Malware
Possibly the most important contributor to a badly performing computer is malware.
Stage 1. Revise the explanations of your anti virus and run a full scan of your hard drive in Safe Mode. Resolve any unfixable problems. Notice that some infections need extra steps until they can be removed; typically a internet search will locate specific instructions or a particular removal tool. Use the Bc forums to obtain help, if you cannot find a solution.
Step Two. If the sluggishness is surprising, and you have recently downloaded an application, the problem may reside there. Check this by entirely eliminating it. A user will typically perform a websearch about the program before downloading it because in most instances, any possible trouble with malware or poor performance will have surfaced.
Action 3. Adware and Spyware can dramatically effect your personal computer’s operation, and these are all over the World wide web. A very recent study indicated that one out-of every 20 executable files on Web sites is spyware, and 1 in 25 domains include at least one piece of spyware waiting for victims.
Update the explanations of your antispyware programs and scan your hard drives in Safe Mode. Experienced users will often operate two or three of these applications, because each company has its own standards for what constitutes spyware and will only search against their own set. (A set of very good, free antispyware programs is given by BC). Again, solve any open issues before proceeding to the next phase.
Uncontrolled Applications
Stage 4. Evaluation applications that self-launching on startup. You computer may become a arena for your attention. Many programs, for instance, install a rapid-start feature which allows them to be exposed instantly; other programs will comprise an automatic update feature that demands them to be working 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.
Remember that Bc maintains a really complete Startup Database that includes information about whether the item is needed, discretionary, or not needed, in case you are unsure about what may be safely removed.
At-the same time, remember that those icons on your own Desktop also take a modest amount of boot time to put themselves.
Lack of Care
Step 5. Clean up your hard drive (preparation for Stage 7). Delete unused applications and exchange old files to a CD. Unplayed games, tons of family pictures, zipped files that you have opened, applications you haven’t found in two years, software for that old printer you put away last year—these are some examples of files you can delete. Then use Window’s Disk Cleanup to remove temporary internet files, temporary PC health files, etc.
(Note for high level users: some professionals would include the additional care step of cleaning the Windows registry, and you will find several applications to assist do that. For the most part, registry maintenance will not make a major difference, and unless you are really comfortable with Windows, and carefully make backups of-the registry, you can do significant harm by creating registry modifications, so this step is not contained
Step 6. Run scandisk / checkdisk in Safe Mode. Have it fix Variable Speed Cd Players.
Stage 7. Defragment your personal computer.
Hopefully, now that you have have finished, you’ll see a marked improvement in computer functionality.