Because several readers come up with their computer reacting slowly, I’m posting a summary checklist of general steps you can take to solve the 0xccccccccproblem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care.
Malware
Possibly the most important factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Step 1. Update the definitions of your anti virus and operate a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some infections require additional measures before they could be removed; usually a websearch will locate specific instructions or a special removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain help, if you fail to find a solution.
2. You’ve recently downloaded an application, and if the slowness is unexpected, the issue may reside there. Check this by completely eliminating it. A user will typically perform a internet search about the program before getting because in most instances, any potential difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have appeared.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your personal computer’s operation, and these are around the Internet. A very recent research indicated that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one bit of spyware waiting for victims.
Revise the explanations of your anti-spyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will frequently run 2 or 3 of the applications, because each business has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A list of really great, free anti spyware programs is given by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding 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 really great Help documents that describe how they operate too as the distinctive characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review applications that self-launching on startup. You computer can be a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for example, install a rapid-start feature that enables them to be exposed swiftly; other programs will comprise an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Each of these slows down your launching Windows and each requires a small bit of assets while your personal computer is running.
The easiest way to examine and than to handle start ups is to-use one of many small utilities available (see the BC list of free applications). You may use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to turn off any you don’t need, if, like, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. In case you are unsure about what could be safely deleted, remember that BC maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the item is needed, elective, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that those symbols on your own Background also take a small amount of boot time to set themselves.
Lack of Upkeep
Step 5. Delete unused applications and exchange old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files that you have already opened, applications you have not found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced users: some specialists would include the additional upkeep step of cleaning the Windows registry, and there are plenty of apps to help try this. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a vital difference, and unless you are quite comfy with Windows, and carefully make copies of the registry, you can do severe damage by creating registry modifications, so this step is not included
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend 0xcccccccc.
Action 7. Defragment your pc.
Hopefully, now that you have have ended, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in pc operation.