Laggardly perfromance indicates problems with your memory modules. If you’re on Vista, warning pop up via its Memory Diag tool. It’s a nifty gadget that warns of RAM errors on the fly. However you can check for yourself the status of your memory anytime by calling up the utility:

Start - All Programs - Administrative Tools - Memory Diagnostic Tools.

To delve into your RAM health, select the first option, “Restart now & check for problems.”

This cool tool then restarts the PC and presents a DOS based screen. Press F1 for options and select the Extended mode. You’ll then set the PC on a rigorous run that tests every nook and cranny of your RAM. Expect several minutes to elapse, particularly if your PC has more than a GB of RAM. After the final reboot, Vista displays the results. Ensure that you replace any modules that causes errors or you risk escalating the risk of system crashes.