I am publishing a summary checklist of basic steps you can take to solve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because many readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest factor to a badly performing computer is malware. Generally this is related to downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security areas in a timely manner.
Step 1. Revise the definitions of your antivirus and operate a complete scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Notice that some infections need extra steps until they may be removed; usually a websearch will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. If you cannot find a answer, use the BC forums to request help.
Step Two. You’ve recently downloaded an application, and if the sluggishness is unanticipated, the problem might reside there. Check this by fully removing it. A user will usually perform a web search about the application before getting because in most instances, any potential difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your computer’s performance, and these are around the Net.
Update the explanations of your anti-spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will consistently run several of these programs, because each business has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A set of quite great, free anti spyware programs is provided by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
For additional reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have very great Help documents that explain how they operate also as the distinctive attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation apps that self-launching on startup. You pc can be a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-launch feature which permits them to be exposed rapidly; other programs may comprise an automatic update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Each of these decreases your launch Windows and each requires a little bit of assets while your computer is running.
If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to show off any you don’t want. Remember that Bc maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the questioned item is needed, elective, or not needed, in case you are unsure about what could be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that those icons on your Desktop also take a modest number of boot time to set themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused applications and exchange old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files which you have opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced users: some specialists would comprise the added care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and there are several apps to help do that. For the most part, registry maintenance won’t make a significant difference, and unless you are very comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry, you can do serious damage by creating registry modifications, so this measure is not contained
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend Download Scandisk.
Action 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows tends to put new documents in any available open space; defragging will place affiliated sections of files closer together so your read arm has less travelling around the hard drive to do, saving wear-and tear while boosting up programs.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in computer performance.