I am posting a summary record of basic steps you can take to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care, because many readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest factor to a badly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with downloading a software that includes spyware, by not having browser security settings large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security sections in a timely manner.
Stage 1. Update the definitions of your anti-virus and run a complete scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some viruses require extra measures before they may be removed; ordinarily a websearch will locate specific directions or a special removal tool. If you cannot find a solution, use the Bc forums to obtain help.
2. You’ve recently saved an application, and if the slowness is abrupt, the issue might live there. Test this by completely eliminating it. A sensible user will normally perform a web search about the application before installing because in most cases, any potential problem with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Internet. A very recent study showed that one out-of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains contain at least one bit of spyware waiting for victims.
Update the explanations of your anti spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will frequently run 2 or 3 of these applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own set. (A list of really great, free anti-spyware programs is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation applications that self-start on startup. You computer may be a battleground for your attention. Many programs, for instance, install a fast-launch feature that permits them to be opened swiftly; other programs may comprise an automated update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a little bit of sources while your personal computer is running.
The easiest approach to review and than to handle start ups is to use one of the many little resources available (see the BC list of free applications). If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and enables you to turn off any you don’t want. Remember that BC maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the questioned item is required, optional, or unnecessary, in case you are uncertain about what may be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that those symbols on your own Background also take a modest number of boot time to set themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Step 5. 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 haven’t found in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete.
(Note for higher level users: some specialists would include the additional maintenance stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of programs to help try this. For the most part, registry care will not make a vital difference, and unless you’re very comfy with Windows, and carefully make backups of-the registry, you can do severe harm by creating registry modifications, so this measure isn’t included
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend Bad Hard Drive Sectors.
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 therefore your read arm has less travelling around the hard drive to do, saving wear-and tear while racing up applications.
Hopefully, now that you have have concluded, you’ll see a noticeable enhancement in computer functionality.