I am submitting a summary listing of general things you can do to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care, because many readers write about their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Possibly the most important factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Update the explanations of your anti virus and run a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some viruses need extra steps before they could be removed; normally a websearch will locate specific directions or a particular removal tool. If you can’t find a solution, use the BC forums to request help.
Step Two. If the slowness is abrupt, and you’ve recently saved an application, the issue might live there. Test this by completely removing it. A sensible user will typically perform a web search about the program before getting because in most cases, any possible issue with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Step three. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your personal computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Web. A very recent research indicated that one out of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one piece of spyware waiting for sufferers.
Revise the definitions of your antispyware applications and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will routinely operate 2 or 3 of these programs, because each company has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A listing of very good, free anti-spyware applications is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
For additional reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have quite great Help files that clarify how they work also as the unique attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Review apps that self-launch on startup. You pc can be a arena for your attention. Many programs, for example, install a quick-start feature which permits them to be opened immediately; other programs may include an automatic update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each needs a small bit of resources while your computer is running.
Remember that BC maintains a quite complete Startup Database that contains info about whether the item is needed, optional, or unnecessary, if you’re uncertain about what could be safely deleted.
At-the same time, remember that those icons in your Desktop also take a small amount of trunk time to set themselves.
Absence of Upkeep
Step 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused programs and transfer old files to a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files that you have already opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete.
(Note for sophisticated users: some professionals would include the additional upkeep stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you will find plenty of apps to assist do that. For the most part, registry care won’t make a major difference, and unless you’re really comfy with Windows, and carefully make copies of the registry, you can do serious harm by making registry modifications, so this measure isn’t contained
Action 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it mend Online Scanner Errors.
Step 7. Defragment your pc. Windows will put new documents in any available open space; defragging will place affiliated sections of files closer together so your read arm has less travelling around the hdd to do, saving wear-and tear while speeding up programs.
Hopefully, now that you have have finished, you’ll see a marked improvement in pc performance.