I’m posting a summary listing of general steps you can take to solve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care, because several readers reveal their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the greatest contributor to a badly performing computer is malware. Generally this is associated with downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security patches regularly.
Step 1. Revise the definitions of your antivirus and operate a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some viruses need additional measures until they may be removed; usually a internet search will locate specific directions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain support, if you cannot find a answer.
Step 2. You’ve recently saved an application, and if the sluggishness is unexpected, the problem may rest there. Check this by completely eliminating it. A smart user will usually perform a websearch about the program before installing because in most cases, any possible difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your computer’s operation, and these are throughout the Internet. A very recent study indicated 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.
Revise the definitions of your anti spyware programs and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned customers will often operate 2 or 3 of these applications, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A listing of very good, free anti spyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, solve 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 quite great Help documents that describe how they function too as the unique characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review apps that self-launching on startup. You pc may become a arena for your interest. Many programs, for example, install a quick-launch feature which allows them to be opened fast; other programs will contain an automated update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Each of these decreases your launch Windows and each needs a small bit of resources while your computer is running.
If, like, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to turn off any you do not want. If you’re uncertain about what may be safely deleted, remember that BC maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that includes info about whether the questioned item is required, elective, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that those icons in your Background also take a small amount of trunk time to set themselves.
Lack of Maintenance
Step 5. Delete unused programs and transfer old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files which you have already opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for high level users: some professionals would contain the added care step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are plenty of applications to help do that. For the most part, so this step is not included, you may do serious damage by making registry changes, registry maintenance will not make a significant difference, and unless you’re very comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend 0x80000009.
Stage 7. Defragment your pc. Windows tends to put new files in any available open space; defragging will set affiliated segments of files closer together so your read arm has less travelling around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while boosting up programs.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll see a noticeable enhancement in computer operation.