I am publishing a summary record of general steps you can take to resolve this issue, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of care, because several readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest contributor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Often this is related to downloading an application that includes spyware, by not having browser security settings high enough, by carelessly downloading P2P files, or by declining to install security sections in a timely manner.
Stage 1. Revise the explanations of your anti-virus and run a complete scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some infections require additional measures until they can be removed; typically a internet search will locate specific directions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to request assistance, if you fail to find a answer.
Step 2. If the slowness is abrupt, and you have recently downloaded an application, the problem might dwell there. Check this by totally removing it. A smart user will usually perform a internet search about the program before installing because in most cases, any potential issue with malware or inferior performance will have surfaced.
Stage 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your computer’s performance, and these are all over the Internet.
Experienced users will regularly run 2 or 3 of the programs, because each business has its own criteria for what constitutes spyware and will simply search against their own established. (A list of really good, free antispyware programs 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
Step 4. Evaluation programs that self-launching on startup. You pc may be a arena for your interest. Many programs, for instance, install a quick-start feature that allows them to be opened fast; other programs may comprise an automated 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 little bit of resources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest approach to examine and than to handle start ups would be to utilize one of the numerous small resources available (see the BC list of free applications). If, like, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and allows you to turn off any you don’t need. Remember that BC maintains a quite complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the questioned item is required, optional, or unnecessary, in case you are unsure about what could be safely removed.
At the same time, remember that all those symbols on your Desktop also take a modest amount of boot time to put themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Stage 5. Cleanup your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused programs and transfer old files to your CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files that you have previously opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for the old printer you threw away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete.
(Note for sophisticated users: some experts would contain the additional maintenance stage of cleaning up the Windows registry, and you’ll find several programs to help do this. For the most part, registry care won’t make a vital difference, and unless you’re very comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of the registry, you can do severe damage by creating registry modifications, so this step is not included
Action 6. Have it fix Requiredinterface Windows.
Step 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, since you have have ended, you will find a marked improvement in pc functionality.