Is your PC running slow...?

Or at least, slower than normal? Don’t quite know what’s wrong?

OK, let’s see if we can help. Most people immediately think “Malware” at this point. But that’s not always the case. Yes, some malware does indeed slow down your system and use up precious resources. But there are other possible causes as well, so let’s explore some of these, and look at some ideas to help.


Is your PC clean?

And by that I mean – is it free from dust and dirt? Dust and dirt builds up inside a computer and this can affect your cooling fans, reducing the amount of airflow. Reduced airflow can cause your processor to overheat resulting in slow operation or even unexpected shutdowns. Many of today’s processors have the ability to “throttle back” (slow down) if the core temperature reaches a certain threshold. Cleaning the inside of your system is relatively easy – you just need to take some sensible precautions. A useful guide to PC cleaning can be found here.


Clear out your Temp files.

Why? Well temp files can build up over time and eat into your precious disk space. When you install programmes, the installer uses temp (temporary) files as part of the set up process. Some programmes also use temp files when in use. These temp files should be removed when the installer or programme is finished, but this does not always happen. And, of course, your browser will collect temp files as well. A build up of temp files could leave Windows struggling to find room for its swap file (see below) – so everything slows down.

How do you clean out temp files? There are two easy ways – manually or by using a proprietary cleaning programme. Note that the cleaning programmes will often offer the option to clear out Temporary files created by your browser.

Manually (XP & Vista) – Firstly, exit all programmes, including browsers and AVs. Go to Start > Run and type %Temp% in the Run box and click OK. A folder will appear – it will contain temp files and temp folders. If you want to delete everything, press Ctrl+A (to select all) and then press the delete key. If you want to keep any files then hold down the Ctrl key and left click the file or folder. Then press the delete key. Click OK to confirm deletion. Once done, remember to go to your Recycle Bin and empty the bin.

Cleaning Programmes – there are various such programmes available for free. Among the best are

ATF Cleaner
CCleaner
Cleanup!

Don’t forget XP does have it’s own utility for cleaning – it can be found via Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.


Any old programmes?

Do you still have some old programmes installed? When did you last use them? Remember that ‘trial’ software you installed? Has the trial period expired? Could you perhaps uninstall it (assuming you have the original installation disks)? Uninstalling such programmes will help free vital disk space. Oh, always re-boot after uninstalling – it helps to clear away the final remnants of an uninstalled programme.


Are you using unnecessary programmes?

By this I mean some of the numerous “enhancement” programmes available, that, while they may make your desktop look terribly exciting, are actually eating up precious resources. Things like third party screensavers and fancy wallpapers, Windows Taskbar replacements, WindowBlinds, Actual Transparent Window, XP Visual Styles, Stardock Theme Manager and so on. Nothing wrong with using them – they are all respected legitimate applications – but they may be contributing towards the slow down of your system.


Reduce the number of programmes loading at start up

Many applications insist on starting either the complete programme or a component of the programme whenever Windows starts. Many of these start ups are unnecessary and can be stopped. A good way to review the number of start up programmes is by using a start up manager utility, such as Spybot Search & Destroy, StartUpLite or Autoruns. In Spybot, you’ll need to click Mode > Advanced to ensure you have access to the Tools section, then select System Startup in the left pane. A list of programmes that start when you boot up will be displayed in the right pane. You simply uncheck the ones you don’t need.

StartUpLite is very easy – just download the small file and double click StartUpLite.exe. A box appears showing programmes that don’t need to startup at boot. Choose whichever options you prefer and click Continue.

Autoruns gives you similar information, although presented in a slightly different way, and with more detail. Again, you simply uncheck a box beside the entry you wish to disable.

Remember to research a start up if you are not sure what it is – some of the entries that may appear and which can safely be disabled are things like Update Schedule entries for Adobe Acrobat, Sun Java, QuickTime and so on. If in doubt, post in our Forums, choosing the Forum that’s relevant to your Operating System. Alternatively, you can check Startup items here.

Note: You should NOT use MSConfig to permanently disable programmes from automatically starting at boot up. This utility is meant as a trouble-shooter – not a long term solution. If you uninstall a programme that has already been disabled using MSConfig, then it’s likely there will be orphaned Registry entries left behind. These could cause potential problems when trying to start your system. Use one of the start up managers mentioned above.

sErI KUTTAAAA ....................................Thanks a lot ttOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ...............

GOOD ONE sErI ........

by the by one more thing ......avatar il aarrrraaaaaa ..... original seriyaa .....

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI KUTTAAAA ....................................Thank alot ttOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ...............

GOOD ONE sErI ........

by the by one more thing ......avatar il aarrrraaaaaa ..... original seriyaa .....

gandittuenthu thonunu.......

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI KUTTAAAA ....................................Thank alot ttOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ...............

GOOD ONE sErI ........

by the by one more thing ......avatar il aarrrraaaaaa ..... original seriyaa .....

gandittuenthu thonunu.......

Aake confusion aayallo .....

Onnu paranje .....ee celebrittiye njan kandittillaaa ebideyum ......seri .....

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI KUTTAAAA ....................................Thank alot ttOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO ...............

GOOD ONE sErI ........

by the by one more thing ......avatar il aarrrraaaaaa ..... original seriyaa .....

gandittuenthu thonunu.......

Aake confusion aayallo .....

Onnu paranje .....ee celebrittiye njan kandittillaaa ebideyum ......seri .....

Enne kaliyaakki chirikkathe ......


parayoooo ....ethu field il ullathaaa ......aaraaaaa .....

blinkingstar wrote:

Enne kaliyaakki chirikkathe ......


parayoooo ....ethu field il ullathaaa ......aaraaaaa .....

ithu kure aaaalukal shodichittundu.. ..ithu bareee nanaa rahasyam polichittillaaaaaa......

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

Enne kaliyaakki chirikkathe ......


parayoooo ....ethu field il ullathaaa ......aaraaaaa .....

ithu kure aaaalukal shodichittundu.. ..ithu bareee nanaa rahasyam polichittillaaaaaa......

Ennal suspense aayi nilkkatte tto .... Athokke oru thrill aaney ......

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

Enne kaliyaakki chirikkathe ......


parayoooo ....ethu field il ullathaaa ......aaraaaaa .....

ithu kure aaaalukal shodichittundu.. ..ithu bareee nanaa rahasyam polichittillaaaaaa......

Ennal suspense aayi nilkkatte tto .... Athokke oru thrill aaney ......

suspense onum allaanneee.....shummmaaaaaaa........

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

Enne kaliyaakki chirikkathe ......


parayoooo ....ethu field il ullathaaa ......aaraaaaa .....

ithu kure aaaalukal shodichittundu.. ..ithu bareee nanaa rahasyam polichittillaaaaaa......

Ennal suspense aayi nilkkatte tto .... Athokke oru thrill aaney ......

suspense onum allaanneee.....shummmaaaaaaa........

Apol ithu seri ...... chumma!!!!! Pinne, today,, some relatives will come here for umra .......so ....i will be in more busy

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

sErI wrote:

blinkingstar wrote:

Enne kaliyaakki chirikkathe ......


parayoooo ....ethu field il ullathaaa ......aaraaaaa .....

ithu kure aaaalukal shodichittundu.. ..ithu bareee nanaa rahasyam polichittillaaaaaa......

Ennal suspense aayi nilkkatte tto .... Athokke oru thrill aaney ......

suspense onum allaanneee.....shummmaaaaaaa........

Apol ithu seri ...... chumma!!!!! Pinne, today,, some relatives will come here for umra .......so ....i will be in more busy

aaaaaano.....thaaaaats great.......