I am publishing 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 insufficient maintenance, because several readers write about their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Possibly the greatest factor to a badly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with downloading a software that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security areas 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 infections need additional steps before they may be removed; typically a web search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you cannot find a solution, use the Bc forums to obtain help.
Step 2. If the sluggishness is sudden, and you have recently saved an application, the issue may rest there. Test this by completely removing it. A sensible user will typically perform a internet search about the application before installing because in most cases, any potential problem with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Step three. Adware and Spyware can drastically impact your computer’s performance, and these are around the Web. A very recent study indicated that one out-of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one bit of spyware waiting for victims.
Seasoned users will consistently run 2 or 3 of these applications, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A set of quite good, free anti-spyware applications 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 clarify how they function too as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation applications that self-start on startup. You pc can become a battleground for your interest. Many programs, for example, install a quick-launch feature that permits them to be opened promptly; 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 sources while your computer is running.
The simplest method to examine and than to manage startups would be to work with one of the many little utilities available (see the Bc list of free applications). Remember that BC maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that includes information about whether the item is required, discretionary, or unnecessary, if you’re uncertain about what may be safely removed.
At the same time, remember that those symbols on your Desktop also take a small number of boot time to place themselves.
Absence of Care
Step 5. Clean-up your hard drive (preparation for Action 7). Delete unused applications and transfer old files to a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete.
(Note for advanced users: some experts would include the added maintenance step of cleaning the Windows registry, and there are several programs to help do this. For the most part, registry care won’t make a critical difference, and unless you are quite comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry, you may do severe harm by creating registry modifications, so this measure isn’t included
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair How Can I .msi Files.
Step 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows will put new files in any available open space; defragging will place affiliated segments of files closer together therefore your read arm has less going around the hard drive to do, saving wear and tear while boosting up programs.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you will find a marked improvement in pc performance.