I am publishing a summary checklist of general things you can do to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because many readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the greatest factor to a badly performing computer is malware. Often this is related to downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security areas in a timely manner.
Stage 1. Revise the definitions of your anti-virus and run a complete scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some infections require extra steps until they could be removed; generally a web search will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. If you cannot find a answer, use the BC forums to obtain assistance.
Step 2. You have recently downloaded an application, and if the slowness is abrupt, the problem may dwell there. Test this by completely eliminating it. A user will normally perform a internet search about the application before getting because in most instances, any potential trouble with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your personal computer’s functionality, and these are around the World wide web. A very recent research showed that one out-of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains feature at least one bit of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Update the explanations of your antispyware applications and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will consistently operate several of the applications, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own set. (A set of very good, free anti-spyware applications is given by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
For further reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have really good Help documents that clarify how they function also as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation programs that self-launch on startup. You pc may be a arena for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a fast-start feature which allows them to be opened immediately; other programs will comprise an automatic update feature that demands them to be running in the background. Each of these decreases your debut Windows and each requires a small bit of resources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest approach to examine and than to handle start ups will be to work with one of the numerous small utilities available (see the BC list of free apps). Remember that Bc maintains a very complete Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary, in case you are unsure about what can be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that all those symbols on your Desktop also take a modest number of boot time to put themselves.
Lack of Upkeep
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused applications and transfer old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few 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 experts would contain the additional upkeep step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you’ll find several apps to assist do that. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a critical difference, and unless you are quite comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry, you can do severe damage by creating registry changes, so this step is not contained
Stage 6. Have it repair 0x80030308.
Action 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, now that you have have concluded, you will find a noticeable improvement in computer operation.