I am publishing a summary checklist of general steps you can take to solve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because several readers reveal their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Maybe the greatest contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Often this is related to downloading a software that contains spyware, by not having browser security options high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security patches in a timely manner.
Stage 1. Revise the definitions of your anti virus and operate a full scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Notice that some infections require extra measures until they can be removed; normally a web search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain support, if you fail to find a answer.
Step Two. You’ve recently saved an application, and if the sluggishness is surprising, the problem might dwell there. Check this by fully removing it. A sensible user will normally perform a internet search about the program before installing because in most instances, any possible issue with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Action three. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your personal computer’s operation, and these are around the Internet. A very recent research showed that one out-of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Seasoned customers will often run several of the applications, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A listing of quite great, free anti spyware programs is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation applications that self-start on startup. You pc may be a battleground for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-start feature that permits them to be opened promptly; other programs may include an automated update feature that demands them to be running in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a small bit of resources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest way to examine and than to handle start-ups will be to utilize one of many small resources available (see the BC list of free applications). You can use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to turn off any you don’t need, if, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. Remember that Bc maintains a quite comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the item is required, elective, or unnecessary, if you’re uncertain about what can be safely removed.
At the same time, remember that those symbols on your own Background also take a small amount of trunk time to place themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused programs and exchange old files to a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have previously opened, applications you have not 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 Clean-up to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for higher level users: some specialists would contain the additional care stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you’ll find plenty of apps to help do this. For the most part, registry care won’t make a major difference, and unless you’re really comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry, you may do serious damage by creating registry modifications, so this measure is not contained
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Config.sys.
Action 7. Defragment your personal computer.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you will see a marked improvement in pc functionality.