23/06/2013
Tips to Diagnose and fix a slow running Microsoft Windows based computer
NB: This page only cover an overall slow computer and not a computer that has a slow boot up.
This can happens to anybody even the best. One day your Windows-based computer just seems to be taking much longer than usual to open applications and save files on your hard drive. Sadly, there are many causes why your computer could be running slowly, but here are some easy steps you can try to figure out what is causing the slowdown and how to fix it before calling a computer service person for assistance.
Reboot
First you should save any open files and quit any applications that are running. Then reboot your computer to see if that is a quick fix — a lot of PC users leave their systems running as close to 24/7, and this can lead to your system slowing down.
Updates
Make sure your Windows operating system and virus scanner are both up-to-date. This can be checked from Internet Explorer, click Tools on the top menu, and then select Windows Update. Most anti-virus programs will also have an auto-updater or an update-on-demand feature that will allow you to download and install the recent updates for the software.
Software / Hardware conflict
Also to consider are any recent changes made to your computer immediately before you noticed the slowdown. Issues could include Things such as new hardware or software being installed. For software, double check that your computer system, including hard drive space, memory, video requirements, operating system and so on, meet the software manufacturer's minimum system requirements. Minimum System requirements can be found on the side or back of the case the software came in or a sticker on the CD/DVD jewel case. If you find a problem here, uninstall the felon software, reboot the computer and see if this solves the slowness problem.
For recently added hardware such as a printer, scanner or other device, the easiest way to is to simply remove the device. Reboot the system and observe your system performance without the device installed. You should also check the manufacturer's Web page to see if they have released newer drivers than what you have.
Background programs
If you haven't made any recent system changes and a reboot doesn't do it, you can also verify that your system simply isn't running out of resources due to open background programs. One of the most common reasons for a slow computer is programs running in the background. Remove or disable any TSRs (Terminate and Stay Resident) programs that automatically start each time the computer boots. Also check what you have running in your startup programs. Many programs may launch at startup through default settings when they were installed. Over time these applications add up and may drain your system resources. To see what programs are currently running on start-up, in Windows XP or Vista click on Start, select Run or for Windows7 or higher click on start (type in the search program and files) MSCONFIG and hit the Enter key. Select the Startup tab from the dialog box. Here you can deselect any items that are running that you don't really need at start-up. Select Apply after deselecting the startup applications and reboot the system to check for noticeable speed gain when it restarts again.
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 or higher run Resmon to get a better understanding of how your computer is being used.
If you've got an antivirus scanner on the computer, spyware protection program, or other security utility make sure it's not scanning your computer in the background. If a scan is in progress it can decrease the overall performance of your computer.
Free hard drive space
This is probably a good time to do some basic Windows maintenance, such as cleaning out temporary files, defragging your hard drive, and also uninstalling unused programs.
Tip: Windows Live OneCare offers a free tune up scan that can help you optimize your PC's performance. This scan will help you determine what basic system maintenance tasks need to be run on your computer.
If you don't know what an item listed in your Startup program is or what program installed it you probably don't need it.
Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard 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. Run Scandisk, chkdsk, or something equivalent to verify there is nothing physically wrong with the computer hard drive like bad, corrupted hard disk.
Run Defrag to help ensure that data is arranged in the best possible order.
Hard drive upgrade
One of the biggest bottlenecks of a computer is the hard disk drive. For anyone with a slow computer or just looking for something to upgrade in the computer to improve overall system performance going from a traditional HDD to a Solid State Drive (SSD) will significantly improve the overall system performance.
Memory upgrade
Confirm if your system has adequate video and system memory (RAM) resources for the tasks you are trying to execute. If you've had your computer for more than two years it's likely your computer is not meeting the memory requirements for today. Today, we suggest a minimum of 1GB of memory (RAM). By having enough memory for programs to run within memory your computer will not need to swap information stored within memory to the swap file. If your computer hard drive light is constantly active, it’s a good indication of your computer is swapping information between your memory and hard drive because of the lack of space in memory.
Scan for malware
If you've come this far and you haven't found the problem, it's time to ensure your system is free of viruses and pop-ups. This type of malicious code is usually installed unknowingly by the user and they can certainly be a resource monopolize if on your system. With an up-to-date virus scanner and/or pop-up scanner you can verify if this is the cause of your slowing system.
Run registry cleaner
I 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 (for professionals only)
Computer or processor is overheating
Make sure your computer and processor is not overheating. Excessive heat can cause a significant decrease in computer performance since most processors automatically regulate the speed of the system down 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.
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 after following the above steps it is going to run slower than a newer computer.
Hardware issues
Finally, if your computer continues to be slower than normal after going over each of the above recommendations (including erasing and starting over) 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.
At this point consult a professional.
