I am publishing a summary checklist of basic things you can do to solve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient maintenance, because many readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Maybe the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Usually this is related to downloading a software that includes spyware, by not having browser security settings large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security sections regularly.
Stage 1. Update the definitions of your antivirus and run a complete scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses need extra steps until they may be removed; typically a websearch will locate specific instructions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to request help, if you can’t find a answer.
2. If the sluggishness is abrupt, and you’ve recently saved an application, the problem may reside there. Test this by totally eliminating it. A sensible user will usually perform a internet search about the application before downloading it because in most instances, any possible trouble with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can drastically impact your personal computer’s functionality, and these are all over the World wide web.
Update the explanations of your anti-spyware programs and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced users will routinely run two or three of these applications, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own established. (A record of quite good, free anti-spyware programs is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation applications that self-start on startup. You computer can become a arena for your consideration. Many programs, for example, install a quick-start feature which permits them to be opened instantly; other programs may contain an automated update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each needs a little bit of sources while your computer is running.
The easiest method to review and than to handle start ups is to utilize one of the numerous small utilities available (see the Bc list of free programs). If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and enables you to turn off any you usually do not want. In case you are unsure about what could be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a really complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the item is needed, optional, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that all those icons in your Desktop also take a modest amount of trunk time to put themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused applications 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 that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced level users: some specialists would comprise the additional care step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are plenty of apps to assist do that. For the most part, so this measure isn’t included, you can do serious damage by creating registry modifications, registry maintenance won’t make a significant difference, and unless you are very comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend Winfix Error.
Action 7. Defragment your pc.
Hopefully, since you have have concluded, you’ll find a marked enhancement in computer functionality.