HOW TO FIX A COMPUTER THAT IS RUNNING SLOWLY.

How you can fix a computer that is running slowly.

Cause:

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

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 Missing Windows updates or outdated drivers.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

Solution

Tip: 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 drive space:

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.

Hard drive corrupted or fragmented

• Run ScanDisk or something equivalent to verify there is nothing physically wrong with the computer hard 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.

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 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. 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 antivirus 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.

 

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.

 

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.

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 I suggest purchasing a new computer or just realize it is going to run slow because it is old.

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.

COMPUTER RUNNING SLOWLY

1. Make sure your computer has at least 500MB of free hard drive space. If your computer has less than 500MB free, it may cause the computer to operate more slowly. Try regaining hard drive space.
2. Run Microsoft Scandisk and Defrag on the computer. 
3. Close any programs that are running in the background or disable background programs from automatically loading each time your computer boots. 
4. Click Start, Search, and click For Files or Folders. In the search window, search for files named *.tmp and make sure you are searching or looking in the local C: drive.  Once search has completed, delete any files found.
5. Ensure that no errors or conflicts exist in the Device Manager.
6. Make sure Windows XP is up-to-date by checking Microsoft Windows update page.
7. Delete all files in your Windows Prefetch directory. These files can lower overall system resources if loading programs no longer being used.
8. Verify your computer has the latest drivers for the hardware devices installed in your computer.
9. If your computer has a virus protection program installed, make sure it is up to date and that no viruses are being detected. If your computer does not have a virus protection program, you may wish to consider installing a program to make sure no viruses are causing your problems to be slow. 
10. If your computer has worked fine in the past but recently has been experiencing this issue, run the System Restore option to restore the computer to an earlier date.

For more help, email us at dbestcontact@ikd-btechnics.com or give us a call: +2347030205862, +2348031552750.

Don't forget to visit our website www.ikd-btechnics.com regularly for more technical help. Or summit your email address here for our free newsletter.

Best Regards,
Ilechukwu Ikedi G.
Director (I.K D-BEST TECHNICS NIGERIA)