I am submitting a summary checklist of basic things you can do to solve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because several readers write about their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Update the definitions of your antivirus and operate a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses require additional measures until they could be removed; generally 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.
Step Two. If the slowness is surprising, and you have recently saved an application, the issue might rest there. Check this by totally removing it. A wise user will generally perform a internet search about the program before getting because in most instances, any possible trouble with malware or inferior performance will have appeared.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your personal computer’s functionality, and these are all over the World wide web.
Revise the definitions of your anti spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will consistently operate two or three of these programs, because each business has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A listing of quite good, free antispyware applications is given by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
For additional reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have very good Help files that explain how they operate also as the distinctive characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review programs that self-start on startup. You pc may be a battleground for your interest. Many programs, for example, install a quick-start feature that allows them to be opened immediately; other programs will comprise an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a little bit of resources while your computer is running.
The simplest method to review and than to handle start ups is to work with one of the numerous little utilities available (see the BC list of free applications). You can use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to turn off any you do not want, if, like, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. If you are uncertain about what may be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that includes info about whether the item is needed, optional, or not needed.
At the same time, remember that all those icons on your Background also take a small number of boot time to put themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused applications and move old files to a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files that you have opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Clean-up to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for high level users: some specialists would contain the added care stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find several apps to assist do this. For the most part, so this step isn’t contained, you may do severe harm by creating registry modifications, registry care will not make a major difference, and unless you’re very comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair Xoft Spyware.
Action 7. Defragment your pc. Windows will set new files in any available open space; defragging will set associated sections of files closer together therefore your read arm has less travelling around the hdd to do, saving wear and tear while speeding up programs.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you will see a noticeable enhancement in computer performance.