I’m publishing a summary listing of basic steps you can take to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient maintenance, because several readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the greatest contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with downloading an application that includes spyware, by not having browser security settings large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security patches regularly.
Stage 1. Update the definitions of your anti-virus and run a complete scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Notice that some viruses require extra steps before they may be removed; normally a web search will find specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the Bc forums to obtain assistance, if you can’t find a solution.
Step 2. You have recently downloaded an application, and if the sluggishness is surprising, the issue may reside there. Test this by completely removing it. A user will typically perform a web search about the program before downloading it because in most cases, any possible issue with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can drastically effect your personal computer’s operation, and these are throughout the World wide web.
Revise the definitions of your anti-spyware programs and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will consistently run two or three of the programs, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own set. (A set of really great, free antispyware programs is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
For additional reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have very good Help files that describe how they function also as the distinctive attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation applications that self-launch on startup. You pc may be a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a fast-start feature that permits them to be exposed promptly; other programs may contain an automatic update feature that demands them to be operating in the background. Each of these slows down your debut Windows and each requires a little bit of assets while your computer is running.
Remember that BC maintains a very complete Startup Database that includes info about whether the item is required, optional, or not needed, if you are unsure about what could be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols in your Desktop also take a small number of boot time to place themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused applications and exchange old files to a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have previously opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced level users: some professionals would comprise the additional care stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find several applications to assist do that. For the most part, registry care will not make a vital difference, and unless you’re quite comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry, you can do significant harm by creating registry changes, so this measure is not contained
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair Errors In Outlook Express.
Action 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows tends to set new documents in any available open space; defragging will place related sections of files closer together so your read arm has less going around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while speeding up applications.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you’ll see a noticeable enhancement in pc operation.