Malware
Maybe the most important contributor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Step 1. Update the explanations of your anti-virus and run a complete scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Notice that some infections require additional steps before they may be removed; typically a web search will locate specific directions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to request help, if you can’t find a solution.
2. If the sluggishness is abrupt, and you have recently downloaded an application, the issue may reside there. Check this by fully eliminating it. A user will usually perform a web search about the application before installing because in most cases, any possible issue with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your computer’s performance, and these are throughout 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 contain at least one bit of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Seasoned users will routinely run several of these applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A set of really great, free anti-spyware programs 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 programs have really good Help files that clarify how they operate also as the distinctive attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation apps that self-start on startup. You pc may become a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-launch feature which permits them to be exposed promptly; other programs may include an automatic update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Each of these decreases your launch Windows and each requires a little bit of resources while your personal computer is running.
The easiest method to examine and than to handle startups would be to-use one of many little utilities available (see the BC list of free applications). If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to show off any you usually do not want. In case you are unsure about what can be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a quite comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the inquired item is required, optional, or not needed.
At-the same time, remember that those symbols on your Desktop also take a modest number of trunk time to place themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Step 5. Clean-up your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused programs and transfer old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files which you have opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are some types of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced users: some specialists would include the added maintenance step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of programs to help do that. For the most part, registry care will not make a major difference, and unless you’re very comfy with Windows, and carefully make copies of the registry, you can do severe damage by creating registry changes, so this measure is not contained
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair Vista Updates Blocking Ie Firefox.
Stage 7. Defragment your pc.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you will see a noticeable improvement in computer operation.