I’m submitting a summary record of basic things you can do to resolve this problem, and briefly discussing the three most common causes : malware, uncontrolled applications, and insufficient maintenance, because several readers write about their computer responding slowly.
Malware
Perhaps the most important factor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Update the explanations of your anti-virus and operate a complete scan of your hard disk drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable issues. Notice that some infections need additional measures until they could be removed; generally a web search will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. Use the BC forums to request help, if you fail to find a solution.
Step 2. If the slowness is unanticipated, and you’ve recently downloaded an application, the problem might reside there. Test this by entirely removing it. A user will typically perform a websearch about the program before downloading it because in most cases, any possible problem with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Step 3. Adware and Spyware can radically impact your computer’s functionality, and these are all over the Internet.
Update the definitions of your anti spyware programs and check your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced users will frequently run several of these applications, because each company has its own requirements for what constitutes spyware and will just search against their own established. (A list of really great, free antispyware applications is supplied by BC). Again, resolve any open issues before continuing to the next phase.
For additional reading about Malware and some malware removal applications, use BC’s Tutorial section; most of the programs have really great Help files that clarify how they work as well as the unique attributes of each.
Uncontrolled Applications
Step 4. Evaluation applications that self-launch on startup. You computer may become a arena for your consideration. Many programs, for instance, install a fast-launch feature which allows them to be opened instantly; other programs may include an automatic update feature that demands them to be running in the background. Each of these slows down your launching Windows and each requires a small bit of sources while your personal computer is running.
The simplest way to review and than to handle start-ups will be to work with one of many little resources available (see the BC list of free applications). If, for instance, you have Spybot Search and Destroy, you can use its startup tool that lists startups and lets you to show off any you do not want. If you’re unsure about what may be safely deleted, remember that BC maintains a really comprehensive Startup Database that contains info about whether the inquired item is needed, discretionary, or not needed.
At the same time, remember that all those icons on your Background also take a small amount of boot time to place themselves.
Lack of Upkeep
Stage 5. Delete unused programs and exchange old files into a CD. Unplayed games, lots of family pictures, zipped files which you have already opened, applications you haven’t used in two years, software for that old printer you threw away last year—these are a few examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to delete temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for sophisticated users: some experts would include the added upkeep step of cleaning up the Windows registry, and there are plenty of programs to help do that. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a significant difference, and unless you are quite comfortable with Windows, and cautiously make copies of the registry, you may do significant harm by making registry modifications, so this measure is not included
Stage 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Unable Connect Dhcp Server Windows Xp.
Action 7. Defragment your computer.
Hopefully, now that you have have ended, you’ll find a marked improvement in pc performance.