I’m submitting a summary checklist of general steps you can take to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care, because many readers come up with their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Step 1. Revise the explanations of your anti-virus and run a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some infections need extra measures before they can be removed; typically a internet search will locate specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you fail to find a answer, use the BC forums to obtain assistance.
Step 2. If the sluggishness is abrupt, and you’ve recently saved an application, the issue may rest there. Test this by entirely removing it. A user will usually perform a websearch about the application before downloading it because in most instances, any possible difficulty with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can drastically effect your computer’s operation, and these are around the Internet.
Update the explanations of your antispyware applications and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will routinely run 2 or 3 of these programs, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own set. (A record of really great, free antispyware applications is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding 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 good Help documents that explain how they operate as well as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation apps that self-launch on startup. You computer can be a arena for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a rapid-start feature which allows them to be exposed promptly; other programs will include an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Each of these slows down your debut Windows and each requires a little bit of resources while your computer is running.
The simplest way to review and than to handle start-ups would be to work with one of the many small utilities available (see the BC list of free programs). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to show off any you don’t need. If you’re unsure about what can be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a quite comprehensive Startup Database that contains info about whether the questioned item is required, discretionary, or not needed.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols on your Desktop also take a modest number of trunk time to put themselves.
Lack of Care
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused applications and transfer old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files that you have already opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Clean-up to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced level users: some professionals would include the added upkeep step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are several apps to help do this. For the most part, registry maintenance won’t make a critical difference, and unless you are really comfortable with Windows, and carefully make copies of the registry, you may do serious damage by creating registry modifications, so this measure is not contained
Step 6. Have it fix 1706 Outlook.
Step 7. Defragment your computer. Windows will set new documents in any available open space; defragging will set affiliated segments of files closer together therefore your read arm has less travelling around the hdd to do, saving wear and tear while speeding up programs.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you’ll see a marked enhancement in computer functionality.