Tip: 1 My computer is running slow what steps can I do to fix it?

Issue

My computer is running slow what steps can I do to fix it?

Cause

This issue can be caused by any of the below possibilities.

1. Not enough hard disk space.
2. Left over programs and bad files.
3. Data Corruption.
4. Missing Windows updates / Outdated drivers.
5. Computer is overheating.
6. Corrupt OS.
7. Bad Hardware.

Solution

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.

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.

• What temperature should my processor be running at?

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.

• Steps on cleaning your computer.

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.

• How often should I buy a new computer?

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.

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What to look for in a new computer

Quick Notes:

   Just a quick word about some of the "hot deals" that are out there these days. You can now get a higher end computer for only a couple of hundred dollars...or even for nothing, but with a catch. The catch is that you have to sign a contract with a certain ISP (Internet Service Provider) for several years. You will still end up paying the same price in the long run, and you get locked into a Service Provider that you may or may not be happy with. Just make sure you read the fine print prior to signing on the dotted line.... There are also several deals that offer you a Free PC. If you can tolerate half to three quarters of your screen's boarder being rung with advertisements, it's not a bad deal.
    One more thing to consider. You can now get an ISP for free if you are willing to put up with a few Banner ads on your computer. Net Zero offers 40 hours of free Internet Connection (please note that this is not the only such provider available) along with local numbers in most areas. When you sign up, you have to fill out a short questionnaire that will later be used to gear the advertisements toward your personal likes and dislikes. It's not all that annoying and you get fairly fast internet access too (56k lines).

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What to Expect to Pay:

    When considering the purchase of a new computer, first consider how you plan to use the computer.  Typically, the software and peripherals you expect to use will determine the ‘basic’ configuration of the system.  To forego immediate obsolescence, you should purchase a computer system above this ‘basic’ configuration.  The length of time that you plan to own the computer before replacing it will also help you determine how much BETTER than BASIC your system should be.  MHC strives to replace desktop computer systems on a 3-4 year cycle.  Most home systems can function for at least this time frame. Money is frequently the determining factor.  Expect to pay anywhere from $800 - $1500 for a 'basic' system and anywhere from $1500 - $3500 for a "more advanced" system. The more you know about the components in your system, the easier it will be to upgrade and troubleshoot (should something go wrong).
    I hesitate to recommend any one specific vendor. While many are "just fine" for most consumers, I have personally seen too many "proprietary" systems for my liking. My recommendation would be to purchase a custom built system using name brand components.

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A Note about Laptops

     A laptop is probably going to be the most proprietarily built computer you could buy, but due to their nature, you just don't have much of a choice. There are many vendors out there, all who make comparable laptops. You'll need to balance features, performance and price to come up with one that you will be happy with for a few years to come. One of the most important issues to look into, is the manufacturers warranty. A laptop is probably the one thing I would recommend getting the extended warranty. Laptop computers go through way to much abuse to take the chance and not get one. My personal choice for a laptop is Dell. I've owned a few, and have always been happy with them. (Please note: I have always bought higher end laptops trying to insure that they won't become obsolete quite as quickly.)

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Vendor Info:

    If you do decide to go with a specific vendor, here are a few things you should consider. These include mail order companies, such as Dell, Micron, Gateway, Quantex, etc., as well as your local corner computer stores or super stores such as CompUSA or Circuit City.
 

• Will this vendor be around in a year if and when you need support? While this is very hard to predict in this industry, you can look at how long that they have been in business. If they've been in business for a while, chances are they might be around for a little while longer.
• What kind of support do they offer? Do they offer an on-site warranty? 24 hour phone support? A toll free number?
• Can you get through to them on the phone when you do need to? (Or do you just get constant busy signals.) This is something that you can find out before you purchase your system. Most companies will advertise support phone numbers in their ads, or you can call their main number and often wade through their online menu's to find it. Call them and see how hard it is to get through.
• Check through some of the major computer magazines to see if they have written any reviews on a system on the same level you are considering. Most major magazines will do periodic reviews of many of the "big" vendor's systems.
• Check the company's repair history. PC Magazine will print out its "tier" of vendor repair history. In the past few years, a few of the top level (meaning least amount of repairs) companies' have been Micron, Dell, and Gateway.
• Ask what components are in the system. Ask who makes the monitor? Who makes the modem? Who makes the motherboard? Listen to how the salesperson talks to you. If you listen carefully, you can sometimes tell if they have any idea of what they are talking about. Sometimes they may know more than you, sometimes they do not. Listen to their style of talking. Do they talk to you or at you. The more homework you do before you talk to them, the better off you will be. Don't get suckered in by a fast talking sales person.
• Pick up a copy of Computer Shopper Magazine and check out some prices for a system similar to the one you are considering. Computer Shopper (or the Sears catalog of computers) can be a bit intimidating when you first pick it up but with a little patience you can browse through it and maybe learn a thing or two. (I have to question how long this magazine will still be published. Since the invention of the "web", I've seen this magazine go from something the size of a large phone book, to a normal sized magazine.)
• Borrow a friend's computer and surf the web to see what is out there. Check out some of the big names and see what they are offering for the money. Then compare.
• If you have a friend who knows something about computers, talk to them. Get their opinion. But, no matter how much you like them, remember that friends or relatives may give you bad advice.
• Do your homework! The more research you do, the better off you are.

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