Malware
Perhaps the greatest factor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Step 1. Update the definitions of your anti virus and run a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some viruses require additional steps before they may be removed; normally a web search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you cannot find a answer, use the Bc forums to request assistance.
Step Two. If the sluggishness is abrupt, and you’ve recently saved an application, the issue may rest there. Test this by completely removing it. A user will usually perform a internet search about the program before downloading it because in most cases, any possible trouble with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your personal computer’s operation, and these are all over 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 feature at least one bit of spyware waiting for victims.
Revise the definitions of your anti spyware programs and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced users will consistently operate 2 or 3 of these applications, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A list of very great, free antispyware programs is given by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-start on startup. You computer can be a battleground for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a fast-launch feature that allows them to be exposed swiftly; other programs may comprise an automated 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 small bit of resources while your personal computer is running.
The easiest approach to examine and than to handle startups is to use one of many little resources available (see the Bc list of free apps). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can 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 deleted, remember that BC maintains a really complete Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that all those symbols in your Desktop also take a small number of trunk time to put themselves.
Absence of Care
Step 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Stage 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 haven’t used in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced level users: some specialists would include the added care step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of apps to assist try this. For the most part, so this step isn’t contained, you may do significant harm by creating registry modifications, registry care will not make a major difference, and unless you are very comfortable with Windows, and carefully make backups of the registry
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair 0x1f51.
Stage 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows will set new files in any available open space; defragging will set associated sections of files closer together so your read arm has less travelling around the hdd to do, saving wear-and tear while boosting up plans.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a noticeable enhancement in computer functionality.