I’m posting a summary listing of basic steps you can take to solve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care, because many readers reveal their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest contributor to a badly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with downloading a software that includes spyware, by not having browser security options high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security patches in a timely manner.
Stage 1. Update the explanations of your anti virus and operate a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Notice that some infections require extra steps before they could be removed; ordinarily a internet search will find specific instructions or a particular removal tool. If you cannot find a answer, use the BC forums to obtain support.
Step Two. You have recently downloaded an application, and if the sluggishness is unexpected, the problem might dwell there. Check this by fully eliminating it. A user will typically perform a websearch about the application before downloading it because in most instances, any possible problem with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your personal computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Web. A very recent research showed that one out-of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one piece of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Update the explanations of your anti-spyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will consistently run 2 or 3 of the applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A record of quite great, free antispyware programs is supplied by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
For further reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have very good Help documents that explain how they operate also as the distinctive attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-start on startup. You computer can become a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-launch feature which enables them to be opened fast; other programs will contain an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Each of these slows down your debut Windows and each needs a small bit of resources while your computer is running.
The easiest method to review and than to manage start-ups will be to-use one of many small resources available (see the Bc list of free apps). If, like, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to turn off any you do not want. If you’re 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 not needed.
At-the same time, remember that all those icons on your Background also take a small number of trunk time to put themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Stage 5. Delete unused applications and transfer old files to a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have previously opened, applications you have not 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 high level users: some experts would include the added upkeep stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of applications to help try this. For the most part, so this measure isn’t included, you can do significant damage by creating registry modifications, registry maintenance won’t make a vital difference, and unless you’re quite comfy with Windows, and carefully make copies of the registry
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair 0x00003628.
Action 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, since you have have concluded, you’ll see a noticeable enhancement in computer functionality.