toshiba equiim a300 338

This has probably been asked, and it may be that we all know what I should do....but here goes!
We have the machine mentioned above which is now around 4 years old.
It gets so slow you wouldn't think it was actually a computer at times.
I could use it as a nav device, or can I fix it?
We also have a later machine, which is 2 ish years old. That is ok, ( i just changed the screen) (and the battery, charger is next) and SWMBO thinks we should buy an Apple, which I agree with as I know she will struggle with it and I can have it.....
Any way, the main thing...the Equiim won't do its (no longer) built in factory boot (Vista). Obviously there are no discs with the machine.. tho' I have bought a dutch copy of Vista but can't see a language option.
Basically what I need is a cheap fix or advice to advice to update. It will work as a nav system. and I have the reciver.....I just need a mapping program with charts etc.



Isn't life simple!!!

First of all, What are the specks of this laptop ? Cpu/ ram/ hard drive ? Sounds like it needs to be cleaned/ tuneup... or reformatted and install a fresh copy of Windows 7 or XP..

CPU is 1.6 gig, 1 gig RAM, 32 bit running vista, hard drive is 40 gig. Reformatting sounds about right, but as I said, the built in re boot won't work. I have a dutch copy of Vista, but can't see how to switch language...back in UK this week so I will try to get a copy of vista and start again.....

I would not go with Vista but either XP or Windows 7 ... Vista has way too many problems... Can you up your ram ? If you can up your ram, then install Windows 7 instead.

Ok Ghostman....I think that is good advice and 7 does seem better since they don't do DOS 5 anymore....I will look into that. Many thanks

Ok, I have ordered 4 gig of ram...any thoughts on windows 8?

Yea ! I have been testing it now for about a week, It is not to bad, but needs allot of tweaking..Don't think it will be around for that Long Since Microsoft has All
ready started on Windows 9.... I would install Windows 7 Pro or Ultimate.

Ok, I will give it a go and report back. Thankyou for your comments

Ok, so far....4Gig has gone in, no problem. Machine is already about a hundred times better..windows 7 64 bit is on the way!