I’m submitting a summary checklist of general steps you can take to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because several readers reveal their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest factor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Generally this is related to downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security options high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security sections in a timely manner.
Step 1. Revise the explanations of your antivirus and run a complete scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Notice that some infections need extra measures until they could be removed; usually a web search will find specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the Bc forums to obtain assistance, if you fail to find a answer.
Step 2. If the slowness is surprising, and you have recently saved an application, the problem may reside there. Test this by fully removing it. A user will typically perform a web search about the program before installing because in most instances, any possible issue with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your computer’s performance, and these are throughout the World wide web.
Update the explanations of your antispyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will often run 2 or 3 of these programs, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A list of quite good, free antispyware programs is supplied by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
For further reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have quite great Help files that describe how they work as well as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review applications that self-launch on startup. You computer can be a battleground for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-start feature which permits them to be exposed fast; other programs will contain an automated update feature that demands them to be operating in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a little bit of assets while your personal computer is running.
You may use its startup tool that lists startups and enables you to turn off any you do not need, if, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. Remember that BC maintains a very complete Startup Database that includes info about whether the inquired item is needed, optional, or not needed, if you are unsure about what can be safely removed.
At the same time, remember that all those symbols on your own Desktop also take a modest amount of trunk time to put themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused programs and move old files to a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files which you have already opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced users: some experts would contain the additional upkeep stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and there are several programs to assist do that. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a critical difference, and unless you are really comfy with Windows, and cautiously make copies of-the registry, you can do serious harm by creating registry modifications, so this step isn’t contained
Step 6. Have it fix Tools.
Step 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, since you have have concluded, you’ll see a marked improvement in computer performance.