I am posting a summary listing of general steps you can take to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because several readers reveal their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Maybe the most important factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Revise the definitions of your anti-virus and operate a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some infections require extra measures before they could be removed; generally a websearch will find specific instructions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to obtain assistance, if you can’t find a answer.
Step Two. You have recently downloaded an application, and if the slowness is sudden, the issue may reside there. Test this by entirely eliminating it. A user will usually perform a websearch about the application before installing because in most cases, any possible difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action three. Adware and Spyware can drastically impact your computer’s performance, and these are around the Net. A very recent research showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains contain at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Experienced users will routinely operate two or three of these programs, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A set of quite great, free anti spyware applications is provided by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review apps that self-launching on startup. You pc may be a battleground for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a fast-start feature which enables them to be exposed immediately; other programs may comprise an automated update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Each of these slows down your debut Windows and each needs a little bit of resources while your computer is running.
If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to show off any you don’t need. Remember that BC maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that contains information about whether the inquired item is required, discretionary, or not needed, in case you are uncertain about what could be safely removed.
At the same time, remember that those icons on your own Background also take a modest amount of boot time to set themselves.
Lack of Care
Step 5. Delete unused applications and transfer old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files that you have opened, applications you have not used in two years, software for that old printer you put away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Clean-up to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced level users: some experts would include the added maintenance step of cleaning the Windows registry, and there are several programs to help do that. For the most part, so this measure isn’t contained, you can do serious damage by making registry changes, registry maintenance will not make a major difference, and unless you’re quite comfy with Windows, and carefully make copies of the registry
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend Erro: 0xc004d307.
Stage 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you’ll find a noticeable improvement in computer functionality.