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Author Topic: Some tips on speeding up your computer.  (Read 36310 times)

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Carbon Dudeoxide

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Some tips on speeding up your computer.
« on: July 26, 2008, 02:17:44 AM »
Here are some ways to speed up your computer, increase free space, and improve the overall performance of the Operating System.

Note: This guide 100% safe. However, misreading or skipping ahead may result in damage 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.
« Last Edit: April 07, 2013, 12:03:47 PM by Carbon Dudeoxide »

Carbon Dudeoxide

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Backing Up Computer Settings
« Reply #1 on: July 26, 2008, 02:17:55 AM »
Before we start, I strongly suggest creating a System Restore Point to back up your system's configuration.

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 use to restore your computer if a problem occurs.

No files will be deleted in the event of a system restore.


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



Now time to improve your computer's performance.
« Last Edit: April 04, 2013, 06:00:01 PM by Carbon Dudeoxide »

Carbon Dudeoxide

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Defragmentation and Hard Disk Space
« Reply #2 on: July 26, 2008, 02:18:07 AM »
Disk 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 your primary drive (usually C:\).

(Note: If your primary hard drive has under 15% free space, it is strongly recommend that you start deleting files or moving them to another storage medium (such as a second hard drive or burned to a CD/DVD).
Windows recommends at least %15 free space to run efficiently.
For all we know, this could be the cause of your decreased system performance. If you have
never run CCleaner or Disk Cleanup, the following step can help you free up some space on your HD.)

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

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


« Last Edit: April 04, 2013, 06:04:30 PM by Carbon Dudeoxide »

Carbon Dudeoxide

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CCleaner and Temporary Files
« Reply #3 on: July 26, 2008, 02:18:24 AM »
Download and Install
CCleaner.  (Mirror)

When it is installed, run it and make sure the following checkboxes are checked.
Internet Explorer --> Temporary Files
Mozilla Firefox --> Internet Cache
Google Chrome --> Internet Cache
System --> Temporary Files
System --> Empty Recycling Bin
You can check whatever else you want, but whatever you check will be deleted from the computer.
When you are done, Run the Cleaner.

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.

Finally, and probably the most intricate to find out where all your space is going, download and install Overdisk:
http://www.snapfiles.com/get/overdisk.html
Once installed, open My Computer, right click Local Disk C:\, and select 'Overdisk'.
This software will help you visualize used space on your hard drive.



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



« Last Edit: April 04, 2013, 06:21:11 PM by Carbon Dudeoxide »

Carbon Dudeoxide

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MSConfig and Startup Items
« Reply #4 on: July 26, 2008, 02:18:42 AM »
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/]
« Last Edit: October 20, 2008, 11:35:49 PM by Carbon Dudeoxide »

Carbon Dudeoxide

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Overheating and RAM
« Reply #5 on: July 26, 2008, 02:18:54 AM »
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 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.

It is recommended you have at least:
 512mb RAM for Windows XP
 1GB for Windows Vista
 2GB for Windows Seven
 2GB for Windows 8
« Last Edit: April 04, 2013, 06:22:30 PM by Carbon Dudeoxide »

Carbon Dudeoxide

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Still having problems?
« Reply #6 on: July 26, 2008, 02:19:09 AM »
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)
« Last Edit: September 25, 2008, 03:36:49 AM by Carbon Dudeoxide »