STRANGELY HIGH RAM USAGE IN DELL INSPIRON 14R 5437?

[Fred]

There is a fantastic tool in CCleaner. Go to Tools, Startup, Windows and see what is starting every time you boot your computer. (I think this is easier to use than msconfig.) There are many programs that belong here such as anti-virus and certain drivers. Acrobat Reader and your printer driver usually do not belong here. Right click on a program that does not need to run all the time and select Disable (not uninstall).

Google the name of a program you are unfamiliar with to see its function and if it is safe to disable.

EDIT: If this does not improve things then add another 4 gig of RAM. Go to http://www.crucial.com/ and have it scan your computer for the exact RAM you use. You don't have to buy from them but they guarantee that the RAM they recommend will work properly.