Malware
Maybe the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Often this is related to downloading a software that includes spyware, by not having browser security options high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security sections regularly.
Step 1. Update the explanations of your anti virus and run a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses need extra steps before they could be removed; normally a internet search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you cannot find a answer.
Step Two. If the sluggishness is abrupt, and you have recently downloaded an application, the problem may live there. Test this by entirely eliminating it. A user will normally perform a web search about the application before getting because in most cases, any potential difficulty with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your personal computer’s operation, and these are around the Net.
Update the definitions of your antispyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will consistently run 2 or 3 of the programs, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own set. (A listing of really good, free anti spyware applications is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
For further reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have really good Help documents that clarify how they operate also as the unique characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review programs that self-launching on startup. You pc may be a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-launch feature which allows them to be exposed swiftly; other programs may comprise an automatic update feature that demands them to be working in the background. Each of these slows down your launching Windows and each needs a small bit of assets while your computer is running.
Remember that BC maintains a quite comprehensive Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, elective, or not needed, if you’re unsure about what can be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that those icons on your own Background also take a small amount of boot time to place themselves.
Absence of Care
Step 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused programs and move old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files which you have opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for that old printer you put away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete.
(Note for sophisticated users: some professionals would contain the added care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of programs to assist do this. For the most part, registry care will not make a significant difference, and unless you’re very comfy with Windows, and cautiously make copies of the registry, you can do serious harm by creating registry changes, so this measure isn’t contained
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix CERT_E_ISSUERCHAINING.
Step 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, now that you have have concluded, you will see a marked improvement in pc operation.