I am posting 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 lack of care, because several readers write about their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Maybe the most important factor to a poorly performing computer is malware.
Action 1. Revise the definitions of your antivirus and run a complete scan of your drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Note that some viruses require extra measures until they could be removed; ordinarily a websearch will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you cannot find a solution, use the Bc forums to request support.
Step Two. You’ve recently downloaded an application, and if the sluggishness is unanticipated, the problem might live there. Check this by fully eliminating it. A user will typically perform a web search about the application before installing because in most instances, any possible problem with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Action three. Adware and Spyware can radically effect your computer’s performance, and these are all over the Web.
Revise the definitions of your anti spyware applications and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced customers will consistently operate 2 or 3 of these applications, because each business has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A list of very good, free anti spyware applications is given by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next step.
For additional reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the applications have quite good Help documents that describe how they function also as the special attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation programs that self-start on startup. You computer may be a arena for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-start feature which enables them to be exposed instantly; other programs will include an automatic update feature that demands them to be running in the background. Each of these decreases your launching Windows and each requires a little bit of assets while your computer is running.
The easiest method to review and than to handle start-ups is to-use one of the many little resources available (see the Bc list of free programs). Remember that BC maintains a very complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the item is needed, elective, or unnecessary, if you’re unsure about what can be safely deleted.
At the same time, remember that all those symbols on your own Desktop also take a modest number of trunk time to set themselves.
Absence of Upkeep
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused applications and move old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files that you have opened, applications you have not used 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 level users: some professionals would contain the additional maintenance step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you’ll find plenty of applications to assist do that. For the most part, so this step isn’t included, you may do serious harm by creating registry modifications, registry care won’t make a critical difference, and unless you are really comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make copies of the registry
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix OSS_BAD_PTR.
Stage 7. Defragment your computer. Windows will set new documents in any available open space; defragging will set related sections of files closer together therefore your read arm has less travelling around the hard drive to do, saving wear-and tear while racing up programs.
Hopefully, now that you have have finished, you will find a noticeable enhancement in computer functionality.