I’m posting a summary checklist of basic things you can do to resolve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because many readers reveal their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Possibly the greatest contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Usually this is related to downloading a software that includes spyware, by not having browser security options large enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security areas regularly.
Action 1. Revise the definitions of your anti-virus and run a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses require additional steps before they can be removed; generally a web search will find specific instructions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to request assistance, if you fail to find a solution.
2. If the slowness is abrupt, and you have recently saved an application, the problem might live there. Test this by fully eliminating it. A smart user will usually perform a web search about the application before getting because in most instances, any potential issue with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your personal computer’s operation, and these are throughout the Web. A very recent study showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one piece of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Experienced users will often operate several of these applications, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own established. (A set of really good, free anti-spyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
For further reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have quite great Help files that clarify how they work too as the distinctive features of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review apps that self-start on startup. You computer can be a battleground for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a fast-start feature that permits them to be exposed quickly; other programs may contain an automated update feature that demands them to be working in the background. Each of these decreases your launching Windows and each needs a small bit of resources while your computer is running.
The simplest way to examine and than to handle startups will be to work with one of many little resources available (see the BC list of free apps). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to turn off any you don’t need. Remember that Bc maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary, if you are unsure about what may be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that all those symbols on your own Background also take a modest number of boot time to put themselves.
Lack of Care
Step 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused applications and transfer old files to your CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files which you have opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete.
(Note for high level users: some experts would contain the added upkeep step of cleaning the Windows registry, and there are plenty of programs to assist try this. For the most part, so this measure isn’t contained, you can do severe harm by creating registry modifications, registry maintenance will not make a significant difference, and unless you’re very comfy with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Kb935855 Win 7.
Action 7. Defragment your computer. Windows tends to set new documents in any available open space; defragging will set associated sections 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 ended, you will see a marked enhancement in computer functionality.