Malware
Possibly the greatest factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Revise the explanations of your anti-virus and run a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses need additional steps until they could be removed; normally a internet search will find specific directions or a particular removal tool. If you cannot find a solution, use the BC forums to request help.
Step 2. If the slowness is abrupt, and you’ve recently saved an application, the problem may rest there. Check this by completely eliminating it. A wise user will normally perform a websearch about the application before getting because in most instances, any potential trouble with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your computer’s performance, and these are throughout the Web. 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.
Experienced customers will frequently run several of the programs, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own set. (A list of very great, free antispyware programs is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
For additional reading about Malicious software and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have really great Help documents that clarify how they work as well as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation applications that self-launch on startup. You computer may be a arena for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-launch feature which allows them to be exposed quickly; other programs may include an automated update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each needs a small bit of resources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest approach to review and than to handle start-ups is to utilize one of many little utilities available (see the BC list of free applications). Remember that BC maintains a very complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the item is needed, optional, or not needed, in case you are uncertain about what can be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols in your Desktop also take a modest amount of boot time to set themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Clean-up your hard drive (preparation for Action 7). Delete unused applications and transfer 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 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 comprise the additional upkeep step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are plenty of apps to help do that. For the most part, registry care won’t make a vital difference, and unless you are very comfortable with Windows, and carefully make backups of the registry, you can do significant damage by making registry modifications, so this measure is not included
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix 0xfaef.
Step 7. Defragment your computer. Windows tends to set new files in any available open space; defragging will place related sections of files closer together so your read arm has less going around the hdd to do, saving wear and tear while racing up programs.
Hopefully, now that you have have finished, you’ll see a noticeable enhancement in pc functionality.