Malware
Perhaps the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Often this is related to downloading a software that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security areas in a timely manner.
Action 1. Revise the explanations of your anti-virus and run a complete scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses need extra measures before they can be removed; generally a websearch will locate specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you can’t find a answer.
Step 2. You’ve recently downloaded an application, and if the sluggishness is unexpected, the problem might dwell there. Test this by completely removing it. A wise user will normally perform a websearch about the application before installing because in most cases, any potential difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your personal computer’s operation, and these are around the Web.
Experienced customers will frequently operate 2 or 3 of the programs, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own set. (A set of quite good, free anti-spyware programs is provided 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 good Help files that explain how they operate also as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review programs that self-start on startup. You computer may become a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for example, install a fast-launch feature which allows them to be opened immediately; other programs may include an automatic update feature that demands them to be operating 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.
If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and enables you to turn off any you don’t want. In case you are unsure about what may be safely removed, remember that BC maintains a really complete Startup Database that includes info about whether the questioned item is needed, optional, or unnecessary.
At the same time, remember that those symbols on your Desktop also take a small number of boot time to place themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Action 7). Delete unused programs and exchange old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files which you have opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete.
(Note for sophisticated users: some specialists would include the added care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find several programs to assist try this. For the most part, so this step isn’t contained, you may do serious harm by making registry changes, registry maintenance won’t make a major difference, and unless you’re really comfy with Windows, and cautiously make copies of the registry
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Driver Error 12002.
Step 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, now that you have have concluded, you’ll see a marked improvement in computer operation.