Malware
Possibly the greatest factor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security sections regularly.
Step 1. Update the definitions of your anti virus and operate a complete scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Notice that some viruses need additional measures before they could be removed; generally a internet search will find specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you can’t find a answer.
Step Two. You’ve recently saved an application, and if the slowness is unanticipated, the issue might rest there. Check this by totally removing it. A user will generally perform a web search about the program before getting because in most instances, any possible trouble with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Action three. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your computer’s performance, and these are throughout the World wide web.
Revise the definitions of your anti-spyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will consistently operate 2 or 3 of these applications, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A record of really great, free anti spyware programs is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
For additional reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have quite great Help documents that explain how they function as well as the special characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review programs that self-start on startup. You computer may be a battleground for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a fast-launch feature which permits them to be opened instantly; other programs may contain an automated update feature that demands them to be operating in the background. Each of these decreases your launch Windows and each requires a small bit of assets while your computer is running.
The easiest way to examine and than to manage start ups would be to utilize one of the many little resources available (see the BC list of free applications). Remember that BC maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the questioned item is required, optional, or unnecessary, if you’re unsure about what may be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that those icons on your own Desktop also take a small number of boot time to set themselves.
Lack of Care
Step 5. Delete unused programs and transfer old files into a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files that you have already opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete.
(Note for sophisticated users: some specialists would contain the additional upkeep step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find several applications to help do that. For the most part, registry maintenance won’t make a significant difference, and unless you are quite comfy with Windows, and carefully make backups of-the registry, you may do serious damage by making registry modifications, so this measure isn’t contained
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix An Error Ocurred Trying To Load Adobe Reader.
Stage 7. Defragment your computer. Windows will put new documents in any available open space; defragging will set related sections of files closer together so your read arm has less travelling around the hdd to do, saving wear-and tear while boosting up programs.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a marked enhancement in computer operation.