I’m publishing a summary checklist of general steps you can take to solve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because several readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the most important contributor to a badly performing computer is malware. Usually this is associated with 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 sections in a timely manner.
Action 1. Update the explanations of your anti virus and operate a full scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some viruses need extra measures until they may be removed; normally a websearch will find specific instructions or a particular removal tool. If you can’t find a solution, use the BC forums to request assistance.
2. If the slowness is abrupt, and you have recently saved an application, the issue might rest there. Check this by entirely eliminating it. A wise user will generally perform a websearch about the program before getting because in most instances, any possible trouble with malware or inferior performance will have appeared.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your personal computer’s performance, and these are throughout the World wide web.
Revise the definitions of your antispyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will routinely run 2 or 3 of these programs, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A record of really good, free antispyware programs is given by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
For further reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have very great Help documents that describe how they operate too as the unique features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review programs that self-launch on startup. You computer may be a battleground for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a quick-start feature that permits them to be opened fast; other programs will comprise an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Each of these slows down your launch Windows and each requires a small bit of sources while your computer is running.
The easiest way to examine and than to handle start ups is to work with one of many small resources available (see the BC list of free apps). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to show off any you don’t want. Remember that Bc maintains a quite complete Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, optional, or unnecessary, if you are uncertain about what may 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.
Lack of Maintenance
Stage 5. Clean-up your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused programs and transfer old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you haven’t found 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 sophisticated users: some specialists would contain the added care stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find several applications to assist do this. For the most part, registry care will not make a major difference, and unless you’re quite comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry, you may do serious damage by creating registry changes, so this step is not contained
Action 6. Have it fix Is Vista Good.
Step 7. Defragment your personal computer. Windows will set new files in any available open space; defragging will set affiliated segments of files closer together therefore your read arm has less going around the hdd to do, saving wear-and tear while racing up applications.
Hopefully, since you have have finished, you will see a marked enhancement in computer performance.