Fix? iTunes slow to import CD, sync iPod, freezes on credits - Page Faults

Question

All,
Using Windows XP on a computer with 512 M of memory (lightning fast for it's time) I found that iTunes would import CDs at 0.3x to 0.7x, way too slow. iTunes resonded slugglishly to UI commands. And the credits screen (help - about iTunes) would freeze. Other applications do not have this problem. I found that iTunes memory management is sub optimal, at best. This causes iTunes to swap portions of its active program memory to the hard disk, slowing the interface by a factor of x1000.
How to verify if this is happening:
1. Open task manager by RIGHT clicking on the date on the windows control bar
2. Click on the "Process" tab, then from the menu select "View" then "Select columns . . "
3. Make sure "CPU", ("handles" (i.e. open files), "threads" (i.e. parallel processes), and "page faults" are checked. Page faults are swap of memory to the hard disk.
4. Open iTunes, use as usual (e.g. view credits)
5. If iTunes becomes slow (right away in my case), watch for increasing page faults (what I experience) or excessive threads or handles.
In my case I'm getting over 1000 page hits a second when viewing credits. Someone didn't use good programming skills. (Not necessarily Apple, see below)
Note: I see, and expect, the CPU to go to 100% while importing CDs.
Please note: ** I do not use a mail client on this machine. ** I use a web based mail program and do not use MS outlook, and I don't want to. I only mention this because when I used iTunes, it locked up and I also received an error saying that I needed to setup my outlook client. Turning off automatic updates seems to have solved this lockup.
Since I run Word, excel, iExlorer, games, and windows media manager without error I'm having trouble understanding why iTunes uses so much system resources. Poor development tools? Virtual machine? Bug in complier library?
Thigs to try to fix:
Since this is a memory issue: Try one or more of the following:
Minimize the screen when importing CD (screen calls are a hog)
This is what made the most improvement for me.
Stop all other programs
This allowed me to stop the credits screen.
Try stopping / halting your antivirus programs
Try updating your Video card driver.
Note: I have a 'business' style video card. Aboslutly no bells/whistles. I do not wish to upgrade to a directX card just to allow easy transfers to my iPod / iTouch. I am using an Intel 82810E Graphics Controller with drivers provided by Wicrosoft.
Set your performance for best performance:
+ Right click on the "My Computer" icon
+ Click on "advanced" - "Performance" - Visual
+ Click on "adjust for best performace"
Note: This changes the XP look, had no effect for me.
If you are still having trouble, close iTunes, open the Windows Media player to import your CD with the following settings: Tools - Options
Player - Deselect start player in media guide (unless you really like it)
Copy Music - Deselect Copy Protect Music (otherwise it only works in WMP)
Root cause?
I suspect that the iTunes is calling a function that it expects the video card to do easily. I suspect that the video card doesn't have that functionality, so the video card driver tries to emulate the functionality. The slow response from the driver apparently causes iTunes to go haywire.
If you read this far:
Please let me know if you found this helpful by writing a response.
If you can think of anything (other than buying a new computer) that would allow this applicaiton to work, let me know. BTW: A real old version of quicktime works just fine on my 486!
Apple developers:
I would be open for a test bed if you need older HW to qualify on.
Any idea why the credits would cause the page faults?
Any way to use a bare bones video library (e.g. no scrolled fades etc.)?
For an application that essentially copies files to my iPod, it sure uses a lot of resources.

Answer 1

Welcome to AD!
This is a user chat board - Apple developers won't be seeing your post. You could re-send it using
itunes menu > Help > Provide iTunes Feedback
Hoewever, don't expect a reply.
the iTunes 8.1 system requirements page states
+A DirectX 9.0-compatible video card with 32MB of video RAM; 64MB recommended+
It's not that surprising that itunes doesn't act right on your PC.
Message was edited by: Katrina S.