REASONS FOR THE SLOW PC:
Not enough hard disk space.
Left over programs and bad files.
Data Corruption.
Missing Windows updates / Outdated drivers.
Computer is overheating.
Corrupt OS.
Bad Hardware.
Essentially, a computer slows down because of an increased demand on resources. Over time we add: music, games, pictures, MOVIES!; and these begin to use up the finite resources of the computer. Before long, there are too many processes, too little RAM and Disk Space, or needs a Windows Registry Cleaner, a dusting, or Spyware/Malware Removal.
Start up overload. As you add additional programs, they claim start-up status quickly and quietly. The more programs you have that are loading at start-up, the slower the start-up. Go to start, all programs, scroll to Startup and see how many programs are lurking there. The decision is yours. Remove the programs you do not want, or are not necessary, to be starting at boot-up.
REMEDIES
Solution
Tip This page only cover an overall slow computer and not a computer that has a slow boot up.
Below are steps for Microsoft Windows users that should help speed up the computer or determine why the computer is running slow.
Reboot
If your computer has not been reboot recently make sure to reboot it before following any of the below steps.
Not enough hard disk drive space
Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard disk drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size as well as room for temporary files.
Determining available hard drive space.
Regaining computer hard disk drive space.
Hard drive corrupted or fragmented
Run ScanDisk or something equivalent to verify there is nothing physically wrong with the computer hard disk drive.
Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.
Background programs
Remove or disable any TSRs and startup programs that automatically start each time the computer boots.
Tip To see what programs are running in the background and how much memory and CPU they are using open Task Manager. If you are running Windows 7 run Resmon to get a better understanding of how your computer is being used.
If you've got an anti-virus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or other security utility make sure it's not scanning your computer in the background. Often when these programs begin to scan the computer it can decrease the overall performance of your computer.
Scan for malware
Today, spyware and other malware is a big cause of many computer problems including a slow computer. Even if an anti-virus scanner is installed on the computer we recommend running a malware scan on the computer. Use the free version of Malwarebytes to scan your computer for malware.
Hardware conflicts
Verify that the Device Manager has no conflicts. If any exist resolve these issues as they could be the cause of your problem.
Update Windows
Make sure you have all the latest Windows updates installed in the computer.
If you are on the Internet when your computer is slow also make sure all browser plugins are up-to-date.
Update your drivers
Make sure you've got the latest drivers for your computer. Especially the latest video drivers. Having out-of-date drivers can cause an assortment of issues.
Computer or processor is overheating
Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating, excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance some processors will even lower the speed of the processor automatically to help compensate for the heat related issues.
Dust, dirt, and hair can also constrict a proper air flow on your computer, which can also cause a computer to overheat. Make sure your computer case is clean and fans are not obstructed
Memory upgrade
If you've had your computer for more than one year it's likely you're computer is not meeting the memory requirements for today. Today, we suggest at a minimum the computer have 1GB of memory.
Determining how much RAM is installed and available.
Specific operating system basic troubleshooting
Basic Microsoft Windows XP troubleshooting.
Basic Microsoft Windows 2000 troubleshooting.
Basic Microsoft Windows NT 4.0 troubleshooting.
Basic Microsoft Windows ME troubleshooting.
Basic Microsoft Windows 98 troubleshooting.
Basic Microsoft Windows 95 troubleshooting.
Basic Microsoft Windows 3.x troubleshooting.
Or go through the other basic troubleshooting steps.
Run registry cleaner
We normally do not recommend registry cleaners. However, if you have followed all of the above steps and your computer is still slow try running a registry cleaner on the computer.
Erase computer and start over
If none of the above solutions resolve your issues, it is recommended that you either reinstall Windows or erase everything and then start over.
Old computer
If your computer is older than five years come to terms that it is likely the age of the computer that is causing it to be slow. Computers progress at an alarming rate as new programs and updates for programs come out their minimum requirements increase and will cause older computers to slow down. If your computer is older than five years we suggest purchasing a new computer or just realize it is going to run slow because it is old.
Hardware issues
Finally, if your computer continues to be slow after going over each of the above recommendations it's possible that your computer is experiencing a more serious hardware related issue such as a failing component in the computer. This could be a failing or bad hard drive, CPU, RAM, motherboard, or other component
No comments:
Post a Comment