I’m submitting a summary listing of basic steps you can take to resolve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because many readers come up with their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Maybe the greatest factor to a badly 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 failing to install security patches in a timely manner.
Stage 1. Revise the definitions of your anti virus and operate a complete scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some infections require extra steps until they could be removed; normally a internet search will locate specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the Bc forums to request help, if you can’t find a answer.
Step Two. You have recently downloaded an application, and if the slowness is abrupt, the issue might rest there. Test this by fully eliminating it. A wise user will usually perform a websearch about the application before downloading it because in most cases, any potential difficulty with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Step three. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your personal computer’s operation, and these are all over the Net. A very recent research showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains contain at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Experienced users will routinely operate 2 or 3 of the programs, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A list of really great, free anti-spyware programs is supplied by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation applications that self-start on startup. You computer may become a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-start feature which enables them to be exposed instantly; other programs may comprise an automatic update feature that requires them to be operating in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each needs a little bit of assets while your personal computer is running.
The easiest method to examine and than to handle startups would be to use one of many small utilities available (see the BC list of free apps). If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to show off any you do not want. If you’re unsure about what may be safely removed, remember that Bc maintains a very complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the questioned item is needed, elective, or unnecessary.
At-the same time, remember that all those symbols on your Desktop also take a modest number of trunk time to place themselves.
Absence of Care
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused programs and move old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files which you have opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for high level users: some professionals would contain the additional upkeep step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are plenty of programs to assist try this. For the most part, so this measure isn’t included, you can do serious damage by creating registry changes, registry maintenance will not make a critical difference, and unless you are quite comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Get Repeated Error Messages In Windowsxp.
Action 7. Defragment your personal computer.
Hopefully, since you have have concluded, you’ll find a marked improvement in pc functionality.