I am publishing a summary record of basic steps you can take to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because several readers come up with their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Action 1. Revise the definitions of your anti-virus and run a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses need extra steps before they can be removed; typically a web search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you can’t find a answer, use the BC forums to request help.
Step Two. You’ve recently downloaded an application, and if the slowness is sudden, the problem may reside there. Test this by entirely eliminating it. A sensible user will usually perform a internet search about the program before installing because in most cases, any possible trouble with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your personal computer’s functionality, and these are around the Web. A very recent research showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains comprise at least one bit of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Revise the explanations of your antispyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will frequently operate 2 or 3 of the applications, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A listing 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 programs have quite great Help files that clarify how they work as well as the unique attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-launch on startup. You pc can become a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-launch feature that permits them to be opened promptly; other programs will contain an automated update feature that demands them to be operating in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each needs a small bit of sources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest method to examine and than to manage startups is to work with one of the numerous small utilities available (see the Bc list of free apps). Remember that BC maintains a quite comprehensive Startup Database that includes info about whether the questioned item is needed, optional, or unnecessary, if you are uncertain about what could be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols on your own Desktop also take a modest amount of boot time to place themselves.
Absence of Care
Stage 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused programs and move old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have already opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are some types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for higher level users: some specialists would include the added care stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you’ll find plenty of programs to assist do that. For the most part, registry care won’t make a critical difference, and unless you are quite comfy with Windows, and carefully make copies of-the registry, you may do serious harm by making registry changes, so this step is not contained
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend 0x00000E98.
Stage 7. Defragment your pc. Windows will set new files in any available open space; defragging will place related sections of files closer together therefore your read arm has less travelling around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while speeding up programs.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a marked improvement in computer performance.