Laptop using 90% RAM when internet is connected!

Hi!

  My daughter was gifted a used laptop for Christmas that she needs to use for homework.  I uninstalled some programs she wasn't interested in (mostly games) because it was so slow.

  I have found that after the uninstalls the RAM usage starts around 26% (that is, after I can get Task Manager started), then it rises to 45-50%. But when I open Firefox, the Ram stays steady. When I connect the CAT5 cable, the RAM usage runs  quickly to 90%- and I can't get any web sites. I also cannot get any applications to run, if they respond at all. Something is using RAM while connected to the Internet?

  Previous owner removed some items, not sure what- they left bookmarks (I deleted them) pictures (I deleted thousands) and website logins (now gone). I am just wondering what was deleted.

 Computer- Toshiba Satellite A505 laptop- Windows 7 Home Premium

   Thanks!

    rc47n5

I suggest a clean reinstall of Windows 7. See if the original hdd is being used and if the Recovery partition exists.

If it is the original hdd with the recovery partition then reformatting the drive and reinstalling Windows 7 could be done without

internet connection. Once that is done then immediately attempt to connect to the internet and Windows Update.

Restore Toshiba Laptop to Factory Settings

Good day,

   Computer doesn't seem stable, it has started CHKDSK twice on boot, usually needs forced shutdown.

   Cannot determine whether I have a "recovery partition" for certain, but I did see a lot of .cab files, I need to look for them. I would like to do a re-install of Win7.

      Thanks!

       rc47n5

The link in my first post gives instructions for using the recovery partition.

It is always best...regardless of how well the computer performs....to reformat and reinstall the OS for security and safety reasons

on a used computer.

Now laptop freezes after desktop loads. However- I can use the internet with no problems with Safe Mode w/ networking.  I looked over an error log, and the most common error was failure to load localhosts. But I can access using safe mode. Still have found no evidence of a partition.

rc47n5

Have you attempted to use the Recovery Partition by following the directions in the link I posted?

If you need further help in reinstalling Windows 7 you can start a new topic in the Windows 7 Forum.

Where do I find the Recovery Partition?

rc47n5

There are references to "partition" in System Information. but I cannot see these partitions listed with the drives.

rc47n5

It's now time to proceed with the factory reset. Before proceeding, please be aware that this factory reset will erase all of the data on your hard drive. It is extremely important to back up any important data. Make sure the computer is connected to a power supply, and do not switch it off or restart it during the process.

Press and hold down the power button for ten seconds to switch off your machine. Next, press and hold the 0 key and, at the same time, tap the power button once to switch on your PC. When the machine starts beeping, release the 0 key.

A warning message will appear on-screen, prompting you to verify your system recovery. Select Yes to continue.

Next, select the Recovery of Factory Default Software option, followed by Next. Then choose Recover to out-of-box state, and click Next once more to start the recovery.

Following instructions per last post. Nice WARNING image!

Last night, CHKDSK spent about 2.5 hours doing it's thing. Apparently a scheduled task. A little much.

My daughter will be pleased. I will be relieved.

Thanks!!!

rc47n5

System seems to be in a loop constantly "configuring system" and restarting.

rc47n5

I was composing the below when I saw you posted again...serious problem...could be a bad hdd or bad image on the Recovery partition.

Please start a new topic in the Windows 7 Forum describing the problem.

__________________________________________________________________________

Update Windows 7 immediately. It won't be much fun...will likely take half a day. Good that you were able to reinstall Windows.

Once you have the computer the way you want it with the necessary school programs, etc. You should consider cloning the drive

or making an image of the drive. Windows 7 has the tool necessary for doing that.

You should also make a System Repair Disk.....How to Create a Windows 7 System Repair Disc [Easy]

"Now Rating System Performance"

hoping this will get finished with it all....

rc47n5

Computer is restored. Internet access works. Daughter will be pleased.

Thank you for hanging in there!

rc47n5