I’m publishing a summary listing of general things you can do to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because many readers come up with their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the most important factor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Usually this is related to downloading a software that contains spyware, by not having browser security options large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security sections regularly.
Action 1. Update the explanations of your anti-virus and operate a complete scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses require extra measures before they could be removed; generally a internet search will find specific instructions or a particular removal tool. Use the Bc forums to request help, if you can’t find a solution.
Step Two. If the slowness is surprising, and you have recently downloaded an application, the problem might reside there. Check this by entirely removing it. A smart user will usually perform a internet search about the application before downloading it because in most cases, any potential difficulty with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Net.
Update the explanations of your anti spyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will routinely operate several of the applications, because each business has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own established. (A set of very good, free anti-spyware programs is given by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
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 describe how they work also as the unique features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review apps that self-launch on startup. You pc can become a arena for your interest. Many programs, for example, install a fast-launch feature that permits them to be exposed swiftly; other programs will include an automatic 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 sources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest method to review and than to manage start-ups would be to-use one of the numerous little utilities available (see the Bc list of free applications). In case you are unsure about what may be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a quite complete Startup Database that contains information about whether the inquired item is needed, elective, or not needed.
At the same time, remember that those symbols on your Background also take a modest amount of trunk time to set themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused programs and exchange old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced level users: some specialists would comprise the added maintenance stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are several applications to assist do that. For the most part, registry care will not make a major difference, and unless you are very comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry, you can do significant damage by making registry changes, so this step isn’t contained
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Interface Error Tool.
Step 7. Defragment your computer. Windows tends to set new documents in any available open space; defragging will place affiliated segments of files closer together therefore your read arm has less going around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while racing up applications.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a noticeable enhancement in pc operation.