I am posting a summary checklist of general things you can do to resolve this problem, 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 greatest contributor to a badly performing computer is malware. Often this is related to downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security sections regularly.
Step 1. Revise the definitions of your anti virus and run a full scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses require additional measures before they can be removed; generally a web search will find specific directions or a special removal tool. Use the Bc forums to request assistance, if you cannot find a answer.
Step Two. You have recently downloaded an application, and if the sluggishness is sudden, the issue might reside there. Test this by totally removing it. A user will generally perform a internet search about the application before downloading it because in most cases, any possible problem with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can drastically effect your computer’s performance, and these are all over the Web. A very recent research showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one bit of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Revise the explanations of your anti-spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will often run 2 or 3 of these programs, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A listing of really good, free antispyware programs is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation apps that self-launch on startup. You computer can become a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-launch feature that permits them to be opened rapidly; other programs may contain 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 little bit of resources while your computer is running.
If you are uncertain about what could be safely deleted, remember that Bc maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that includes information about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols on your Desktop also take a small amount of trunk time to set themselves.
Lack of Care
Step 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Action 7). Delete unused programs and move old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for that old printer you put away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Clean-up to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced users: some specialists would comprise the additional maintenance stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you will find several applications to help do that. For the most part, so this measure isn’t included, you can do significant damage by making registry changes, registry maintenance will not make a critical difference, and unless you are really comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry
Step 6. Have it mend Remove Popup Blocker.
Step 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 hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while racing up plans.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you will find a marked improvement in computer operation.