I’m publishing a summary checklist of general steps you can take to solve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care, because several readers write about their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Possibly the greatest contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Update the definitions of your anti virus and run a complete scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses need additional measures before they can be removed; normally a web search will locate specific instructions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you cannot find a answer.
Step 2. If the slowness is unanticipated, and you have recently saved an application, the problem might dwell there. Check this by entirely eliminating it. A wise user will normally perform a web search about the application before installing because in most instances, any potential trouble with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your personal computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Internet. A very recent research indicated that one out of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains comprise at least one bit of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Experienced users will frequently operate two or three of the applications, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own established. (A list of quite good, free anti-spyware applications is provided by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
For additional reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have really good Help documents that explain how they operate as well as the distinctive attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review programs that self-launching on startup. You computer can be a battleground for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a quick-launch feature which permits them to be exposed fast; other programs may comprise an automated update feature that demands them to be working in the background. Each of these slows down your introduction Windows and each requires a small bit of assets while your computer is running.
The simplest approach to review and than to manage startups is to-use one of the many small utilities available (see the BC list of free programs). If you are unsure about what may be safely removed, remember that Bc maintains a really complete Startup Database that contains information about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that those symbols in your Desktop also take a modest amount of boot time to set themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Stage 5. Clean-up your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused applications and exchange old files to a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced users: some professionals would contain the added maintenance stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are plenty of applications to help try this. For the most part, so this step isn’t contained, you can do significant harm by creating registry changes, registry maintenance will not make a vital difference, and unless you are quite comfortable with Windows, and carefully make backups of the registry
Action 6. Have it mend 14096 (0x3710).
Action 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows tends to put new files 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 boosting up programs.
Hopefully, now that you have have ended, you will see a noticeable improvement in computer operation.