Because many readers come up with their computer responding slowly, I’m submitting a summary record of general things you can do to solve the 0x000003dfproblem, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care.
Malware
Possibly the most important factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Step 1. Update the definitions of your antivirus and run a full scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses need extra measures until they can be removed; normally a websearch will find specific instructions or a particular removal tool. If you cannot find a answer, use the BC forums to request help.
2. You’ve recently downloaded an application, and if the slowness is sudden, the issue might live there. Check this by completely removing it. A user will typically perform a websearch about the program before installing because in most cases, any potential issue with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can drastically impact your personal computer’s operation, and these are all over the Internet. A very recent study showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains comprise at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Update the definitions of your anti spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will regularly operate several of these programs, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A listing of really good, free anti spyware programs is given by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-start on startup. You pc may become a arena for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a fast-start feature that enables them to be opened immediately; other programs will include an automated update feature that requires them to be operating in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each needs a small bit of resources while your computer is running.
The easiest method to review and than to handle startups will be to-use one of the numerous small resources available (see the BC list of free apps). If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to turn off any you don’t need. If you are unsure about what may be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a quite comprehensive Startup Database that includes info about whether the questioned item is needed, optional, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that all those icons on your Desktop also take a small amount of boot time to set themselves.
Absence of Care
Stage 5. Clean-up your hard drive (preparation for Action 7). Delete unused programs and exchange old files into a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files which you have previously opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete.
(Note for high level users: some experts would contain the additional upkeep step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find plenty of programs to assist do this. For the most part, so this step isn’t included, you can do serious damage by making registry modifications, registry maintenance won’t make a significant difference, and unless you are quite comfy with Windows, and cautiously make copies of-the registry
Step 6. Have it mend 0x000003df.
Step 7. Defragment your computer. Windows tends to put new documents in any available open space; defragging will set related sections of files closer together so your read arm has less going around the hdd to do, saving wear-and tear while speeding up applications.
Hopefully, now that you have have concluded, you will find a marked enhancement in computer performance.