I’m posting a summary record of basic things you can do to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient care, because several readers come up with their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Possibly the most important contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Often this is associated with downloading an application that contains spyware, by not having browser security settings high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by failing to install security patches in a timely manner.
Action 1. Revise the explanations of your antivirus and run a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable problems. Notice that some viruses require additional steps before they could be removed; normally a web search will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you fail to find a answer, use the Bc forums to obtain help.
Step 2. If the sluggishness is unexpected, and you have recently downloaded an application, the problem may reside there. Check this by entirely eliminating it. A user will usually perform a websearch about the application before downloading it because in most cases, any potential difficulty with malware or inferior performance will have appeared.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically impact your computer’s performance, and these are around the World wide web. A very recent research showed that one out of every 20 executable files on Websites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains comprise at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Seasoned users will frequently operate 2 or 3 of the programs, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own set. (A list of quite good, free antispyware programs is provided by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next step.
For additional reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have quite good Help files that clarify how they work too as the special characteristics of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review applications that self-launch on startup. You pc can become a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-launch feature which allows them to be opened quickly; other programs may contain an automated update feature that requires them to be operating in the background. Your launching Windows are slowed down by each of these and each requires a small bit of resources while your personal computer is running.
You may use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to turn off any you usually do not need, if, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy. If you’re uncertain about what could be safely deleted, remember that Bc maintains a very comprehensive Startup Database that includes information about whether the inquired item is needed, discretionary, or not needed.
At the same time, remember that those symbols on your Background also take a small amount of boot time to place themselves.
Lack of Upkeep
Stage 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused applications and exchange old files into a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family images, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for that old printer you put away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for advanced users: some professionals would comprise the additional maintenance stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find several programs to help try this. For the most part, registry maintenance won’t make a major difference, and unless you are quite comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry, you can do significant damage by making registry modifications, so this measure is not included
Step 6. Have it fix Repair Visual Basic For System 7.
Action 7. Defragment your pc. Windows will set new documents in any available open space; defragging will place affiliated 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 plans.
Hopefully, since you have have concluded, you’ll find a marked enhancement in pc functionality.