I’m publishing a summary record of general 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 come up with their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the most important factor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Action 1. Revise the explanations of your anti-virus and run a full scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses require extra steps before they could be removed; typically a internet search will locate specific directions or a special removal tool. Use the Bc forums to request help, if you can’t find a answer.
Step Two. You have recently saved an application, and if the sluggishness is unexpected, the problem might dwell there. Check this by entirely eliminating it. A wise user will typically perform a websearch about the program before getting because in most instances, any potential difficulty with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your computer’s operation, and these are around the Web.
Seasoned customers will regularly operate several of these applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A listing of really great, free antispyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review apps that self-launching on startup. You computer can be a arena for your interest. Many programs, for example, install a fast-start feature that enables them to be opened promptly; other programs will comprise an automated update feature that demands them to be running in the background. Each of these slows down your introduction Windows and each requires a little bit of resources while your computer is running.
The simplest approach to review and than to manage startups will be to utilize one of the numerous little utilities available (see the Bc list of free programs). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to show off any you usually do not want. If you’re unsure about what could be safely deleted, remember that Bc maintains a quite complete Startup Database that includes info about whether the questioned item is needed, discretionary, or not needed.
At-the same time, remember that those symbols in your Desktop also take a modest number of trunk time to put themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused programs and move old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files which you have previously opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are a few 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 professionals would include the added care stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of programs to assist try this. For the most part, registry maintenance won’t make a significant difference, and unless you’re really comfortable with Windows, and carefully make copies of the registry, you can do serious harm by making registry modifications, so this measure is not included
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Kb310414.
Action 7. Defragment your computer. Windows will set new files in any available open space; defragging will place associated segments of files closer together therefore your read arm has less travelling around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while racing up programs.
Hopefully, now that you have have finished, you’ll see a marked enhancement in computer performance.