Malware
Perhaps the most important factor to a badly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security options high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security sections in a timely manner.
Step 1. Update the explanations of your antivirus and operate a complete scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Note that some infections need extra measures before they could be removed; usually a web search will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. If you fail to find a solution, use the Bc forums to obtain support.
Step 2. If the sluggishness is abrupt, and you’ve recently saved an application, the problem may rest there. Check this by completely eliminating it. A user will typically perform a websearch about the application before installing because in most cases, any potential difficulty with malware or poor performance will have appeared.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Web.
Revise the definitions of your anti spyware applications and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will regularly run two or three of the applications, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A record of quite great, free anti-spyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
For further reading about Malicious software 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 distinctive attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-launching on startup. You computer can become a battleground for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-start feature which allows them to be opened immediately; other programs may contain an automatic update feature that requires them to be running in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each needs a small bit of assets while your computer is running.
The easiest approach to examine and than to manage start ups is to work with one of the numerous small utilities available (see the BC list of free applications). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you may use its startup tool that lists startups and enables you to turn off any you usually do not need. Remember that BC maintains a quite complete Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary, in case you are uncertain about what could be safely deleted.
At-the same time, remember that all those icons on your own Background also take a small amount of trunk time to place themselves.
Absence of Upkeep
Step 5. Delete unused programs and exchange old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files that you have already 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 advanced users: some professionals would comprise the added care step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are several applications to assist do that. For the most part, so this step is not contained, you can do serious damage by making registry modifications, registry care won’t make a major difference, and unless you’re very comfy with Windows, and carefully make backups of-the registry
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Media Center Problems.
Action 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you’ll see a noticeable improvement in computer functionality.