I’m posting a summary checklist of basic things you can do to solve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because several readers reveal their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the most important factor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Action 1. Revise the explanations of your anti virus and operate a complete scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses require extra measures until they can be removed; usually a internet search will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to request support, if you can’t find a answer.
2. You have recently downloaded an application, and if the sluggishness is surprising, the problem might live there. Check this by totally eliminating it. A sensible user will typically perform a internet search about the program before downloading it because in most instances, any possible problem with malware or inferior performance will have appeared.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your personal computer’s functionality, and these are throughout the World wide web. A very recent research showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Experienced users will often run several of these applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A list of quite good, free anti spyware applications is given by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
For further reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have quite great Help files that explain how they work too as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-start on startup. You pc can be a battleground for your attention. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-start feature that permits them to be opened fast; other programs will include an automated update feature that demands them to be operating in the background. Each of these slows down your launch Windows and each requires a small bit of sources while your personal computer is running.
You may use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to show off any you usually do not want, if, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. Remember that BC maintains a quite complete Startup Database that includes info about whether the questioned item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary, if you are uncertain about what could be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that all those icons on your Background also take a modest number of boot time to place themselves.
Lack of Care
Step 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused applications and move old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files that you have opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are some types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Clean-up to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for sophisticated users: some specialists would comprise the added care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find several apps to assist try this. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a critical difference, and unless you are very comfortable with Windows, and carefully make copies of-the registry, you may do serious damage by making registry modifications, so this step isn’t contained
Action 6. Have it fix Registry Changes.
Stage 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows tends to put new documents in any available open space; defragging will set affiliated sections of files closer together so your read arm has less going around the hdd to do, saving wear and tear while racing up applications.
Hopefully, now that you have have ended, you’ll find a marked improvement in computer operation.