Slow Laptop, not just browsers

[AdvancedSetup]

Without using some unauthorized method you probably cannot easily disable Windows Updates long term. Microsoft pretty much tries to prevent users from disabling updates long term.

Inside the updates settings you can postpone for a week. Here is an example

 

If you can afford it the best option might be to replace the current hard drive with a new SSD drive and install Windows 10 from scratch. It's a lot of work but in the end well worth it I think.

 

[jammin67]

Could you tell me how much a new computer would cost?  Would that be a better route?

 

[AdvancedSetup]

That is the magical question of the day. There are just way too many options of systems and prices to even attempt to answer that question but I'll give you some links to help you find something if that's what you really think you want to do.

Dell Computer Deals
https://deals.dell.com/en-us

HP Desktop Deals
https://store.hp.com/us/en/slp/weekly-deals/desktops

HP Laptop Deals
https://store.hp.com/us/en/slp/weekly-deals/laptops

Computers and Tablets on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/b?node=13896617011

 

https://www.consumerreports.org/cro/computers/buying-guide/index.htm

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Overall your computer isn't all that bad for general usage. Saving your data to an external USB drive and then formatting and reinstalling Windows 10 could really improve the speed.

https://www.asus.com/Laptops/X540LA/

It appears to have the original BIOS on it and there have been many updates for it since.

https://www.asus.com/Laptops/X540LA/HelpDesk_Download/

https://www.asus.com/Laptops/X540LA/HelpDesk_BIOS/

https://www.asus.com/Laptops/X540LA/HelpDesk_Knowledge/

 

BIOS: American Megatrends Inc. X540LA.203 10/13/2015
Motherboard: ASUSTeK COMPUTER INC. X540LA
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i3-5020U CPU @ 2.20GHz
Percentage of memory in use: 78%
Total physical RAM: 3997.44 MB
Available physical RAM: 876.34 MB

 

You might even try the following first before doing anything else and see if that restores the speed for you.

Windows 10 - How to reset the system and keep my personal files?
https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1013063

If that is still not enough and Windows is still behaving badly or still really slow then this options if the full reinstall method but also removes all your data and apps as it fully resets the system.

How do I reset the system and remove all of my personal files, apps and settings on Windows 10?
https://www.asus.com/support/FAQ/1013064

 

[jammin67]

Thank you for all the information.  I probably won't get to look at this until Sunday or Monday.  I'll let you know!

[AdvancedSetup]

No problem. Let me know when ready and also let me know if you have any questions or need further assistance.

 

[jammin67]

Hi,

I think I'm more interested in getting a different computer.  Could you look at this one and tell me if you think it's a good deal?  Also, can you get an "external" DVD-RW?  I would assume that is possible, but didn't have time to research that yet.

https://www.bestbuy.com/site/dell-inspiron-15-6-touch-screen-laptop-amd-ryzen-3-8gb-memory-128gb-ssd-black/6391785.p?skuId=6391785

Dell - Inspiron 15.6" Touch-Screen Laptop - AMD Ryzen 3 - 8GB Memory - 128GB SSD - Black

Model:I3585-A831BLK-PUS

SKU:6391785

Dell Inspiron Laptop: Complete urgent work projects on time with this Dell Inspiron notebook. The AMD Ryzen 3 processor and 8GB of RAM run multiple applications simultaneously for smooth multitasking, while the 128GB SSD offers rapid boots and data access. This Dell Inspiron notebook has AMD Radeon Vega 3 integrated graphics for crisp visuals on the 15.6-inch HD touchscreen, and Windows 10 Home ensures seamless operation and navigation.

 

 

Features

Windows 10 operating system

Windows 10 brings back the Start Menu from Windows 7 and introduces new features, like the Edge Web browser that lets you markup Web pages on your screen. Learn more ›

15.6" touch screen

Typical 1366 x 768 HD resolution. Natural finger-touch navigation makes the most of Windows 10. Energy-efficient LED backlight.

AMD Ryzen 3 Processor

Get great performance for everything you do thanks to the new AMD Ryzen™ 3 processor. Featuring true machine intelligence and a newly designed efficient architecture, the groundbreaking AMD Ryzen processor learns and adapts to your needs so you can achieve more.

8GB system memory for advanced multitasking

Substantial high-bandwidth RAM to smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs all at once.

Solid State Drive (PCI-e)

Save files fast and store more data. With massive amounts of storage and advanced communication power, PCI-e SSDs are great for major gaming applications, multiple servers, daily backups, and more.

AMD Radeon Vega 3

Integrated graphics chipset with shared video memory provides solid image quality for Internet use, movies, basic photo editing and casual gaming.

Weighs 4.41 lbs. and measures 0.78" thin

Thin and light design with DVD/CD drive omitted for improved portability. 3-cell lithium-ion battery.

HDMI output expands your viewing options

Connect to an HDTV or high-def monitor to set up two screens side by side or just see more of the big picture.

Built-in media reader for simple photo transfer

Supports SD memory card formats.

Wireless-AC connectivity

Connect to a Wireless-AC router for nearly 3x the speed, more capacity and wider coverage than Wireless-N. Backward-compatible with all other Wi-Fi networks and hotspots.

Built-in HD webcam with microphone

Makes it easy to video chat with family and friends or teleconference with colleagues over Skype or other popular applications.

Basic software package included

30-days trial of Microsoft Office.

Additional port

Headphone/microphone combo jack.

Note: This laptop does not include a built-in DVD/CD drive.

AMD, AMD Arrow logo and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.

 

Thank you

[AdvancedSetup]

Just my own personal opinion (which may not be shared by all)

The system is a bare bones system that will work okay. It's nothing special but the big issue and something that I feel is or will be a show stopper and a reason not to buy is the size of the main hard drive. It is only 128GB in size. Almost guaranteed that within the first year you're going to probably run into space issues and be back looking for a bigger hard drive. The second issue is it's a touch screen. There are pros and cons to a touch screen, number one being that they fail at a much higher rate than a non touch screen device. Then there is the issue of constantly having a dirty screen to deal with though unlike a phone that is has a much larger surface to clean daily too.

Just my 2 cents - I'd look for something with a larger hard drive and nothing wrong with a touch screen if you really feel you want or need one, just be aware they are more prone to issues than a standard monitor.

 

As we're pretty much done here, I'll go ahead and close your topic but I would encourage you to make a NEW post in the following forum where other members can assist you with advice on computer purchases.

https://forums.malwarebytes.com/forum/6-general-windows-pc-help/

Thank you and take care

 

 

[AdvancedSetup]

Glad we could help.

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