I’m submitting a summary record of general steps you can take to solve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most frequent causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and lack of maintenance, because several readers reveal their computer reacting slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the greatest factor to a poorly performing computer is malware. Usually this is related to downloading an application that includes 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.
Action 1. Revise the explanations of your anti virus and run a full scan of your hard disk in Safe Mode. Solve any unfixable issues. Note that some viruses need extra measures before they can be removed; normally a websearch will find specific instructions or a special removal tool. If you cannot find a solution, use the BC forums to obtain help.
Step Two. If the sluggishness is sudden, and you’ve recently downloaded an application, the problem may dwell there. Test this by completely removing it. A user will typically perform a websearch about the application before installing because in most instances, any potential trouble with malware or inferior performance will have appeared.
Stage three. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your personal computer’s operation, and these are around the Web.
Update the definitions of your anti spyware programs and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Seasoned users will consistently run 2 or 3 of these applications, because each business has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A set of quite great, free anti spyware programs is supplied by BC). Again, solve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Review programs that self-launching on startup. You computer may become a battleground for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-start feature which permits them to be exposed fast; other programs may contain an automated update feature that requires them to be working in the background. Each of these decreases your launch Windows and each requires a little bit of sources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest method to review and than to handle startups would be to use one of the numerous small utilities available (see the BC list of free programs). If, for example, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to show off any you don’t need. Remember that BC maintains a quite complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or unnecessary, if you are unsure about what may be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that all those icons on your own Desktop also take a modest number of trunk time to set themselves.
Absence of Maintenance
Step 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Step 7). Delete unused applications and move old files to a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family images, zipped files which you have previously opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for the old printer you put away last year—these are a few types of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Clean-up to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for sophisticated users: some experts would comprise the added maintenance stage of cleaning the Windows registry, and you’ll find several apps to assist try this. For the most part, registry maintenance won’t make a significant difference, and unless you’re really comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make backups of-the registry, you may do severe damage by making registry changes, so this measure is not contained
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it repair Svchost100.
Stage 7. Defragment your computer. Windows will put new files in any available open space; defragging will place affiliated segments 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, now that you have have concluded, you’ll find a noticeable improvement in pc performance.