>> effect (if any).
>>
>> Your HD and CPU benchmarks are ridiculous though. I
suspect some sort
>of
>> pest and/or incredibly crappy system settings.
>>
>> But first things, first:
>>
>> Did you disable HT properly ?
>>
>> Is it still slow in SafeMode?
>>
>>
>> Rick
>>
>>
>> Pat wrote:
>> > I have upgraded my computer to:
>> > P4 2.8E GHZ
>> > 512 MB ram
>> > P4P800 Asus Motherboard
>> > Geforce 2 MX400 (From old computer)
>> > DVD & Cd Burner (From old computer)
>> > Maxtor 40Gb 2Mb cache 7200 RPM 100ATA (From old
computer)
>> > IBM 12 Gb 2mb cache 7200 RPM 66ATA (From old computer)
>> > O/S Win ME
>> >
>> > My computer is choppy in everything and very slow.
My CPU
>> > temperature never goes over 49C / 120F. I have no
>> > hardware conflict and have all up to date Drivers.
>> >
>> > I have run the PCpitstop benchmark and some others and
>> > obtained those results:
>> >
>> > -My harddrives score very low at 0.36 MB/sec
>> > (I had run scandisk and Defrag before testing session)
>> > -My CPU load is alway at 100%
>> > (I had disable CPU cooling software)
>> >
>> > This new computer run slower than my PIII 500 MHz. I
had
>> > to disable HT tech because ME doesn't support it.
>> >
>> > What can I do to get some speed:
>> > Is my video card slowing everything down?
>> > Should I update to Windows XP?
>> > Any solutions out there....
>> >
>> > Thanks
>> >
>> > Pat
>
>.
>

[Rick T]

wrote:

> Thank you very much for all you sugeestion.
> I have downloaded Process Explorer and realized that one
> signle program was causing errors and holding my CPU load
> between 95% to 99%...

and the villain was ... ?


Rick

Sorry I did forgot to say who was the villain...

It was a file name: TCAUDIAG.EXE

It is a diagnostic for my 3COM ethernet port. I did try to
use it before removing it and it keep crashing my system.
I never use it before so I just kicked out....

Thanks

Pat
>-----Original Message-----
wrote:
>
>> Thank you very much for all you sugeestion.
>> I have downloaded Process Explorer and realized that
one
>> signle program was causing errors and holding my CPU
load
>> between 95% to 99%...
>
>and the villain was ... ?
>
>
>Rick
>.
>

[Rick T]

Thanks for the feedback, glad you got it sorted out.

Rick


wrote:
> Sorry I did forgot to say who was the villain...
>
> It was a file name: TCAUDIAG.EXE
>
> It is a diagnostic for my 3COM ethernet port. I did try to
> use it before removing it and it keep crashing my system.
> I never use it before so I just kicked out....
>
> Thanks
>
> Pat
>
>>-----Original Message-----
wrote:
>>
>>
>>>Thank you very much for all you sugeestion.
>>>I have downloaded Process Explorer and realized that
>
> one
>
>>>signle program was causing errors and holding my CPU
>
> load
>
>>>between 95% to 99%...
>>
>>and the villain was ... ?
>>
>>
>>Rick
>>.
>>

>-----Original Message-----
>Thank you very much for all you sugeestion.
>I have downloaded Process Explorer and realized that one
>signle program was causing errors and holding my CPU load
>between 95% to 99%...
>
>Since I have removed it (not really useful anyway) and my
>CPU load at idle is running at 3% to 5%. I have use
>Pcpitstop again and got a very good score this time.
>
>My temperatur of my CPU is running now between 37C to 41C
>a difference of 10C
>
>I will change my Video card next month for a ATI 9600 XT
>and also probably upgrade to Windows XP
>
>Thank you veru much.
>
>Pat
>>-----Original Message-----
>>1) Re: your "Kernel Processor Usage" issue.
>>MS System Monitor is known to utilize a faulty algorithm
>>to measure "cpu usage", or "load".
>>
>>Obtain the free MS "process viewer" tool, Wintop, at
>>http://www.microsoft.com/windows95/downloads/contents/wut
o
>ys/w95kerneltoy/default.asp
>>
>>or the free "Process Explorer" www.sysinternals.com
>>
>>
>>2) Troubleshooting MS-DOS Compatibility Mode on Hard
>Disks:
>>http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/Q130/1/7
9
>..asp
>>
>>MS-DOS Compatibility Mode Problems with PCI IDE
>Controllers
>>http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q151/9/1
1
>..asp
>>
>>Look for a copy of the free HD test program, HDTach, to
>evaluate disk
>>I/O.
>>
>>
>>3) New M/B installation
>>
>>You will likely need to reinstall Windows over itself
>after swapping
>>motherboards, especially if this is a major change in
>hardware (P3 to
>>Athlon, Celeron to P4, etc) due to a special driver file
>named
>>"VMM32.VXD".
>>This file is custom-built when you install Windows, has
>the CPU and
>>motherboard-level drivers in it, and can only be rebuilt
>by reinstalling
>>Windows.
>>
>>Your previously-installed software and documents should
>survive the
>>reinstall OK but you'll need to reinstall all Windows
>updates again.
>>Also,
>>if you have installed Windows Media Player Beta 9,
you'll
>need to take
>>some
>>special precautions before reinstalling - let me know if
>that's the
>>case.
>>
>>--
>>Richard G. Harper (MVP Win9x 1/07/2003
>>------
>>
>>Before you reinstall, assuming you have a retail Windows
>(9X) disc, do
>>this:
>>
>>1. Make a bootable floppy disk and make sure you can
>boot from it and
>>see
>>your Windows CD-ROM disc with it.
>>
>>2. Before you shut down Windows to replace your
>hardware, use
>>SCANREGW.EXE
>>to make a backup copy of the Registry, then delete the
key
>>HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Enum branch of the Registry. This
>removes all
>>hardware
>>data from the Registry.
>>
>>3. Restart in MS-DOS Mode, find the file VMM32.VXD in
the
>>\Windows\System
>>directory and rename it to VMM32.OLD
>>
>>4. Finally, shut down, boot with the floppy, reinstall
>Windows.
>>
>>--
>>Richard G. Harper (MVP MPS-D)
>>----
>>
>>Repost with additional information after reviewing the
>above
>>suggestions.
>>
>>If your finances permit, I strongly urge you to replace
>the ATA66 HD
>>with a ATA100 or 133 and to replace the now ancient
MX400
>video card.
>>Create a 2.1 GB primary partition, using 4 KB cluster
>size, at the start
>>of the second drive and move the swapfile to it, leaving
>only a 50 MB
>>swapfile on the first drive for backward compatibility.
>This will
>>increase disk performance.
>>
>>A nVidia 5200 or ATI 9200 should be your minimal
>consideration --- ca.
>>$US 50-70 at many internet vendors. Whichever you
>choose, confirm that
>>it will support most DX 9.b features in hardware.
>>--
>>Jack E. Martinelli 2002-04 MVP for Win9X / DTS
>>Help us help you: http://www.dts-L.org/goodpost.htm
>>
>http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
>>Your cooperation is very appreciated.
>>____
>>"Rick T" > wrote in message
...
>>> Well, you can upgrade to XP if you want (though does
>the MX400 have XP
>>> drivers? better check), and it will possibly cure your
>problems,
>>simply
>>> because you're installing fresh, but reinstalling ME
>would have the
>>same
>>> effect (if any).
>>>
>>> Your HD and CPU benchmarks are ridiculous though. I
>suspect some sort
>>of
>>> pest and/or incredibly crappy system settings.
>>>
>>> But first things, first:
>>>
>>> Did you disable HT properly ?
>>>
>>> Is it still slow in SafeMode?
>>>
>>>
>>> Rick
>>>
>>>
>>> Pat wrote:
>>> > I have upgraded my computer to:
>>> > P4 2.8E GHZ
>>> > 512 MB ram
>>> > P4P800 Asus Motherboard
>>> > Geforce 2 MX400 (From old computer)
>>> > DVD & Cd Burner (From old computer)
>>> > Maxtor 40Gb 2Mb cache 7200 RPM 100ATA (From old
>computer)
>>> > IBM 12 Gb 2mb cache 7200 RPM 66ATA (From old
computer)
>>> > O/S Win ME
>>> >
>>> > My computer is choppy in everything and very slow.
>My CPU
>>> > temperature never goes over 49C / 120F. I have no
>>> > hardware conflict and have all up to date Drivers.
>>> >
>>> > I have run the PCpitstop benchmark and some others
and
>>> > obtained those results:
>>> >
>>> > -My harddrives score very low at 0.36 MB/sec
>>> > (I had run scandisk and Defrag before testing
session)
>>> > -My CPU load is alway at 100%
>>> > (I had disable CPU cooling software)
>>> >
>>> > This new computer run slower than my PIII 500 MHz.
I
>had
>>> > to disable HT tech because ME doesn't support it.
>>> >
>>> > What can I do to get some speed:
>>> > Is my video card slowing everything down?
>>> > Should I update to Windows XP?
>>> > Any solutions out there....
>>> >
>>> > Thanks
>>> >
>>> > Pat
>>
>>. If your running both hard drives on the same IDE 1
make sure your jumper setting are correct with master
slave and ...even tho they are the same speed..the busing
is different...1's ata100 and the other ata66..which ever
is the slowest hardware on a ribbion or usbline that is
that your transfer rate will be. Also you might want to
check if your SDRAM is compatible with MB chipset and It
might be faulty. cheap or bad mem. makes the system
unstable and slow. hope this helps Ro
>>
>.
>

[Robert Creasey]

Although not directly connected with the original poster's query, I am
interested in the CPU usage anomaly. I have MBM5 which reports consistanly
30 to 50 % CPU usage, also a small program "TClock" which enhances the
Windows clock, this also shows a "high" CPU usage. I also have Wintop and
Process Explorer which shows CPU "idle" at 99% to about 99.5%, I have often
wondered which one is correct. Any thoughts on the matter? I am running
Windows ME with 512Mb Ram and Athlon XP 2600+ if that is any help.
Thanks - Rob


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[Mike M]

Rob,

WinTop and Process Explorer are correct as should be apparent from the total
cpu% of all running processes (including naturally "idle") totalling 100% at
all times irrespective of load.
--
Mike Maltby MS-MVP



Robert Creasey <pattayalobatremovethisevemail.net> wrote:

> Although not directly connected with the original poster's query, I am
> interested in the CPU usage anomaly. I have MBM5 which reports consistanly
> 30 to 50 % CPU usage, also a small program "TClock" which enhances the
> Windows clock, this also shows a "high" CPU usage. I also have Wintop and
> Process Explorer which shows CPU "idle" at 99% to about 99.5%, I have
> often wondered which one is correct. Any thoughts on the matter? I am
> running Windows ME with 512Mb Ram and Athlon XP 2600+ if that is any help.

[Robert Creasey]

Thanks for the explanation Mike, now I know.
Rob


---
Outgoing mail is certified Virus Free.
Checked by AVG anti-virus system (http://www.grisoft.com).
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