My friends computer is acting really slow and I am trying to figure out why.

It's an insperon laptop 1100 with a 2.4 Gig processor and 512 mb ram and it is running real slow.

I already defragged it and have run norton utilites as well as just cleaning up a little as far as reducing startup programs and things like that. None of this has helped.
I downloaded Windows defender but haven't run a full scan yet.
I don't think it's spyware though.
It's acting exactly like I have seen computers run before the graphics driver is installed. The proscessor isn't working too hard most of the time and there is usually 150 to 200 mb free ram (I am sure more would help but that's plenty to run well right?) but applications load slow and sometimes freeze, the screen ocasionally jumps and does weird little things.
I ran the performance test that comes with norton utilites and every thing seems ok till it gets to the 3D graphics where it always freezes. One time it made it all the way through the test and on complex 3D it said it did something like .45 FPS. less than one FPS? I reinstalled the graphics driver and that didn't help.
What could this be?

Make sure there is only one AV program running. Two at the same time can make a P4 into a 486sx. This can happen when installing an update. Same is true of AV and spyware protection.

If using an AV with a live update funtion this can cause a slowdown if it trys to update while not connected. Connect and force updates until you are told there are no more. Norton does not always fully update with one connection. Most times it warns you but not always.

Check the running processes and see what the heck is running. Delete from startup those un-needed item. As lot of software wants but doesn't need a position in the sys tray.

Check online for an updated driver for the graphic card because as you said that can be the problem.

There that should keep you entertained for a few hours.

Thanks.
I think I figured out the majority of the problem. After all that work I blew out the gunk in the processor fan and cooling fins and it seems to be working much better.
Overall it is thinking faster and not freezing up but the graphics still seem a little messed up. This should be a better computer than my lattitude but in the tests my lattitude is doing 220 fps where this one will do like 70.
I reinstalled the drivers and checked all the setting I know of and can't find anything out of the ordinary. Is it possible this just isn't a graphics oriented computer?

Originally Posted by yoshimitsuspeed

Thanks.
I think I figured out the majority of the problem. After all that work I blew out the gunk in the processor fan and cooling fins and it seems to be working much better.
Overall it is thinking faster and not freezing up but the graphics still seem a little messed up. This should be a better computer than my lattitude but in the tests my lattitude is doing 220 fps where this one will do like 70.
I reinstalled the drivers and checked all the setting I know of and can't find anything out of the ordinary. Is it possible this just isn't a graphics oriented computer?

what graphics card are you using? this will help us answer you much better

update u'r directx version if not. try some suggestions for slow computer here.

nb.

Along with the advice by the guys above, have a look at this website to cleanup up you computer;
http://computercleanup.blogspot.com/

Something which can speed up computer by loads is a really good registry cleaner
i recommed registry mechanic (does cost for full version which is needed) but fix all errors in reg and it can really improve a pcs prefomance

I'd format the hard disk and reinstall everything. You'll most probably find CD(s) that have come with the laptop to restore it to the condition it was in when it came out of the factory

You can also clear out softwares which are loaded but not used, sometimes they slow down the system. Run a good registry cleaner. There are few free registry cleaners available. I think these steps will really work for you.