I’m posting a summary checklist of basic 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 responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the most important contributor to a badly performing computer is malware. Usually this is associated with downloading an application that includes spyware, by not having browser security options high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security areas in a timely manner.
Stage 1. Revise the definitions of your antivirus and run a complete scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Notice that some infections need extra measures until they could be removed; ordinarily a websearch will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain support, if you cannot find a answer.
2. If the slowness is unanticipated, and you’ve recently downloaded an application, the problem may reside there. Check this by fully eliminating it. A user will normally perform a websearch about the application before getting because in most cases, any possible problem with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Action three. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your computer’s operation, and these are all over the Net. A very recent research indicated that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains contain at least one bit of spyware waiting for victims.
Revise the definitions of your anti spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will often operate 2 or 3 of these programs, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A record of very good, free anti-spyware applications is given by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review programs that self-launching on startup. You pc can be a arena for your interest. Many programs, for example, install a rapid-launch feature that permits them to be opened rapidly; other programs may comprise an automatic update feature that requires them to be operating in the background. Each of these decreases your introduction Windows and each requires a small bit of assets while your personal computer is running.
The easiest approach to review and than to manage startups is to work with one of many small utilities available (see the BC list of free apps). You may use its startup tool that lists startups and enables you to show off any you don’t want, if, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. If you’re uncertain about what can be safely removed, remember that Bc maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is required, elective, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that all those symbols in your Desktop also take a modest amount of boot time to place themselves.
Absence of Upkeep
Step 5. Delete unused programs and move old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files which you have opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced users: some experts would comprise the additional maintenance stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are several applications to assist try this. For the most part, registry care won’t make a vital difference, and unless you’re quite comfortable with Windows, and carefully make backups of the registry, you can do significant damage by making registry modifications, so this measure is not contained
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Error 1057.
Action 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you’ll see a marked enhancement in computer performance.