Because many readers write about their computer reacting slowly, I am publishing a summary listing of general things you can do to resolve the 0x00002166problem, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest contributor to a badly performing computer is malware. Generally this is associated with downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security options high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security sections regularly.
Stage 1. Update the definitions of your antivirus and operate a complete scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some infections require extra steps until they could be removed; usually a web search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain help, if you fail to find a answer.
2. You have recently saved an application, and if the sluggishness is sudden, the problem might dwell there. Check this by entirely removing it. A smart user will generally perform a internet search about the application before installing because in most cases, any potential issue with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your computer’s performance, and these are around the Net. A very recent research showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains feature at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Experienced customers will routinely operate two or three of the applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A listing of quite good, free anti spyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
For additional reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have quite good Help documents that clarify how they operate too as the unique characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation apps that self-launching on startup. You pc can become a arena for your attention. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-start feature which enables them to be exposed quickly; other programs may comprise an automated update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Each of these decreases your debut Windows and each requires a little bit of resources while your computer is running.
The easiest way to examine and than to handle start ups would be to work with one of the many little utilities available (see the Bc list of free applications). You can use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to show off any you do not want, if, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. Remember that BC maintains a very complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the questioned item is required, optional, or unnecessary, if you are uncertain about what may be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that all those icons on your own Desktop also take a small number of boot time to set themselves.
Absence of Upkeep
Step 5. Delete unused applications and move old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for higher level users: some professionals would contain the additional care stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you will find several programs to assist try this. For the most part, registry care will not make a vital difference, and unless you are really comfy with Windows, and cautiously make copies of the registry, you may do serious damage by creating registry changes, so this measure isn’t contained
Action 6. Have it mend 0x00002166.
Step 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows tends to put new documents in any available open space; defragging will place associated sections of files closer together so your read arm has less going around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while racing up applications.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you’ll see a marked improvement in computer functionality.