BleepingComputer.com: Inspiron 8600 Really Slow, Just Upgraded. Fresh OS Install Too.

Hey guys. this is my first post. I hope to also start helping others soon as I have been helping friends and family. I need to learn Hijack This though and get back up to date with current technology.

I just upgraded a Dell Inspiron 8600 laptop and did a fresh install of Windows XP Home for a friend. The hardware upgrades were a 60 GB HD to 160 GB HD,and 512 Ram to 2 Gig Ram. The computer reads all the newly installed hardware but runs really slow. I mean everything does like opening, closing and deleting files. It also takes like 35 seconds just to get to the first "LOADING XP" screen. What can the problem be? It wasn't that slow before the upgrades. I haven't used the laptop for about 2 years but I know it's supposed to be faster than what it is because a friend has an identical inspiron that runs faster and it is not upgraded at all.

I think the problem is that I have a temporary AC adapter that can't charge the computer but can power it. Can this be the problem? Perhaps not enough power to the new WD 1600 5400 rpm Hard Drive? The memory is 2 1gig sticks from crucial. I am in the process of ordering an official AC adapter though.

Any Ideas.

Thanks.