First steps to cure a slow computer

[grumpygit]

If your computer is running slow there is always a possibility that your system is infected with malware.
Before asking for malware removal help you should try these basic steps first.


Remove Temp files.

Over time Temp files used by various programmes and installations can use up valuable disk space and cause your system to slow down.

Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.

Other useful cleaning programmes include: CCleaner, ATF Cleaner and CleanUp!

These programmes will permanently delete all Temp files, so check that there is nothing in your temp folders you need to keep before running.

Remove old unused programmes.

Old unused programmes can also slow your system, so if you don't need them or they are out of date, uninstall them.

Remove unnecessary programmes.

If you have any programmes running that are not needed ie. special themes, styles or toolbars, remove them. A lot of 'personalisation' programmes can really slow your system down.

Check your Startup programmes.

Download a programme such as StartUpLite or Autoruns and use it to disable any unnecessary programmes.

If there are any programmes you are unsure about removing uninstalling, or disabling, feel free to ask in Applications support.

Defragment your hard disk.

Over time, storing and deleting data on your hard disk can leave files unorganised and scattered about on your disk.
Defragmenting wil organise the files so that they can be found faster by your computer.

Click on Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk defragment.

You can also use Disk-Defrag

Check your hard disk for errors.

Hard disks get errors over time and this can also cause problems.

Click on Start > computer > right click on your hard disk > select properties.
In the tools tab you can run error checking.

Registry Cleaners

We recommend that you do NOT use registry cleaners.
Any benefits are far outweighed by the potential problems they can cause.
More information on registry cleaners - Registry Cleaners

If you need any help with any of the above steps?
Please post your question in General computer help.

If, after you have tried the above steps, your computer is still running slow?
Please follow the instructions in Malware Removal Forum and post your logs. A trained security analyst will examine your logs and advise you on removal of any malware that is present.