I’m posting a summary listing of general things you can do to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient maintenance, because many readers come up with their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Maybe the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Update the definitions of your antivirus and operate a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Note that some infections require extra steps until they could be removed; usually a web search will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. If you cannot find a solution, use the Bc forums to request support.
2. You have recently saved an application, and if the slowness is unexpected, the problem may reside there. Check this by fully removing it. A sensible user will usually perform a internet search about the program before getting because in most cases, any potential trouble with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your personal computer’s functionality, and these are all over the World wide web. A very recent research indicated that one out-of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains feature at least one bit of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Update the definitions of your anti spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will often run several of the applications, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A record of quite good, free antispyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
For further reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have quite good Help documents that describe how they operate too as the special attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation apps that self-launch on startup. You pc can be a arena for your attention. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-launch feature that allows them to be opened swiftly; other programs may include an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a little bit of sources while your personal computer is running.
The easiest way to review and than to handle startups would be to use one of many little resources available (see the BC list of free programs). You may use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to turn off any you usually do not need, if, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. Remember that BC maintains a very complete Startup Database that contains information about whether the inquired item is required, elective, or unnecessary, if you are unsure about what may be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that those icons on your own Background also take a modest amount of trunk time to set themselves.
Absence of Upkeep
Stage 5. Delete unused programs and exchange old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have already opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced users: some specialists would contain the added care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find plenty of apps to assist do that. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a significant difference, and unless you’re really comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry, you may do severe damage by creating registry modifications, so this step isn’t included
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend 0x00000c00.
Step 7. Defragment your personal computer.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a noticeable improvement in computer operation.