I am publishing a summary listing of basic steps you can take to solve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because several readers write about their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Possibly the greatest factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Action 1. Update the definitions of your antivirus and operate a complete scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Notice that some infections require additional steps before they could be removed; usually a websearch will locate specific instructions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you can’t find a answer.
2. If the slowness is unanticipated, and you’ve recently saved an application, the issue might dwell there. Test this by entirely removing it. A sensible user will usually perform a web search about the application before installing because in most cases, any potential difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have appeared.
Step three. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your computer’s functionality, and these are around the Web.
Revise the explanations of your antispyware programs and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will routinely operate several of the applications, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own set. (A set of really great, free anti-spyware applications is supplied 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 may become a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-start feature that enables them to be opened instantly; other programs may comprise an automatic update feature that demands them to be working in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a small bit of assets while your computer is running.
In case you are uncertain about what can be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the questioned item is required, elective, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that those icons on your Desktop also take a modest amount of trunk time to set themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Step 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Action 7). Delete unused programs and move old files to 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 some types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for higher level users: some experts would contain the additional upkeep step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find several programs to assist do that. For the most part, so this step is not contained, you may do serious damage by making registry changes, registry maintenance won’t make a critical difference, and unless you’re quite comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Clean .trash Windows 7.
Action 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a marked improvement in pc performance.