What can you do to fix a slow computer?

Question

Ran spyware and virus scans and ran disk cleanup which helped a little but how do you clean the registry and is there any other ideas apart from a RAM upgrade that you can suggest?

Answer 1

I an a semi regular basis go through my add/remove programs in control panel, and remove any programs I no longer use or need, then go through my documents folder and delete stuff of no use from there, then I empty my recycle bin, then do disk clean up, and after disk clean up I do a defrag. This usually keeps my memory uncluttered and easily accessible. For registry fixes, there are a slew of downloads for registry fixes and cleaners, ranging from $20 to $90 for the program, these will help some, but only necessary if you get a lot of explorer errors and shut down for general protection fault errors. Think of your file system just as you would if you had a filing cabinet in your room. If it is cluttered and filled with a bunch of useless documents, and not in any sort of consolidated organization, you would have a hard time finding what you need. You computers ram has the same problem when you don't have it's files in order. Remove, Clean, then defrag and see if that helps any. Also, try looking into you task manager (ctrl,alt,delete) and see what programs you have running in the background. Some of these you can problably disable or remove if you don't use them all the time. They can also cause slow downs. Good luck.

Answer 2

If your virus/spyware free, there are a couple things you can do get your computer working faster. If you using your laptop for normal stuff and not gaming. You got a good setup. You don't need more RAM you just need to perform a few maintenance task.

Firstly, if you haven't cleaned your registry in a while. This is necessary. Your registry holds all the information regarding updates, installs, un-installs etc. Each one of those events has
a key. That key needs your PC's resources and free space. So, if you clean your registry, you make more resources available for speed. Do a registry scan if you got more than 20 errors you should clean it. You can use free scans below:
http://www.delete-computer-history.com/what-is-the-best-registry-cleaner.html

2. Clear your Windows cache files, this is your temporary file. It can grow up to a large volume and stop your computer from using RAM properly. In a sense slow it down by preventing it from using free space.Here is how:

1. Quit Internet Explorer, Firefox, or any other web browser
2. Click Start, click "Control Panel", and then double-click "Internet Options".
3. On the General tab, click "Delete Files" under Temporary Internet Files.
4. In the Delete Files dialog box, click to select the "Delete all offline content" check box , and then click OK.
5. Click OK.

3. Manage your startups. Your excess CPU usage is due to too many programs running in the background. You can cut these to barebones by alter your msconfig. Here is how:

1. Open your Start menu.
2. Click Run
3. In the command screen type "msconfig.exe"
4. In the "system configuration utility",click either "service" or "startup" tab
5. Uncheck all programs that your are no longer using.
6. Click "OK"

Other great tip is increasing your virtual memory to simulate more RAM. This will give you a bit more resources for multiple program use or CPU heavy programs. Check the link to alter your virtual memory spec.

Hope this link helps. Shows you how to do everything step by step. You should get a least 60% more resources and speed
if you follow the tips.

Answer 3

Dont listen to people telling you to use these 3rd party software's, only use something you know well and know EXACTLY what it will do to your computer, a good star would be doing a Disk Cleanup, then followed by a Disk Defragment, do this by going from:
Start>Programes>Accessorys>System Tools
They will all be in that folder, handy little tools that you can run once everymoth and will increase your computers speed slightly. Make sure you select the /C drive for cleanup/Defragment, as that is the drive that will be slowing your computer down, afterwards try a Virus scan, I reccomend AVG Free Edition, thatll make sure nothings up with your computer.

Answer 4

First of all DEFRAG the C drive.
Add more RAM (Memory)
Run windows disc cleanup,
all the above will help but if you want real speed then it's a new processer & probably motherboard as well. Cheaper to buy a new computer if yours is getting old.

Answer 5

Did you check drive fragmentation? Thats a common often underrated cause for slowdown especially if it has spread to a large extent to retard the speed and performance of the drive.

Answer 6

Tune Up Utilities 2007 is good.You can remove it once finished
and keep the install icon to put it back on again when needed.
Advanced Windows Care v2 is quicker.But not as good.

Answer 7

try a free trial of iolo system mechanic, i have it, its great. It sorts out everything:

defrags ram\ hdd
repairs\cleans registry
removes unecesery startup programs
and loads more

http://www.iolo.com/sm/7/std/#Features

Answer 8

what's the specs of the pc u can find that under control panel system info
(but if u already know that the pc used to run faster before then my advise is just format and reinstall windows)
hope this helps

Answer 9

go into tools click on internet options and click delete all ,you will have to put your e mail and password back in this should be done at least once a week

Answer 10

disable the start up programs
click start
then run
then type msconfig in the box click then ok
click the start up tab in the window that appears
and then click disable all click ok then restart ur computer.

i hope that helps.