I am publishing a summary checklist of general things you can do to resolve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because several readers come up with their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Maybe the most important factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Action 1. Revise the definitions of your antivirus and run a complete scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses require extra measures before they may be removed; generally a websearch will find specific directions or a special removal tool. Use the Bc forums to obtain assistance, if you can’t find a solution.
2. If the slowness is abrupt, and you’ve recently downloaded an application, the problem might reside there. Test this by completely eliminating it. A user will usually perform a web search about the program before installing because in most instances, any potential problem with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can drastically impact your computer’s functionality, and these are all over the World wide 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 piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Seasoned users will frequently operate two or three of the programs, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A list of quite good, free anti-spyware programs is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review apps that self-launch on startup. You computer may become a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-start feature which permits them to be opened quickly; other programs will comprise an automated update feature that demands them to be operating in the background. Each of these decreases your debut Windows and each needs a small bit of assets while your computer is running.
The simplest way to review and than to manage startups is to work with one of the numerous small utilities available (see the BC list of free programs). Remember that Bc maintains a really complete Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is required, optional, or unnecessary, if you’re uncertain about what may be safely deleted.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols on your Desktop also take a small amount of trunk time to put themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused programs and exchange old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are some types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced users: some professionals would include the added upkeep step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you’ll find plenty of applications to assist do this. For the most part, registry maintenance won’t make a critical difference, and unless you’re quite comfy with Windows, and carefully make copies of-the registry, you can do significant damage by making registry modifications, so this measure is not contained
Stage 6. Have it mend Windows Error Codes 0x00000040.
Step 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows tends to set new documents in any available open space; defragging will place associated segments of files closer together so your read arm has less going around the hard drive to do, saving wear-and tear while racing up programs.
Hopefully, now that you have have ended, you’ll see a marked improvement in pc operation.