I’m submitting a summary record of general things you can do to solve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because many readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest contributor to a badly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with 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 areas in a timely manner.
Action 1. Revise the explanations of your anti virus and run a full scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some infections need extra steps before they may be removed; usually a internet search will find specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you cannot find a solution.
2. If the slowness is abrupt, and you’ve recently downloaded an application, the issue may reside there. Check this by completely removing it. A user will usually perform a websearch about the application before installing because in most instances, any potential difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your computer’s performance, and these are throughout the Internet. A very recent study indicated that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains comprise at least one piece of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Experienced customers will often operate 2 or 3 of the applications, because each business has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own set. (A listing of quite good, free anti spyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review programs that self-start on startup. You computer may become a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-start feature that allows them to be exposed swiftly; other programs will comprise 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 needs a small bit of resources while your computer is running.
You can use its startup tool that lists startups and enables you to turn off any you do not want, if, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. Remember that BC maintains a really complete Startup Database that contains information about whether the questioned item is needed, optional, or not needed, if you’re uncertain about what may be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that those icons on your Desktop also take a modest amount of boot time to place themselves.
Absence of Upkeep
Stage 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused programs and exchange old files into a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files which you have already opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for sophisticated users: some experts would contain the additional upkeep step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find plenty of apps to help try this. For the most part, so this measure is not contained, you may do serious harm by making registry changes, registry maintenance will not make a major difference, and unless you are quite comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make copies of-the registry
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair Memory Cards Computers.
Action 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows tends to set new files in any available open space; defragging will set related segments of files closer together so your read arm has less travelling around the hdd to do, saving wear and tear while racing up plans.
Hopefully, now that you have have ended, you’ll see a marked improvement in pc functionality.