Need help diagnosing slow speed with Lenovo Ideapad 310

[NewWaveBetty]

I just bought this laptop and the specs suggest it should be very fast but I'm experiencing long lags when trying to open web pages (on several browsers) and apps are not performing properly. I don't know where to begin in regards to figuring out the cause of the issue since the last two laptops I had, I just took them out of the box and started using them with no problems, not to mention the fact that I know very little about computers.

I bought this to replace my aging Samsung Notebook 3 but as it stands now, that Samsung performs much better than the Lenovo. A couple people suggested it might be my internet connection but the other computers in the house are running just fine.

This is the laptop I have:
http/www.frys.com/product/8862052?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

 

[GreyCatz]

I just bought this laptop and the specs suggest it should be very fast but I'm experiencing long lags when trying to open web pages (on several browsers) and apps are not performing properly. I don't know where to begin in regards to figuring out the cause of the issue since the last two laptops I had, I just took them out of the box and started using them with no problems, not to mention the fact that I know very little about computers.

I bought this to replace my aging Samsung Notebook 3 but as it stands now, that Samsung performs much better than the Lenovo. A couple people suggested it might be my internet connection but the other computers in the house are running just fine.

This is the laptop I have:
http/www.frys.com/product/8862052?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Greetings, Betty:

Exactly how new is this laptop (a few days or a few weeks)? If you've been using SSDs in earlier machines, this Lenovo's mechanical HDD will react more slowly by comparison.

Option 1:
Let the laptop 'settle in' - I'm not joking, but sometimes starting/restarting the machine several times over the course of an afternoon, say, will allow all the drivers to activate properly. Speaking of drivers:

Option 2:
Update all relevant drivers, via Settings, Update & Security and AMD's Catalyst app (if available). Updating the AMD CPU and graphics drivers is particularly important. While you're at it, run your anti-virus program.

Worst-case scenario:
Study your purchase details and contact Fry's for a possible refund/replacement unit.

Best of luck,
GreyCatz.

 

[NewWaveBetty]

I just took it out of the box yesterday and spent all day with it. I really hope you're right about its need to "settle in", although I've restarted it several time already. I don't think I've ever used SSDs - my newest computer is the Samsung Notebook 3.

I've studied the purchase details and do plan on contacting Fry's later today. Their customer service and tech support has always been spot on.

As for updating all relevant drivers, that sounds like Greek to me so I'll have to look into what that means and mention it to customer support.

What does the anti-virus program do in terms of performance? I would think that after only a day of using the computer, I wouldn't have gotten any viruses.

Do you know much about this particular maker of laptops? If so, is this an issue you've heard of before? I've seen mention of bloatware in several other forums. Is this something I should be looking into as well?

Thanks.

 

[GreyCatz]

I just took it out of the box yesterday and spent all day with it. I really hope you're right about its need to "settle in", although I've restarted it several time already. I don't think I've ever used SSDs - my newest computer is the Samsung Notebook 3.

I've studied the purchase details and do plan on contacting Fry's later today. Their customer service and tech support has always been spot on.

As for updating all relevant drivers, that sounds like Greek to me so I'll have to look into what that means and mention it to customer support.

What does the anti-virus program do in terms of performance? I would think that after only a day of using the computer, I wouldn't have gotten any viruses.

Do you know much about this particular maker of laptops? If so, is this an issue you've heard of before? I've seen mention of bloatware in several other forums. Is this something I should be looking into as well?

Thanks.

Hello, Betty:

a) If you are comfortable with Fry's customer service, that's probably going to be your best card.

b) An anti-virus program doesn't do anything in terms of performance but it will (hopefully) remove any harmful program that may mess with your computer's overall performance. I know you've just taken it out the box yesterday, but even after only 1 day of internet surfing, you'd be surprised at what people will do to infect your machine.

c) Drivers are very important, so do use Fry's helpdesk as much as you can. If at all possible, use the phone. This will allow Fry's to guide you step-by-step in real time, unlike forum posts. Better still, if you know someone with even rudimentary PC skills, it's always going to be a much more comfortable experience to have an actual person to help you.

d) I have a Lenovo Y50 which looks very much like your 310. Personally, I have had no problems with this machine, but like any other manufacturer out there, I know lots of people have. I don't think your 310 is badly designed or underpowered. But you might have gotten one of the few 'duds' that appear in all brands, even Apple.

Cheers,
GreyCatz.

 

[NewWaveBetty]

It turns out Fry's couldn't help me and I was referred to Lenovo customer support. The person on the phone made me restore my computer and start over fresh with the set up. She told me to call back if the problem persists and it's persisting. I can't seem to operate a web browser when I have another program open. This doesn't seem right since I can operate them just fine with my much older and lower performance laptop. The program I downloaded by the way is Firestorm Viewer. I've been running it on the Notebook for months and that thing has the bare minimum system requirements. I still have no diagnosed the problem.

 

[GreyCatz]

OK, Betty:

This could well be a long journey. In the following, every now and then I'm going to ask some questions that may sound either patronizing or stupidly self-evident. Please bear with me because I can't see your computer and what's around it. And you don't have to go through this list in one go.

1. Is the machine plugged into the wall, or are you using the battery? If it's on battery power, the computer will work at reduced speed to save power. (You're most likely using the power cable, but I have to ask).
1.1 Remove any USB sticks or HDMI cables from the computer. This includes the keyboard and mouse, if relevant.
1.2 From your previous post I assume you are now using a completely 'new' computer with a 'new' Windows 10 version installed.

2. In Windows 10: Open the Start menu and click the Settings app (a small gear cog). In the Settings menu, click Update & Security. This will show you the Windows Update page. Windows is set to download and install updates automatically, in which case you will see some dots drifting from left to right. This means the update process is active.

If it isn't, click the button/rectangle that says 'Check for updates'. Your computer will start searching for updates and install them. If you get a message prompting you to restart the machine, do so. This could potentially take several hours because your computer is brand-new and needs to catch up with the latest Windows 10 version available. Let the computer download and install until it says 'Your device is up to date...' You will most likely be asked to restart several times. This takes top priority!

After that:
3. Click the small gear cog again (upper left corner) or 'Home'.

4. Click Network & Internet, and next select 'WiFi' in the left menu. Make sure it's On.

5. Select Ethernet in the left menu. It should say 'Connected' next to the icon.

6. Open the Start menu, and click on the tile that says 'Microsoft Edge'. This launches Microsoft's new browser called Edge. Spend some time browsing some web sites you know. Make a note of the speed at which it opens pages, or how many tabs you can open at the same time.

7. Open the Start menu, and bring up All apps by clicking the 3 horizontal lines in the upper left corner. Scroll down to Windows System. Right-click the app called Control Panel and select Pin to Start. This app is just as important as the Settings app. We'll be using the Control Panel later on.
7.1 This is a link to a user's manual for your Lenovo 310 that you can peruse in your own good time:
https/www.manualslib.com/manual/324580/Lenovo-Ideapad-U410.html

8. Go to Tom's Hardware and tell me how you're getting along.

Cheers,
GreyCatz.

 

[NewWaveBetty]

Please, no suggestion is condescending since I'm seeking a solution, not validation haha.

Okay, I am only at the updates part.

1. It has been plugged in most of the time but that's only because I don't like to drain the battery, not because I knew about the reduced speed for the purpose of saving power.
1.1 No USB sticks or HDMI cables yet. The keyboard and mouse are built in.
1.2 That is correct.

2. If the update process is still at 0% after 20 minutes would it be safe to say that I should restart the process? I've never worked with Windows 10 before so for all I know, this is common based on the horror stories I've heard about it.

I really appreciate the time and effort you're taking to try and help me with this. Your instructions were very easy to understand.

 

[GreyCatz]

Hello, Betty:

Re 2. If it says 'downloading' or 'preparing to install' or 'installing updates..' it means that the Update feature works, and that's good news. Even if it seemingly does nothing. 0 % after 20 minutes may be down to :
a) Your internet connection speed (I don't know how many Mbits/second you have), and
b) The fact that Windows is downloading 50 - 100 - 150 update files in one go.

As I indicated earlier, this could potentially take hours, maybe even most of the day depending on your internet speed. You don't have to sit and wait next to the computer, but check in on it every half-hour, and go and do something else less frustrating in the meantime.


Some background information on Windows 10:
I thought about some of your earlier comments about being able to run a computer right out of the box. Of course, that's what you're supposed to do, and mostly you can. But you were also using a different operating system, probably Windows 7 or older, and there are some very important and controversial differences between Windows 7 and Windows 10. One such difference is the Auto Update feature.

Before Windows 10, users had to check for updates themselves. With Win10, Microsoft decided that users shouldn't have to waste time on that and instead leave it to Win10 to do this automatically in the background. This sounds like a great idea, and for the majority of users, in the majority of cases, it works absolutely fine.

In your case, initial setup and first update run, the Auto Update turned on in the background, downloading all the files deemed necessary and relevant - without asking you. Some of the update files are (very) large graphics drivers and cumulative updates that will hog a sizeable portion of your internet connection. If you're browsing the internet at the same time, you will experience reduced speed. And that's just the download phase.

Next, Win10 will install all these update files, and if you're working in some office programs with 1 or 2 browser tabs running and maybe even some music, you will experience reduced speed because Win10 is using a sizeable part of your processor capacity. And finally, you will be asked to restart the computer for some of these update to take effect.

The silver lining is that the initial setup/first update run is going to be the worst experience - after that, updates will trickle down at a reasonable pace and in reasonable sizes, and from then on you are unlikely to notice the Auto Update feature (there are bound to some exceptions, of course).

 

[NewWaveBetty]

You just gave me flashbacks of the days when I would call customer service for help with a product and got someone on the phone who had actually seen the product in question and who actually listened to what I say and wasn't just reading from a script in broken English.

After the update stayed on 0% for over an hour, I googled it and read that some people who had that same experience restarted their computer, so I did that and the updates finally began. I kept checking back periodically and after about four hours, the updates were complete and I clicked install. After another couple of hours, it told me to restart and when I did that and reopened updates and security, it told me that my device was up to date but the problems persisted. While running Firestorm, I'm unable to load any web pages and Firestorm runs very slow and glitchy. I tested my internet connection with other computers in the house (which has always been very fast) and they all simultaneously ran perfectly as they always have. The only device I'm having issues with is the Lenovo.

You had said something earlier about drivers. A friend told me to do something regarding drivers so maybe that's the problem?

I also heard something about bloatware.

I can't remember if I mentioned it before but my old computer is a Samsung 3 Notebook np300e5c and was running Windows 8.

 

[GreyCatz]

Hello, Betty:

At this point I'd like to know a bit more about Firestorm. Is this the program you're referring to:
http/www.firestormviewer.org/

If so, could you please tell me some more about it - I confess I've never heard of it. Also, when you started the Lenovo, did you download Firestorm from this web page, or did you install it via a USB?

I've been looking at this web site, and although it says that Firestorm will run on Windows 10, there are some restrictions to consider. Chiefly the fact that it mentions Intel, but says nothing about AMD (the processor brand your Lenovo uses). But if you could send me a few words on what Firestorm is and how you typically use it, I'd get a better idea of what to look for.

Yes, I know I keep talking about drivers and they are essential to any computer. They may also turn out to be at the core of your Firestorm issues. But now that we know Windows Update works, you're on the path to improving your computer's intended performance. (Note: Click the 'Check for updates' button regularly, at least that way you'll have some control of when the computer updates).

Thanks for the extra information on the Samsung, helps a lot.

Cheers,
GreyCatz.

 

[NewWaveBetty]

Yes, that's the program I'm talking about. I downloaded it form the site and I use it for Second Life. If you don't know what that is, it's a virtual 3D world with open source capabilities which allows users to build, design, explore and interact in uncountable ways. It is not as demanding as your typical 3D games however, which is why I didn't go the gaming route when shopping for the laptop. On my old computer, I could run Firestorm and browse the internet simultaneously. Some regions in Second Life, primarily those with lots of other people (avatars) in them or lots of mesh (the 'materials' used to make the 3D world appear extremely realistic) would run very very slow and I would lag terribly and often Firestorm would freeze up and sometimes even crash. This was due to the specs on the Samsung Notebook. When I went to shop for a new laptop, I factored Firestorm into my decision and because of that I wound up spending a couple hundred dollars more than I normally would have in order to get a system with these specs. When I originally bought the Samsung, I wasn't 'playing' Second Life and just looked for a computer which could handle my multi tasking in regards to browsing the web, using apps like Spotify and messenger services and writing/doing school work.

If I can't use Firestorm on this Lenovo, then I don't see a reason to have one with this level of capabilities and I'd just as soon return it and buy a cheaper home/office laptop. I also wish I could go back to using Windows 8. I typically don't go in for new operating systems until they've been out for several years.

 

[GreyCatz]

Yes, that's the program I'm talking about. I downloaded it form the site and I use it for Second Life. If you don't know what that is, it's a virtual 3D world with open source capabilities which allows users to build, design, explore and interact in uncountable ways. It is not as demanding as your typical 3D games however, which is why I didn't go the gaming route when shopping for the laptop. On my old computer, I could run Firestorm and browse the internet simultaneously. Some regions in Second Life, primarily those with lots of other people (avatars) in them or lots of mesh (the 'materials' used to make the 3D world appear extremely realistic) would run very very slow and I would lag terribly and often Firestorm would freeze up and sometimes even crash. This was due to the specs on the Samsung Notebook. When I went to shop for a new laptop, I factored Firestorm into my decision and because of that I wound up spending a couple hundred dollars more than I normally would have in order to get a system with these specs. When I originally bought the Samsung, I wasn't 'playing' Second Life and just looked for a computer which could handle my multi tasking in regards to browsing the web, using apps like Spotify and messenger services and writing/doing school work.

If I can't use Firestorm on this Lenovo, then I don't see a reason to have one with this level of capabilities and I'd just as soon return it and buy a cheaper home/office laptop. I also wish I could go back to using Windows 8. I typically don't go in for new operating systems until they've been out for several years.

OK, we're getting closer. Can I assume you downloaded Firestorm 4.7.9? And which of the 3 links did you choose? I'm looking at this specific page:
http/wiki.phoenixviewer.com/downloads#supported_operating_systems

There's a reference to ATI video drivers at the bottom of the page, recommending users to upgrade their AMD drivers. Go to this web site:
http/support.amd.com/en-us/download/apu?os=Windows+10+-+64

... and download the latest driver for your AMD processor (Edition 16.9.2 from October 5, 2016). I'm using an Intel processor myself, so I can't guide you through all the steps, but it is very important. And if you've ever installed a program before, they all use basically the same interfaces and dialog boxes. If possible, you might consider inviting a friend over to assist you.

When you're done, open the Settings app and click 'System' in the upper left corner. Then select About at the bottom of the left menu. This will give you some specific system information about the computer. Please tell me what it says about:
OS build:
System type:
I just want to make sure that the Firestorm file matches your system type, 32 or 64-bit.

I hate to admit defeat as much as anyone else, but if we can't get the Lenovo to run Firestorm, I completely understand your frustration with this device. Short of resorting to the 'worst-case scenario' mentioned earlier (returning the Lenovo), I do hope that a solution will present itself very soon. I don't know how long you can hold on to the Lenovo (purchase details), but between Windows 10 and the AMD processor I suspect there are still dozens of drivers that need to be installed.

GreyCatz

 

[NewWaveBetty]

This is the page I downloaded it from:
http/www.firestormviewer.org/windows/

and I downloaded the one that said "For SL & Opensim 64bit".

You said "... and download the latest driver for your AMD processor (Edition 16.9.2 from October 5, 2016)."

Did you mean to type October 4, 2016? There are two of those on this page:

Radeon Software 299 MB Crimson Edition 16.9.2 10/4/2016

and

AMD Minimal Setup 12.5 MB Crimson Edition 16.9.2 10/4/2016

which one should I choose?

 

[GreyCatz]

This is the page I downloaded it from:
http/www.firestormviewer.org/windows/

and I downloaded the one that said "For SL & Opensim 64bit".

You said "... and download the latest driver for your AMD processor (Edition 16.9.2 from October 5, 2016)."

Did you mean to type October 4, 2016? There are two of those on this page:

Radeon Software 299 MB Crimson Edition 16.9.2 10/4/2016

and

AMD Minimal Setup 12.5 MB Crimson Edition 16.9.2 10/4/2016

which one should I choose?

1. You have the 64-bit Firestorm version 4.7.9.
2. I may have mistyped, but I'm referring to the (full) 299MB Radeon file.

GreyCatz.

 

[GreyCatz]

Hello, Betty:

Any improvements?

GreyCatz.

 

[NewWaveBetty]

Hi Catz. I thought I had posted a reply a while back telling you how I figured out it was the graphics card and that I was returning the computer in exchange for a new one with with a dedicated graphics card. I don't see that reply now. I only came back to the forum to thank you for all the time you took to help me. It really meant a lot to me.

The new computer is working really well.

 

[GreyCatz]

Hi Catz. I thought I had posted a reply a while back telling you how I figured out it was the graphics card and that I was returning the computer in exchange for a new one with with a dedicated graphics card. I don't see that reply now. I only came back to the forum to thank you for all the time you took to help me. It really meant a lot to me.

The new computer is working really well.

Hello, Betty:

I am so glad to hear that!

Best wishes,
GreyCatz.

 

[NewWaveBetty]

Hi there,

So this morning windows did its update/install thing and when I turned my computer back on and logged into firestorm, I got a message saying that my settings had reverted back to system default because something like my "graphics card has changed from Nvidia Corporation gforce 940 mx to intel hd graphics 530". I clicked out of it and the message was gone and another error message popped up telling me that there was a driver error (I think). That message also went away before I had a chance to get a screenshot. Any idea why my graphics card would have changed? I thought I only had one (a dedicated one, which I need to run Firestorm) I Goolged it and found a forum post from a couple years ago but it was too technical and didn't understand any of it.

 

[GreyCatz]

Hello, Betty:

You have 2 graphics cards now. One is built into the processor (it's called Intel HD 530, and this is referred to as an integrated graphics processor or IGP) and the other is the dedicated or discrete graphics card from Nvidia. It's called GTX 940MX. They are 2 separate manufacturers. In the Lenovo, AMD manufactured both the system processor and the graphics processor.

The error message you received suggests that your computer only uses the IGP which has about the same power as your AMD unit in the Lenovo 310. You need to tell the computer to use the more powerful GTX 940MX graphics processor instead.

- Open the Start menu and click All apps. Scroll down and expand Windows system. Right-click on the app called Control Panel, and click Pin to Start.
- Open Control Panel and click Hardware and sound. At the bottom of the page click 'Nvidia Control Panel'.
- In the menu to the left, click 'Set PhysX Configuration'. Under 'Select PhysX processor' you have 3 options. Select 'GeForce GTX 940MX' and click Apply.
- Next, in the menu on the left, click 'Manage 3D settings'. This will bring up 2 tabs: 'Global Settings' and 'Program Settings'. Select 'Global Settings'.
- Under 'Preferred graphics processor' click the small down-arrow. This brings up 3 options. Select 'High performance Nvidia processor' and click Apply.
- Restart the computer.

For future reference, this is likely going to happen every now and then, especially following a major Windows update run. If you experience lag or sluggishness, the Control Panel and the Nvidia Control Panel are useful places to look.

I hope this helps.
GreyCatz.


Edit: I almost forgot: What's the name and model of your new computer? Do you have a link to the web site where you bought it?

 

[NewWaveBetty]

Hi there,
I'm sorry it's taken me so long to get back to you. Your notification got buried in my email and it wasn't until today that I found it.

Thank you for such easy detailed instructions. I did exactly what you instructed but now I'm having some real problems with Firestorm. The error message I got before telling me my graphics card was switched seemed to have been a false alarm because Firestorm worked just fine (exactly the same) after that. Is it possible that when I made the NVIDIA the default card, it made the other one stop working altogether? And if so, is there any way to find out what the original settings were and put them back?

I bought an MSI, by the way.