Resolved SSD recommendations for older WinXP Dell desktop

My 93-year-old mother has an older Dell computer that still runs WinXP. She doesn't do anything or store anything on the computer that would make security is a concern, but she gets frustrated with how slow her computer works. I was considering adding an SSD for her OS and then store her data on her HD. I've been looking at the Samsung 850 EVO 250GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal SSD (MZ-75E250B/AM) and the Crucial BX100 250GB SATA 2.5 Inch Internal Solid State Drive - CT250BX100SSD1. I can get either for under $80, so cost isn't the issue. Her computer isn't SATA, so I'd have to use an adapter to get this to work. What recommendations do you have to give her better speed?

 

Would you suggest just getting a newer HDD, or are there other ways to speed up this computer?

Arie, in the past you accessed my computer to check it out and make suggestions. I use TeamViewer to access my mother's computer. It might be easier to diagnose if you can feel the slowness yourself. Let me know if that is something you'd be interested in doing.

 

How old is the computer? My XP Pro computer is 15 years old and was super slow and I maxed out all the hardware that I was able upgrade. Now it has Win 7 Ult. And it is still super slow due to Old Technology.

 

This one is over 15 years old, but what would cause it to slow down so significantly over time? I figured the HDD was getting close to its end, though it still passes SMART.

 

Multitude of factors. IDE PATA v/s SATA huge difference, HDD, CPU, Memory, Graphics. Your mother and I still have floppy disk drives. Don't forget she's using legacy hardware that doesn't match todays technology. I used to access the optimum website with a good amount of speed until they changed the website's graphical interface. Then my old machine slowed to a crawl. I could probably install a new graphics card then I'd have to replace the power supply unit. Still wouldn't be any guarantee that it will make any difference with speed unless I replace the motherboard in order to install a more powerful processor and a lot more memory. Might get a tad expensive. It's just not worth it.

 

It sounds like you're saying there is nothing that can be done other than just putting up with the slowness. My only concern is going on the computer helps her cognitive skills, and she uses her computer less as it slows down. I was hoping there was something, other than building a new computer, that might keep her functional. I did already increase the RAM as much as possible, but that didn't seem to do anything. If anyone has any suggestions, I'm open to hearing them.

 

Buy her a later model 2nd hand comp and install her XP on it. There must be comps available as many users are buying new and dumping their older units.
We see heaps of IBM/Lenovo and Dell comps being resold on our "TradeMe" online web site as companies update their Hire/Loan units.
The HDD's have been wiped and the prices run from $10 to $50 NZD for Desktop units which are about 6-7 years old.
My brother recently bought a M57 Lenovo ThinkCentre for $10.00.
2.3GHz Intel CPU 4GB RAM and it runs well.
My thoughts Neil.

 

That is something to think about, Neil. Thank you.

 

Except that is probably not legal as her XP is most likely OEM and tied to her original computer.

A new computer. At 93, she deserves something nice - and secure. BestBuy has several all-in-ones for around $500 and even several towers under $400. I like the all-in-ones for seniors upgrading because they include a nice (usually larger) monitor too.

Walmart has a bunch too.

The big problem with new computers with seniors is the learning curve with a new OS but that can be remedied by installing Start10 or ClassicShell to make Windows 10 look and feel like earlier versions of Windows.

 

Bill, I appreciate your input, but, knowing my mother, anything new just leads her to stop all related activity. She gravitates toward what is familiar and avoids all other.

I have a full license from my old WinXP computer, so I could install that on a used computer.She insists on paying for everything and cannot afford $400.

 

That is typical and being a senior myself, I can be a Luddite at times too.

When I built my dad's last computer, he too insisted on paying for everything and while he could afford more, folks on set incomes can be very tight - even if their bank accounts are flush. So I took my dad's budget then added from my own pocket to get him something better. He never knew the difference but I felt better for it.

If your mother has had her XP system for that long, you are going to have a hard time setting up a new XP system that looks and feels the same way - so there will be a learning curve anyway. I'm just saying...even old people set in their ways can learn new things. And as I noted, programs like Classic Shell can make modern, more secure, and faster operating systems look and feel very much like XP. I think you should still consider it - especially if this computer connects to the Internet for security reasons alone.

Short of that, how much RAM is installed in this system? If less than 4Gb, you might try adding more - especially if her computer uses integrated graphics instead of a graphics card. Then adding a graphics card can help significantly too if using a very old integrated graphics solution. Not only will the card have a better GPU, it will come with its own graphics RAM which will then allow the chunk of system RAM currently used for graphics to be returned to the CPU and Windows.

The down side to adding a graphics card is you may need a new power supply to support it.

Have you scanned for malware and run Windows Disk Cleanup to clear out the clutter?

 

I've totally cleaned her computer. The slowness doesn't come from that.

Her use of the computer is primarily email, scanning & printing pictures, listening to music or watching movies and some very minor searching. Even those she forgets (if she doesn't use it on a regular basis).

 

Watching movies and even listening to music suggests a level of competence above many! So does scanning pictures.

My biggest worry, besides security with XP and connecting to the Internet, is email. If she is using Outlook Express, that is not supported in newer versions of Windows and learning a new email program can be a challenge.

I ask again, how much RAM? And what security programs? Some are much greater resource hogs than others.

Still, security alone is reason enough to try and get her to a modern OS - especially for older folks who may not be so security aware and disciplined when it comes to clicking links on webpages and in emails.

 

She uses Thunderbird for email. She has the maximum RAM for her computer, which I believe is 2GB, and she uses Microsoft Security Essentials for basic security, plus CCleaner and Malwarebytes to keep everything clean.
I access her computer on a regular basis by TeamViewer, so I can hopefully eliminate potential problems before they happen. She understands that she isn't to click on any program I don't preapprove, no matter how important the computer says it is.

As far as the music and movies, I've downloaded some movies for her, and she just opens them, and they are played through Windows Media Player. For the music, I set up Pandora with the music she likes, so, once again, all she has to do is double click on the desktop icon. She doesn't set up anything on her own.

 

Clearly, you have it well under control and it is likely MSE and MBAM are currently keeping her safe. The problem is, a zero-day exploit that will not be patched by Microsoft and cannot be protected by MSE and MBAM. That's the problem with XP. And this is not a "if" scenario, but a "when" scenario.

And while 2Gb was fine years ago, because of all the needed security we need to run to keep the badguys at bay, 2Gb is not really enough to run Windows, our security programs, then our apps on top of that with any sort of satisfactory performance.

An SSD will help - especially when the page file is used, which will be often with just 2Gb of RAM. And that's okay as SSDs are ideal places for page files.

Short of that, besides a new computer with a modern OS, still my primary recommendation (especially since T-bird will still work for her and ClassicShell will make the Desktop and icons appear like she is used to), all I can suggest is to make sure there is lots of free space on the drive to allow Windows and the Page File to operate freely.

 

Thank you, Bill.

 

No problem. Good luck and best wishes to your mom. 93 and still active and "with it" is something to cherish.

 

Unfortunately, she just fell again, yesterday and ended up with another fracture.

 

Oh no! I hope not a hip. That can be devastating at that age - physically and mentally.