Malware
Perhaps the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Generally this is associated with downloading an application that includes spyware, by not having browser security options large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security patches in a timely manner.
Action 1. Update the definitions of your anti-virus and run a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses require additional measures until they may be removed; typically a internet search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you can’t find a solution, use the BC forums to obtain support.
Step Two. If the slowness is surprising, and you’ve recently downloaded an application, the problem may live there. Test this by fully eliminating it. A user will typically perform a internet search about the application before getting because in most instances, any possible issue with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your personal computer’s functionality, and these are throughout the Net. A very recent research indicated that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains comprise at least one piece of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Revise the definitions of your antispyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will consistently operate 2 or 3 of the applications, because each business has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own set. (A list of quite good, free antispyware applications is provided by BC). Again, resolve 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 applications have very good Help documents that clarify how they operate as well as the distinctive characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation programs that self-launch on startup. You pc may be a arena for your consideration. Many programs, for example, install a rapid-launch feature that permits them to be exposed promptly; other programs may contain 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 needs a little bit of assets while your personal computer is running.
The simplest way to examine and than to manage start ups is to-use one of the many small utilities available (see the Bc list of free applications). You may use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to turn off any you do not need, if, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. If you are uncertain about what could be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a quite comprehensive Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, optional, or unnecessary.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols on your own Background also take a small amount of boot time to set themselves.
Lack of Care
Step 5. Clean-up your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused applications and exchange old files into a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files which you have already opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for high level users: some professionals would contain the additional care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and there are plenty of applications to help do this. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a significant difference, and unless you are really comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry, you may do significant harm by creating registry modifications, so this measure is not contained
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Xp Tweaker.
Action 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows will set new documents in any available open space; defragging will place affiliated segments of files closer together therefore your read arm has less going around the hdd to do, saving wear-and tear while speeding up plans.
Hopefully, since you have have concluded, you’ll see a noticeable enhancement in pc operation.