Sometimes my computer us slowing down almost to a halt. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Defragging usually helps with this the most. Go to start/programs/accessories/ system tools/disk defragmentor(if you haven't done this in awhile it could take a long time) You should do it at least once a week if you surf online very much. Clean out your temp files. A simple way to do this is go to start/find/find files and folders and type in *.tmp, after it finds them then click select all and then hit the delete key.

Spyware can also slow you down or too much loading on startup that isn't necessary. Adaware is free for finding spyware http://www.recommended-download.com/adaware/?gclid=COfMw-fihYkCFTaVFQoduDXBIg

Answer 2

Most computers are slowed down by clutter. Also, it's best to have at least half of the primary hard-drive free, for optimum performance.

The first thing to do is remove any unused programmes. Next go to 'My Computer' then right-click your hard-drive then click 'Properties'. Next click 'Disk Cleanup' and follow the wizard until it starts cleaning up your computer.

After that, you can try defragging the computer. This is accessible from the 'Tools' tab of the hard-drive properties dialogue box. Defragging will group file fragments together so that the reading head of the hard drive doesn't has to move as far to find the files.

There are other factors that can slow a computer, such as applications that use a lot of resources, but without seeing your computer, I can't point them out.

Answer 3

Working with a slow computer can be time consuming as programs/ applications take a long time to start. This problem is more pronounced in computers which have been used for 6 or more months. More information at http://fixit.in/slowcomputer.html

Answer 4

I have the same problem with mine.I've just discovered that my hard drive register is loaded up with errors. The older your computer is the more likely it has accumulated a long list of errors. What you have to do is install a hard drive disc scrubber, it scans for all the errors and removes them. you can get one for around $30.00 on-line or at a retail outlet.Once you scrub all the errors start-up and all your programs run much faster and don't bog down or crash.

Answer 5

The following steps should speed up your PC:

1. Run Disk clean-up. Then delete unused files. (start>program>accessories>sys... tools> disk clean-up)
2. Check for disk errors. (right click on a disk-drive>properties>tools >error checking, then restart)
3. Run disk defragmenter.
4. Delete cookies. (you can do it from your browser options: tools>internet options)
5. Delete cache or temporary files. (you can do it from your browser options) or, click on 'start", 'run', type 'temp' then click ok. Whatever shows up, just delete.
6. Delete all history files. (you can do it from your browser options, or, CTRL + H, then delete)
7. Empty recycle bin.
8. Delete unused icons & short-cuts from anywhere including desktop.
9. Uninstall any software or game that you use only once or twice in a week.
10. Delete temporary internet files. (you can do it from your browser options: tools>internet options)
11. Delete all recent files. (click on start, click run, then type "recent", delete all the files which show up)
12. Run a full virus scan. If any threat found, eliminate that completely.
13. Run a software which can remove any spyware or adware.
Like: Ad Aware, Windows defender etc.
http://www.download.com/Ad-Aware-SE-Personal-Edition/3000-8022_4-10399602.html?tag=lst-0-1
http://www.download.com/Microsoft-Windows-Defender/3000-12771_4-10598014.html?tag=lst-0-1

If you did these all at the same time, restart your computer. All these to be done once in a week if possible, depending on the frequency of use of your PC.

* Updating: (Needed only when updates are available)
14. Update your Windows by installing latest updates.
15. Update your audio & video drivers.
16. Update softwares, browsers, games that you use.

Use CCleaner to get rid of unnecessary junks:
http://www.download.com/CCleaner/3000-2144_4-10592746.html?tag=lst-0-1)

Registry Cleaner:
http://www.download.com/TweakNow-RegCleaner/3000-2094_4-10553321.html?tag=lst-0-1

Answer 6

Dump the cache, clear your history, run a Spyware and an AdAware prgram to remove any infections. That should help out alot.

Answer 7

Get tips from this website. http://www.microsoft.com/atwork/getstarted/speed.mspx
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,1558,1786122,00.asp

Just wanna add.
>You need to repair your registry as many errors can causes computer slow, blue screen and freeze.
>Software to repair registry such as Registry Mechanic, RegCure, System Mechanic 6, Super Utilities etc. are required.
>Then, please make sure you are using NTFS files system as it has better performance than FAT32 and FAT.
>Next, please clean your 'prefetch' folder. To do so, go to start and choose run>type 'prefetch'>delete all files(deleting all files will not ruin your computer.
Gud luck....

Answer 8

It will help to know what software you have,antispyware,antivirus.