how can i speed up my computer without upgrading my hardware?

Question

well.. it seems that my computer slows down, especially at startup.

Answer 1

check msconfig, anything that doesn't need to auto start, uncheck, if that doesn't work, try cleaning up your registry. If you're the type that does a lot of installing / uninstalling, reformatting and installing a fresh OS might be the way to go. I've ghosted my hard drive with all my software, with the exception of anti virus.

At least once a year, I drop a new image, install my anti-virus software and any updates that have been released since I created the image...but I'm a little OCD about my PC lol

Answer 2

usually start lag is cause becuase you told some programs that you have installed to start up and go into standby mode.when turn the computer on.

DON'T DO THIS IF YOU DON'T KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING

goto start
hit run
type "msconfig"
goto the "startup" tab

Look for any programs that don't have a "windows", "system" or "microsoft" in the location name

now look at the ones that weren't excluded from the above search
if the program isn't familair to you don't uncheck it.

programs that you would be looking for could be
(palm pilot, cell phone connector, photoshop, office, ect.)

unclick these then hit apply
the comp. will then reboot.

Answer 3

You could do a cleanup on it, go into control panel and its under performance and maintainence. It will cleanup old files that your comp doesnt need anymore. Also delete all you cookies and temporary internet folders. Also if its on start up you probably have a lot of programs that are set to start when your computer does, ensure the programs in your toolbar are those that you actually need straight away so you dont have to wait extra time form them. Also to add/remove programs and go down the list removing programs you dont use 'autoroute express' is about 100mb! This should speed you up a bit

Answer 4

Well, if you use windows there are several ways to do so.

1. Scan for viruses and keep your machine clean from them and spyware.

2. defrag your hard drive often.

3. remove unneeded software.

4. have enough empty space in boot drive.

5. reinstall the os.

6 clean up your registry.

7 in windows xp, disable the page file ( do not delete. page file is essential for winxp to work.

8 remove user profiles that r not being used.

9 remove unneeded programs from the notification area.

10 use software specially antivirus depending on your hardware.(ie- like not using latest software which needs higher reqirements)

Answer 5

what your asking and what you say after are 2 different things,as far as getting your computer up to par what it used to be fresh from start take the advice and do what the other posters suggested.

scan disk
defrag harddrive
try to delete and get rid of anything that is cluttering up your comp
virus scan
spyware scan

for what your asked about making your parts run faster?like tweeking,that will take some experience,and testing,and also depends on what computer parts you have in the 1st place,to even decide whether its worth it or not.

Answer 6

To speed up your computer,You can :
1.Delete temp files and history.
2.Clean corrupt and infected files.
3.Fix corrupt registry keys.
4.Under protection of antivirus and antispyware.
5.Delete unnecessary start up programs.
There is a step-by-step guide:
http://www.speed-up-computer.info/index.php?t=speedup
Hope that can help you.

Answer 7

Hi, I have some tutorials on this subject on my site if you care to take a look:

http://www.top-windows-tutorials.com/How_To_Make_Windows_Faster.html

also, as others have rightly said, make sure your computer is free from viruses and spyware and other such annoying little programs.

Hope that helps!

Answer 8

OVERCLOCK IT! But consult the hardware geeks first.

Answer 9

are you using a Mac or PC?