KB: Slow computer performance when running ZoomText under Windows Vista or Windows XP

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KB#: 176
Last updated: June 17 2007

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The information in this article applies to:

• ZoomText 9.1x
• ZoomText 9.0x
• Windows Vista and Windows XP

PROBLEM

On some Windows Vista and Windows XP systems, when ZoomText is running computer performance may slow down in the following ways:

• On-screen activity is slow and/or jerky
• Applications open slowly
• Surfing the web is sluggish
• The mouse pointer randomly hangs for a few seconds

CAUSE

Windows allocation of computer resources is not set for optimum performance.

WORKAROUND

Adjust Windows performance options for best performance as follows:

In Windows Vista

1. From the Windows Start menu choose Control Panel. If Control Panel is not on the list, click the Start button and then type: Control Panel. As you type Control Panel will appear at the top of the Start menu which you can then click on.
   
   The Control Panel will appear.
2. Make sure that you are in Classic View. If you are not, click on the Switch to Classic View option.
3. Double-click on Performance Information and Tools.
4. Under the column labeled Tasks, select Advanced tools.
5. Click on Adjust the appearance and performance of Windows.
   
   The Performance Options window will open.
   
6. Click on Adjust for best performance.
7. Click Apply and then click OK.

Note: After making the adjustments described above, your Windows appearance will look like classic Windows. If you want to restore your Windows Vista appearance scheme, do the following:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel by repeating steps 1 and 2 above.
2. Double click on Personalization, then click on the Window Color and Appearance icon.
3. In the Color scheme box select Windows Vista Basic.
4. Click Apply and then click OK.

In Windows XP

1. From the Windows Start menu, choose Control Panel. Note: Sometimes Control Panel is found under Settings.
2. Make sure that you are in Classic View. If you are not, click on the Switch to Classic View option.
3. Double-click on the System icon.
4. Click on the Advanced tab.
5. In the Performance group box click on the Settings button.
   
   Performance Options window will open, Visual Effects tab is selected.
   
6. Click on Adjust for best performance .
7. Click Apply and then click OK .

Note: After making the adjustments described above, your Windows appearance will look like classic Windows. If you want to restore your Windows XP appearance scheme, do the following:

1. Open the Windows Control Panel by repeating steps 1 and 2 above.
2. Double click on Display icon.
   
   The Display Properties dialog will open.
3. Click on the Appearance tab.
4. In the Windows and buttons combo box, select Windows XP style .
5. Click Apply and then click OK .