Dell Dimension 8300 Mystery

I have a 2003 Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.....has always run fast, never
crashed, Windows XP Home.

The hard drive (80GB) has always been pretty empty.........about 10GB of
data on it.

Now, I've gotten into video, and there is about 40GB of files on the hard
drive.

Now, the PC runs much slower and sluggish. I ran virus, reg, ad-aware,
etc., and all is well in that department.

Is the large amount of videos on the hard drive causing the PC to run
slower?

In brief, is the amount of data on your hard drive a factor in the computer
running faster or slower?

Should I move those files onto DVD or CD, i.e., off of the hard drive?

Thanks in advance! Jim

"Dowell" <> wrote in message
news:45c13d88$0$23498$.. .
>I have a 2003 Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.....has always run fast, never
> crashed, Windows XP Home.
>
> The hard drive (80GB) has always been pretty empty.........about 10GB of
> data on it.
>
> Now, I've gotten into video, and there is about 40GB of files on the hard
> drive.
>
> Now, the PC runs much slower and sluggish. I ran virus, reg, ad-aware,
> etc., and all is well in that department.
>
> Is the large amount of videos on the hard drive causing the PC to run
> slower?
>
> In brief, is the amount of data on your hard drive a factor in the
> computer
> running faster or slower?
>
> Should I move those files onto DVD or CD, i.e., off of the hard drive?
>
> Thanks in advance! Jim
>
>
>

Nope, likely not your problem, particularly if you're not actually accessing
those files at the moment. I have machines with as much as 2.25Tb of disk
and they're fast.

Likely something you've installed or the general sluggishness of XP over
time.

I suggest doing the usual disk cleanup plus deleting all the sludge files in the
%temp% folder. Enter %temp% into the Run dialog box and see what files are
there. Next, run the disk defrag, and see if performance improves.

Another slowdown in performance is caused by lots of installed software wanting
some of the main system memory, leaving little for your use when you run a
program. Press Ctrl-Alt-Del to activate Task Manager and see how memory is
used. How much memory is on your system? If it is less than 512MB, you are
overdue for a memory upgrade. IMHO, Windows runs like a slug if the system has
less than 512MB... Ben Myers

On Wed, 31 Jan 2007 19:00:46 -0600, "Dowell" <> wrote:

>I have a 2003 Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.....has always run fast, never
>crashed, Windows XP Home.
>
>The hard drive (80GB) has always been pretty empty.........about 10GB of
>data on it.
>
>Now, I've gotten into video, and there is about 40GB of files on the hard
>drive.
>
>Now, the PC runs much slower and sluggish. I ran virus, reg, ad-aware,
>etc., and all is well in that department.
>
>Is the large amount of videos on the hard drive causing the PC to run
>slower?
>
>In brief, is the amount of data on your hard drive a factor in the computer
>running faster or slower?
>
>Should I move those files onto DVD or CD, i.e., off of the hard drive?
>
>Thanks in advance! Jim
>
>

Is the amount of data on the hard drive a factor?

No, not per se. But it may have resulted in bad fragmentation.

The solution here is fairly straightforward: Partition the drive,
create a partition just for video and nothing else. That way the video
files won't cause fragmentation of the normal OS, program and data files.

[There may be more going on here than just the files if you loaded
software for working with the video files.]

A couple of other comments:

Video files can be huge. The best and easiest way to do video editing
is with uncompressed AVI's, but those take about 13 gigabytes per hour
of video (and the file you are editing may have separate original and
edited versions, so it could be 26 gigabytes per hour).

An 80 gig drive is no where near large enough. In fact, you need the
largest drive you can get if you are serious about this, but in any
case, these days, you should not settle for anything less than about 250
gigabytes. Then partition that drive into at least (AT LEAST) 3
partitons, your "normal" stuff, raw and finished videos (might want two
separate partitions) and a partition for stuff that you are currently
working on and actively editing. In any case, you want to create a
clear delineation between your video files and your "normal" operating
system and program files (and their small-size data).

Of course at some point you will want to move them off the hard drive
onto DVD media (CD is way too small .... in fact, a DVD will only hold
less than 25 minutes of uncompressed AVI video files (true video DVDs
are compressed MPEG2 files, but while it's not impossible by any means,
those are more difficult to edit).

Alternatively, you might want to get multiple very large hard drives.
Keep in mind that as with any files of any type, if the file is
important, there need to be multiple copies of it to guard against loss
of the contents.


Dowell wrote:
> I have a 2003 Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.....has always run fast, never
> crashed, Windows XP Home.
>
> The hard drive (80GB) has always been pretty empty.........about 10GB of
> data on it.
>
> Now, I've gotten into video, and there is about 40GB of files on the hard
> drive.
>
> Now, the PC runs much slower and sluggish. I ran virus, reg, ad-aware,
> etc., and all is well in that department.
>
> Is the large amount of videos on the hard drive causing the PC to run
> slower?
>
> In brief, is the amount of data on your hard drive a factor in the computer
> running faster or slower?
>
> Should I move those files onto DVD or CD, i.e., off of the hard drive?
>
> Thanks in advance! Jim
>
>
>

Thank you very much for your replies. Even though I use my PC
daily and have used PC's since the 80's, this is my first real crisis,
so I truly appreciate your help.

Here is what happened.

So far, I have looked into each area that was mentioned in each
response.

I had already done the virus, ads, and spyware.......everything fine,
no problem.

The Registry First Aid program found about 126 registry "errors."
About half were in green, which means one mouse click safely
removes them. The other half of them have yellow "Caution"
signs, which mean "Don't delete these unless you know what you
are doing." Well, I don't know what I'm doing....and I have no
desire to tempt fate by blindly eliminating them. Any suggestions
as to what to do on that one? I consider you guys to be pros.

If you have the time to help me with these, I'd be glad to
compensate you for your time and trouble. Just leave a way for
me to reach you.

Next, I started with your suggestions (which I appreciate) and
here's the situation:

First, I went to the Task Manager. 71% of my hard drive is full.
That's more than I have ever experienced before.
I also found out that I had over 30,000 megs of internet temp files
(I know what those are, and know that I can delete them). So, I
deleted them.

Right now, my computer is set to hold 32,000 megs of internet
temp files. Should I reduce the amount of internet temp files held?
What size is normal for the average net surfer?

I also have over 213,000 kbs of "temporary files" (I don't really
know if it is safe to delete them, or if that is needed, or if Windows
XP does it on its own after 7 days).

Next stop, 'compact files.' Done.

Next, disc defragmenting. I ran the 'Analyze' section, and it
seemed that I had a lot of red (fragmented) files.....over 60 big red
"stripes" on the graph.

The Disk Defragmenter said that I didn't need to defrag, but I need
to get this straight, so I defragged the hard drive.

Then, I dumped old programs that I never use, then defragged
again.

When I do a defrag, I like to see what files were fragmented and
are being moved. Well, as you predicted, almost all of them were
video files. Now, everything is green, white, and big wide stripes of
blue....which is good....no more red.

That huge folder of video files was the problem.

But, should I break that folder up into several smaller folders, or
does it matter at all?

Just one more question: I have a new, unused external hard drive
that I got for Christmas. Since I have so many pictures and video
(and mp3's) that I don't use every day, would it make a difference
for me to install the external hard drive and then move video,
pictures and mp3's over there?

Otherwise, I'm looking better, except for those weird registry
entries.

Finally, I need to find memory info. I have 512meg and would
happily go to 1 gig if I knew what I presently have and what to
replace it with. So, I went Goggling.

From what I read, my Dell has two 256 strips of memory for a total
of 512 it is the original from Dell. I don't know whether it is
"PC-3200 DDR," but I reckon that it is.

I think that leaves two empty memory slots. Could I put two more
strips of 256 into those slots to give me 1 gig?

Here is a deal that I found that seems to address my problem for
$69.85:
http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/u....asp?cid=21906

My only remaining concern is duplicate files....man, I've got a
bunch of them. It got this way because I am an old guy and I make
a folder and put stuff in it. Meanwhile, behind my back, Windows
XP is putting a copy of everything under "Documents and
Settings."

One source says....."don't worry about it." Another source
says..."eliminate all duplicates," and a third source says "eliminate
all duplicates, but keep one set archived just in case." Any
suggestions, please?

I know that some of these questions could be easily solved by just
grabbing the PC and going to my local computer store. Well, the
problem is that I live on a ranch about 50 miles north of Mexico and
200 miles south of San Antonio....right smack in the middle of
nowhere....no local computer store or service.

Also, my computer, after four years, is packed into a wall of books,
electronics and a zillion wires. I don't want to move it unless I have
to, as it would be a real hassle (as many of you know.)

Again, all suggestions and comments welcomed.

And, again, many thanks for your help. jim n Texas








"Dowell" <> wrote in message
news:45c13d88$0$23498$.. .
> I have a 2003 Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.....has always run fast, never
> crashed, Windows XP Home.
>
> The hard drive (80GB) has always been pretty empty.........about 10GB of
> data on it.
>
> Now, I've gotten into video, and there is about 40GB of files on the hard
> drive.
>
> Now, the PC runs much slower and sluggish. I ran virus, reg, ad-aware,
> etc., and all is well in that department.
>
> Is the large amount of videos on the hard drive causing the PC to run
> slower?
>
> In brief, is the amount of data on your hard drive a factor in the
computer
> running faster or slower?
>
> Should I move those files onto DVD or CD, i.e., off of the hard drive?
>
> Thanks in advance! Jim
>
>
>

I strongly recommend AGAINST using any registry cleaner. They are far more
dangerous then their benefit.

Moving your files external isn't a bad idea.

Tom
"Dowell" <> wrote in message
news:45c239e7$0$23493$.. .
> Thank you very much for your replies. Even though I use my PC
> daily and have used PC's since the 80's, this is my first real crisis,
> so I truly appreciate your help.
>
> Here is what happened.
>
> So far, I have looked into each area that was mentioned in each
> response.
>
> I had already done the virus, ads, and spyware.......everything fine,
> no problem.
>
> The Registry First Aid program found about 126 registry "errors."
> About half were in green, which means one mouse click safely
> removes them. The other half of them have yellow "Caution"
> signs, which mean "Don't delete these unless you know what you
> are doing." Well, I don't know what I'm doing....and I have no
> desire to tempt fate by blindly eliminating them. Any suggestions
> as to what to do on that one? I consider you guys to be pros.
>
> If you have the time to help me with these, I'd be glad to
> compensate you for your time and trouble. Just leave a way for
> me to reach you.
>
> Next, I started with your suggestions (which I appreciate) and
> here's the situation:
>
> First, I went to the Task Manager. 71% of my hard drive is full.
> That's more than I have ever experienced before.
> I also found out that I had over 30,000 megs of internet temp files
> (I know what those are, and know that I can delete them). So, I
> deleted them.
>
> Right now, my computer is set to hold 32,000 megs of internet
> temp files. Should I reduce the amount of internet temp files held?
> What size is normal for the average net surfer?
>
> I also have over 213,000 kbs of "temporary files" (I don't really
> know if it is safe to delete them, or if that is needed, or if Windows
> XP does it on its own after 7 days).
>
> Next stop, 'compact files.' Done.
>
> Next, disc defragmenting. I ran the 'Analyze' section, and it
> seemed that I had a lot of red (fragmented) files.....over 60 big red
> "stripes" on the graph.
>
> The Disk Defragmenter said that I didn't need to defrag, but I need
> to get this straight, so I defragged the hard drive.
>
> Then, I dumped old programs that I never use, then defragged
> again.
>
> When I do a defrag, I like to see what files were fragmented and
> are being moved. Well, as you predicted, almost all of them were
> video files. Now, everything is green, white, and big wide stripes of
> blue....which is good....no more red.
>
> That huge folder of video files was the problem.
>
> But, should I break that folder up into several smaller folders, or
> does it matter at all?
>
> Just one more question: I have a new, unused external hard drive
> that I got for Christmas. Since I have so many pictures and video
> (and mp3's) that I don't use every day, would it make a difference
> for me to install the external hard drive and then move video,
> pictures and mp3's over there?
>
> Otherwise, I'm looking better, except for those weird registry
> entries.
>
> Finally, I need to find memory info. I have 512meg and would
> happily go to 1 gig if I knew what I presently have and what to
> replace it with. So, I went Goggling.
>
> From what I read, my Dell has two 256 strips of memory for a total
> of 512 it is the original from Dell. I don't know whether it is
> "PC-3200 DDR," but I reckon that it is.
>
> I think that leaves two empty memory slots. Could I put two more
> strips of 256 into those slots to give me 1 gig?
>
> Here is a deal that I found that seems to address my problem for
> $69.85:
> http://www.edgetechcorp.com/memory/u....asp?cid=21906
>
> My only remaining concern is duplicate files....man, I've got a
> bunch of them. It got this way because I am an old guy and I make
> a folder and put stuff in it. Meanwhile, behind my back, Windows
> XP is putting a copy of everything under "Documents and
> Settings."
>
> One source says....."don't worry about it." Another source
> says..."eliminate all duplicates," and a third source says "eliminate
> all duplicates, but keep one set archived just in case." Any
> suggestions, please?
>
> I know that some of these questions could be easily solved by just
> grabbing the PC and going to my local computer store. Well, the
> problem is that I live on a ranch about 50 miles north of Mexico and
> 200 miles south of San Antonio....right smack in the middle of
> nowhere....no local computer store or service.
>
> Also, my computer, after four years, is packed into a wall of books,
> electronics and a zillion wires. I don't want to move it unless I have
> to, as it would be a real hassle (as many of you know.)
>
> Again, all suggestions and comments welcomed.
>
> And, again, many thanks for your help. jim n Texas
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
> "Dowell" <> wrote in message
> news:45c13d88$0$23498$.. .
>> I have a 2003 Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.....has always run fast, never
>> crashed, Windows XP Home.
>>
>> The hard drive (80GB) has always been pretty empty.........about 10GB of
>> data on it.
>>
>> Now, I've gotten into video, and there is about 40GB of files on the hard
>> drive.
>>
>> Now, the PC runs much slower and sluggish. I ran virus, reg, ad-aware,
>> etc., and all is well in that department.
>>
>> Is the large amount of videos on the hard drive causing the PC to run
>> slower?
>>
>> In brief, is the amount of data on your hard drive a factor in the
> computer
>> running faster or slower?
>>
>> Should I move those files onto DVD or CD, i.e., off of the hard drive?
>>
>> Thanks in advance! Jim
>>
>>
>>
>
>

"Dowell" <> wrote in message
news:45c239e7$0$23493$.. .

<snip>

RAM. Drill down either by make and model or use their scanner/configurator:

www.crucial.com

Costs a bit more. Good RAM. Good vendor. Lifetime warranty.

I recently had a problem with my 8300 slowing down and almost stopping. The
fix I found was to install the latest display drivers. I haven't had a
problem since.

Frank

"Dowell" <> wrote in message
news:45c13d88$0$23498$.. .
>I have a 2003 Dell Dimension 8300 desktop.....has always run fast, never
> crashed, Windows XP Home.
>
> The hard drive (80GB) has always been pretty empty.........about 10GB of
> data on it.
>
> Now, I've gotten into video, and there is about 40GB of files on the hard
> drive.
>
> Now, the PC runs much slower and sluggish. I ran virus, reg, ad-aware,
> etc., and all is well in that department.
>
> Is the large amount of videos on the hard drive causing the PC to run
> slower?
>
> In brief, is the amount of data on your hard drive a factor in the
> computer
> running faster or slower?
>
> Should I move those files onto DVD or CD, i.e., off of the hard drive?
>
> Thanks in advance! Jim
>
>
>

Excellent site and excellent advice........Thank You!!!




"S.Lewis" <> wrote in message
news:9Fuwh.11823$...
>
> "Dowell" <> wrote in message
> news:45c239e7$0$23493$.. .
>
> <snip>
>
> RAM. Drill down either by make and model or use their
scanner/configurator:
>
> www.crucial.com
>
> Costs a bit more. Good RAM. Good vendor. Lifetime warranty.
>
>