joe_leviente, If the PCPitstop Summary of Recommended Fixes "makes sense" to you, then proceed with recommendations. You'll get additional "how-to" information by clicking on each under-scored item. Note: Don't get distracted by all the "paid product" suggestions. They are generally competent, but are not recommended by WTT Forums in general. Note: Ask questions if you are not clear about what is being suggested. Note: Disregard the "Update" alert for: Sound, video and game controller Drivers… at least for now. Note: The laptop's CPU and RAM memory function is seriously below expected levels. —- Power Management Scheme may be involved. —- Excessive applications and processes at Startup are most likely involved —- Some resource-hog utilities are probably involved… notably McAfee and Adobe Let us know how things go as you proceed or not, with the PCPitstop recommendations. Best Regards