Computer performance or startup slowed?

SCAN YOUR PC WITH ANTI-VIRUS AND ANTI-SPYWARE PROGRAMS

• before scanning your pc with installed anti-virus or anti-spyware programs be sure it is up to date with latest available updates installed or else some new virus and spywares present in your pc will not be removed. To be more effective you can pull out your hard drive and scan it from another virus and spyware free pc with up to date anti-virus updates installed.

NOTE* BACK UP YOUR IMPORTANT FILES BEFORE DOING ANYTHING ON YOUR PC.


RUN YOUR DISK CLEANUP TOOL

• try checking your hard disk free space if there is not enough space left it might be the cause of your slow pc performance. Disk Cleanup is a tool used to free space by removing temporary internet files, downloaded program files, by emptying the Recycle Bin, removing temporary Windows files, removing optional Windows components that you are not using and removing installed programs that you no longer use. For more info click here. 

REMOVE UNUSED APPLICATION/PROGRAMS

• check your installed programs in your pc by clicking on "Start" then "Control Panel" thin click on "Add or Remove Programs" a list of installed programs appear then choose which program your not using any more and remove them. Removing installed programs frees space on your hard drive. The more space the faster the pc.

NOTE* DO NOT REMOVE PROGRAMS YOUR NOT SURE OF MAYBE IT IS USED/NEEDED BY THE OPERATING SYSTEM.

 DEFRAGMENTATION

• Disk fragmentation slows the overall performance of your system. When files are fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. The response time can be significantly longer.Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility that consolidates fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard disk so that each occupies a single space on the disk. With your files stored neatly end-to-end, without fragmentation, reading and writing to the disk speeds up.

Run Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals—monthly is optimal—there are other times you should run it too such as when you add a large number of files, your free disk space totals 15 percent or less and you install new programs or a new version of Windows.

DETECT AND REPAIR DISK ERRORS

• In addition to running Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter to optimize the performance of your computer, you can check the integrity of the files stored on your hard disk by running the Error Checking utility.As you use your hard drive, it can develop bad sectors. Bad sectors slow down hard disk performance and sometimes make data writing (such as file saving) difficult, or even impossible. The Error Checking utility scans the hard drive for bad sectors, and scans for file system errors to see whether certain files or folders are misplaced.If you use your computer daily, you should run this utility once a week to help prevent data loss.

WINDOWS UPDATE

• be sure latest available updates are installed in your pc. To check available update click "Start" then click "All Programs" at the top part click "Windows Update". A Microsoft web page will open then click on "Express" recommended.

SERVICES AND APPLICATION

• If you are a competent user than you can reduce the number of services and applications that start up when Windows initiates. Applications, more so than services will give you a slow startup. 'Start' and then click on 'Run' and type in MSCONFIG and select the 'Startup' tab (applications only). Disable what you will. These applications are still available once you are logged in - they have not been deleted.For SERVICES ---- follow the same procedure but select the 'services' tab instead.

DO NOT uncheck the 'Hide All Microsoft Services' box. You may render your computer useless if you disable any Microsoft Services. Also DO NOT disable any virus services unless you have 3rd party antivirus software.

ADJUST VISUAL EFFECTS

• One of the best computer speed tips is to cut down on all the processes that burden your CPU. Windows has a lovely interface. Fading icons, drop down shadows, animate windows are just a few of the fancy features. However, these features are completely unnecessary to your computer performance. All these features bog down your CPU. So, if you would like to increase your Windows speed eliminate some of these options. 

1.Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2.Click System.
3.Find the Advanced tab and Click
4.Under Performance, Click Settings
5.Under Visuals Effects, you may choose from a list of options such as Adjust for best performance or custom. If you choose Adjust for best performance all the features will be unchecked. 

I recommend choosing the Adjust for best performance option. However if you feel Windows is missing some flare, choose Custom. Then you can individually add whatever features you like to jazz up your Windows appearance.

Problem solved? If not please contact your respective computer technician for more help it might need some expertise.