Some tips on speeding up your computer.

[Global Moderator]

Here are some ways to speed up your computer and improve overall performance.

There are several FAQ's in the FAQ Database regarding speeding up your computer but here is something I put together.
Note: Although this guide is 100% safe, misreading or skipping ahead may result in damage and problems with your software and/or operating system. Please read each step carefully.

Note: This FAQ is for Windows XP but it is relatively similar with other Microsoft Windows Operating Systems.

Click here if you need assistance with any one of these steps or if you have a question.

For help with these steps using our Chat, click here:

[Global Moderator]

Before we start, I strongly suggest creating a System Restore Point to back up your system.
Go to Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> System Restore.
(or go to Run and type %SystemRoot%\system32\restore\rstrui.exe and press Enter <--copy and paste it)
Select Create a Restore Point and click Next.
Name it Backup.
It will then create the restore point which you can restore your computer to if a problem occurs.


More info on System Restore here:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000589.htm


Though not necessary, I also recommend downloading and installing Erunt.
Have it create a backup of the System Registry.


Now time to improve your computer's performance.

[Global Moderator]

The first step is defragmentation. Defragging your hard drive may take a long time (especially if this is the first time you performed it on your computer). I suggest letting it run overnight whilst the computer is idle.
Running other programs simultaneously will only slow it down further.

Run the Disk Defragmenter.
This can be found in Start --> All Programs --> Accessories --> System Tools --> Disk Defragmenter.
(or go to RUN and type dfrg.msc and press Enter)
Defragment all available drives. (For example, C:\, D:\, E:\, ect...)


(Note: If your drive has under 15% free space, I strongly suggest you think about getting rid of some data, like burning all your photos to CDs or purchasing another hard drive. Windows recommends at least 15% free space to run efficiently.
For all we know, this could be the cause of your slowness. If you have never run CCleaner or Disk Cleanup, the following step can help you free up some space on your HD.)

If you have more time, you might want to have a look at IObit SmartDefrag.
http://www.snapfiles.com/reviews/iobit-smartdefrag/iobitsmartdefrag.html
I find this to be a faster and better disk defragmenter.
You can run it manually or you can set it to defrag in the background.
If you choose to use Iobit SmartDefrag, have it run a Defrag & Optimize and leave it for a few hours, although it usually takes only a few minutes.

Summary: Running a Defrag every few days will make sure your computer runs efficiently.
Don't forget to keep your disk as free as possible!

More info on Disk Defrag here:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php?topic=22086.0

[Global Moderator]

Download and Install
CCleaner.
(Without Yahoo Toolbar: http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds/downloading-slim)

When it is installed, run it and make sure the following checkboxes are checked.
Internet Explorer --> Temporary Files
Internet Explorer --> Cookies (optional)
Mozilla Firefox --> Internet Cache
Mozilla Firefox --> Cookies (optional)
System --> Temporary Files
System --> Empty Recycling Bin (optional but recommended if low on disk space)
You can check whatever else you want but you should know that whatever you check will be unrecoverable.
When you are done, Run the Cleaner.

Now head over to the Registry section in CCleaner.
Click Scan for Issues a few times and then Fix Selected Issues.
Repeat this one or two times.
CCleaner will prompt you to back up the registry. I suggest you do.

Another tip on freeing space is to remove old programs you don't use or don't work(like trial versions)
Go to Start --> Control Panel
(Start --> RUN --> Control and press Enter)
Make sure you are in Classic View, not Category View.
Look for Add and Remove Programs.


More info on Add and Remove Programs Here:
http://www.computerhope.com/issues/ch000347.htm

[Global Moderator]

Now Go to Start --> RUN --> type msconfig and press Enter
When you get to msconfig, click the Startup Tab and uncheck as many programs as you can (except antivirus software)
Note: Unchecked programs can still be run. This just stops them from unnecessarily running when Windows starts up. For example, Quicktime doesn't need to be run at startup.
Feel free to run the list by us any time if you are not sure.
Click OK and you can either Restart Now or Restart Later.
When you restart your computer, there will be a notification. Click the Check Box and then OK.
(With experience on Vista, this message is blocked by Windows Defender. Choose to unblock it.)

[Found a guide here: http://www.netsquirrel.com/msconfig/]

[Global Moderator]

If the computer is still running slow, you should make sure it isn't an overheating problem.
Download and install Speed Fan.
Run it and find out what the temperatures are.
If any of them are at/above 50-60*C when your computer is Idle, I would have a look HERE for cleaning tips.
Also make sure you have enough cooling in your computer. If it is possible, get a large external fan (like a Tower Fan) and face it at your computer and see if the problem still persists.

 


As for RAM (Random Access Memory), if you Right Click My Computer and go to Properties, you will be able to see the basic System Specs.

We recommend you have AT LEAST 512mb RAM for Windows XP, 1gb recommended.
As for Windows Vista, depending on which Vista Product, 2+gb is recommended.

[Global Moderator]

If your computer is still acting up or there is a problem following any of these steps, feel free to ask for assistance in our Forums.
Before posting, make sure you have a look HERE.


It is also possible that your computer is infected with a virus, causing it to run slowly.
If you think you have a Malware Problem, look here:
http://www.computerhope.com/forum/index.php/topic,46313.0.html
Post the three logs in the Computer Virus and Spyware Section and one of our Malware Specialists will help give you a clean bill of health.

If you are in a hurry and don't have much time, post a quick HijackThis Log. (Step 6)