Thinkpads Forum

Hi,

I've been using internet explorer 7 on my thinkpad running windows xp pro SP2 and I have noticed that it runs significantly slower on my laptop than on my desktop.

I have read here that some of the add ons that come preinstalled on the thinkpad could be contributing to its slow speed. I have disabled these and I'm still noticing it running slower on my thinkpad. This is even though my laptop has 3 times the ram and has twice the processor speed.

Does anyone have any ideas of what might be causing the issues and how I can go about increasing its speed.

Thanks,

I have about twice as many add-ins for IE7 on my T41 laptop than for IE7 on my NetVista A30 desktop. Otherwise, IE7 runs at about the same speed on both machines. So I do not think instintively that add-ins are your problem. My two machines are closely matched with respect to hardware and memory.

What do you describe as "slow"?

I don't have any particular issue with what I have (although I am probably just used to it).

Now I am just setting up a T61 core2 duo with Vista and IE7. Much better graphics, much more memory and much faster processor. I must say, IE7 renders *very* quickly on this machine. Pages with lots of graphics load very fast.

So maybe check your laptop for viruses and spyware. Also run Task Manager and set to hide to the system tray. So long as it is dark (normal), then your CPU isn't busy and not likely the bottleneck.
... JDH

Thanks for the prompt reply.

I guess I should have been more specific with the types of things I'm referring to as slow.

1. Startup Speed
2. Speed of opening new tabs

As for the speed of loading web pages I notice no difference between machines.

Thanks for your help.

I have a way for IE that is probably unique in the world. My Home Page is a page of favourite bookmarks (about 7 screens long) that I ported over from Netscape Navigator when IE 4 was born. I keep it up-to-date with Front Page Express that continues to work from Windows 95 up forward to Windows XP Pro (I wonder about Vista).

So IE 7 loads in an instant for me (because the home page is local), and any new tab opens in an instant as well.
... JDH

I have TuneUp Utilities 2008 (great set of tools, not free unfortunately, but there is free trial), there is one tool that allows you to optimize your Internet settings according to connection type (it optimize your TCP/IP settings, and configure your browser for faster surfing and downloading), try to find free alternative and try it. Hope it helps....

I'm having this exact same issue.

When I click on a link that needs a new explorer window or tab, it takes "forever" to release control of the browser.

I'm running a brand new, maxed out T61p with Windows XP.

I wish I knew what the deal with that was.