C2 & 4.0 Elements running SOOOO slow..help...

05/08/2006 11:09:09 AM · #1

...me please!!!. I have 56% free space on my hard drive, so I don't think it is a memory propblem. However, in both Elements 4.0 and PS CS2, everything is slow. If I switch from dodge/burn to new adjustment layer, it is taking up to 11 seconds to switch to new task!! Is this normal??
If anyone can help me it would be much appreciated. I am so dumb when it comes to computer performance and "what-should-I-do" tasks with it.
(...signed....blonde at the beach)...lol

05/08/2006 11:14:08 AM · #2

Is this a new problem; were the applications working speedily at some point? If so, can you think of anything that changed about the time the problem cropped up? Perhaps installed new software?
When the problem happens, does the hard drive light come on and stay on for several seconds? If so, you're "paging to disk" and this willl slow things down a LOT. How much physical memory (RAM, not hard disk space) is in the machine, and what other applications are running when this happens?

Nikon AF-S DX Zoom-Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 ED

05/08/2006 11:18:08 AM · #3

Originally posted by kirbic:

My hard drive lately sounds like a jet plane is ready to take off!!! Yes, my programs ran a lot faster once installed, but now, I'm waiting for the little green lite to burn out because it blinks non stop!!

...and this is the blonde/computer-illiterate in me...how do you check the RAM?? THANKS for responding, kirbic

I'm a "L"...loser when it comes to undersatanding computer, I'm trying to figure out how to stop all the stuff that opens up in my taskbar when my computer comes on. Sorry for the "edits" ...still getting used to thid one'handed keyboard!

Message edited by author 2006-05-08 11:20:38.

Apple iPhone 5

05/08/2006 11:23:08 AM · #4

How big are the files you're editting? - I think you posted the other day about uploading 15Mb files to DPC prints. What's the size of the file in PS? (you should see the file size in PS at the bottom of the screen when the file is open)

05/08/2006 11:26:19 AM · #5

Originally posted by jhonan:

That wasn't me, however, the files are that which I take off of the camers, which are 3200x2400...based on what the camera just told me. (Don't LAUGH!! Just learning a lot here!!) Maybe I should shoot them at a smaller size?

05/08/2006 11:28:06 AM · #6

Assuming you're running Windows XP, right-click on the "My Computer" icon and select "Properties.". The System Properties dialog will open. Near the bottom right will be information on the processor type and the amount of RAM installed.
It sure sounds like some task is running that is eating up system resources. It could be something you installed, or it could be "malware" that installed itself on the system. It may be well worth your time to have the system checked over. Do you have a relative or friend that's a 'pooter geek?

05/08/2006 11:31:57 AM · #7

Originally posted by kirbic:

Thanks Kirbic...I will check that now...

05/08/2006 11:35:52 AM · #8

OK...check there..there are 2 boxes that say:

1) allow indexing service to index this disc for fast file search
2) Compress drive to save disc space...

which should be checked?

OK..went to Properties, and all it says is 504 MB RAM...???

Message edited by author 2006-05-08 11:40:09.

05/08/2006 11:49:06 AM · #9

Hmmm, 504. Now that's a funky number. Usually it's an even power of 2, like 256, 512, or 1024 (will be shown as 1.00 GB). In any case, 504MB is quite minimal, but you should be able to work within it. You might want to consider upgrading to at least a gig. Your call; you could work within what you have if you plan on upgrading the whole 'pooter soon, or if yo uplan on working with this system for some time, you may seriously want to consider the RAM upgrade.
While working with what you've got, you do need to make sure that you don't have a ton of stuff loading at startup. One big thing that I can think of that may be hogging resources is virus protection/firewall software. You aren't perchance running Norton, aer you? If so, did your problems start around the time you installed it?
When you are working, try to keep only one or two applications open at any one time. That will minimize the system resource requirements. Close all unnecessary applications and files.

05/08/2006 11:49:54 AM · #10

Originally posted by dolphnz8:

Whether you allow the drive to be indexed or not should not make a big difference; do *not* check the "Compress drive to save space" box!

Message edited by author 2006-05-08 11:51:25.