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Speed Up A Slow PC

How to Speed Up a Slow Windows Computer for Free

from wikiHow - The How to Manual That You Can Edit
Windows PCs typically slow down as applications are installed and used. Each application increases the size of the Windows Registry file resulting in increasing the amount of time for the file to be processed and loaded. Whether using word processing, spreadsheets, internet, games or anything else, hard drives fill with temporary files that do not always get removed when no longer needed. Read on to learn of ways to help keep a PC running smoothly with little or no money.

Steps

  1. Stop all unused applications. The Taskbar is on the bottom edge of the screen (unless relocated by the user). In the right side of the Taskbar appears a group of small icons. Each of these icons represent a program that has been at least partially started or is running "in the background". Regardless of state, each represents a reduction of available memory and processing power (collectively called "resources"). Closing, exiting or canceling any unused icon returns those resources to the system, and becomes available for use by the application(s) started specifically by the user.
    • A utility is built into windows that can enable/disable taskbar programs and processes from automatically loading with windows. To access it, go to Start > Run > type in “MSCONFIG” and click OK. If you do not know what a process does, google its name. Do not disable processes if you do not know what they do, as some are necessary for your computer to function normally.
    • A useful program called "Game Booster" by the people who wrote the Advanced SystemCare V3 software will temporarily disable unnecessary background processes and boost performance on your computer when you are actively using only one program; such as a game program or video editing software. When you are finished, you can resume "normal mode" and all the background processes will be reloaded.
  3. Empty the Recycle Bin. Simply deleting files from the disk doesn't really delete them at all, rather they are moved to a temporary holding area on the hard drive for easy restoration. This area is called the Recycle Bin and is usually displayed on the Desktop. Review the contents before emptying. Once emptied, the space on the hard drive that the data occupied is made available for reuse and the restoration of files emptied from the recycle bin becomes extremely difficult. Note that this will only speed up your computer if the hard drive is nearly full.
  4. Uninstall all applications that are no longer needed. When applications and games are installed to a Windows PC, in addition to copying files to the new application directory (likely "C:\Program Files\New Application Name"), some files are written in the Windows directory structure and dozens (or more) changes are made to the Windows Registry file. Most of these changes are not readily apparent to the user, so proper removal requires uninstalling the application through the Control Panel's "Add or Remove Program" or "Programs and Features" icon (or, if provided by the application, an "uninstall" command). Simply deleting the entire application directory is not the same as uninstalling, as all the files written to the Windows directory and changes to the Windows Registry file will remain and may be loaded at boot time. Make sure that you do not uninstall any programs that are required by others. e.g. iTunes will not work if Quicktime is uninstalled, and many programs rely on other Microsoft programs.
  5. Run "Error Checking" on all hard drives. Right-click a drive icon in "My Computer" and select "Properties" followed by "Tools". Choose "Error Checking" to let the utility scan the drive for damaged files that can contribute to slow drive access speeds. This process may take several minutes or more to complete.
  6. Run "Defragment" on all hard drives. Right-click a drive icon in "My Computer" and select "Properties" followed by "Tools". Choose "Defragment" to let the utility clean up fragmented files and consolidate free space on the drive. This should be done at least once per week, or more often if the PC is used heavily. Some versions of Windows allow for the scheduling of this utility, and in those cases could be set to run automatically without ever having to manually run again. This process may take anywhere from several minutes to an hour or more to complete depending on size of the drive(s) and amount of unused capacity or free space. Consider starting the defragment process so that it will run over night or prior to logging off. After completion the speed of hard drive read and write times may improve significantly. There are also stand-alone defragmenting programs available from other developers available for download that may or may not charge a fee for use.
  7. Run CCleaner. CCleaner is a freeware application[1] that can perform an entire suite of Windows PC optimizations. Included are options to help protect privacy, system and registry cleaning among others. It has a loyal user base as shown by the number of downloads (over 300 million), is fully supported and is adware and spyware free. Follow the link above to the application's webpage for complete details. There are other system optimizers available from other developers available for download that may or may not charge a fee for use.
  8. Install anti-virus software and keep it current. Anti-virus (AV) software is an absolute must. There are many from which to choose at the software store, but there are free AV solutions that do a very good job, too. Two popular free AV solutions are Avast! and AVG. Both include regular "virus definition" file updates that allow the AV program to detect and protect from the latest virii being released. Note that while installing antivirus software actually slows down your computer, it does not slow it down as much as malware does.
  9. Relocate the Swapfile or Virtual Memory file. These files (depending on Windows version installed) are hidden and are usually located on the Windows drive (usually "C:") If there is a second physical hard drive in the system, consider moving to the secondary drive. Ideally, these files work best when located on the fastest and largest (in terms of free space) drive in the system. The procedure for changing the location varies by version of Windows, and is not detailed here at this time as it is fairly advanced.
  10. Find and Delete Temporary Files. Temporary Files are used for supporting some applications for a limited period of time and left unused for later. Go to "C:\Documents and Settings\\Local Settings\Temp" (Windows XP), "C:\Users\\AppData\Local\Temp" (Windows Vista), or "%TEMP%" (any version of Windows) and delete all the files from this folder. If there is a problem deleting one or more files, skip those files and remove the rest. This will free a lot of space on the drive. The Temporary Internet Files directory can also be emptied.
  11. Add memory. Adding memory will boost system performance if your system does not have enough. Generally having twice the recommended hardware for an operating system will yield good performance. The hardware specifications for [Windows XP|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Windows_XP#System_requirements] and Vista may be found on the Microsoft website or on Wikipedia. While unfortunately not a free solution, it is one of the most effective ways of boosting performance. The computer's operating system is important to know when selecting memory upgrades. Newer computers run either 32 bit or 64 bit operating systems. A 64 bit (x64 or x86-64) Windows Operating System can support more memory than is currently available, whereas a 32 bit (x86) version of Windows. Increasing the amount of memory installed reduces the need for the computer to keep reading data from the hard drive (which is slower), since it can keep it in the memory. Regardless if the computer is running a 32 bit or 64 bit Operating System, check the motherboard or system documentation to determine size, type, speed and permissible configurations of memory before purchasing and installing additional memory. A 64 bit operating system and a 64 bit motherboard and CPU are required to use more than 4 GB of memory. Systems with lower amounts of memory (256 MB to 1 GB) installed receive the greatest boost when increased to 2 GB or more (as this represents a 100-400% increase in system memory). 32 bit systems that already have 2 GB or more already installed receive a less noticeable boost when upgraded, as most of the extra memory will go unused.
  12. Be realistic. The "high end" computer purchased as new 5 years ago may run the latest version of Windows, but that doesn't mean that it will do it very well. Technology marches on and it seems there is a game of "one-up-man-ship" played between software developers and hardware designers. Regardless, eventually new software will require new hardware or vice-versa. It seems that the amount of frustration you can endure best determines how long you will run your current setup.

Tips

  • Consider using a different operating system. If you have a slow or old computer consider switching to Linux. Linux is a faster operating system than Windows. It is known for being more stable, secure, and virus free. Moving to Linux is easy. It is even possible to make your computer dual boot. That is make it able to choose between Windows or Linux when starting your computer. Ubuntu is the most popular, Super OS comes with tons of extras, Linux Mint looks and works so much like Windows that you may not be able to tell the difference. Linux also has the advantage of free software.
  • Defrag solid state drives? The newer solid state drives appear not to need defragmenting. Since there are no moving parts (heads, platters, etc.) in these drives, it would make sense that there is little benefit of doing so. A check with the manufacturer for definitive information about your particular drive would provide the most reliable answer.
  • Scan the PC to determine memory information. Crucial Memory provides a free and easy to use memory scanner to help determine a PC's existing memory configuration and provides a list memory upgrade options. There may be other scanners available from other memory manufacturers and distributors.
  • Consider formatting the computer. It may be easier to format the hard drive and re-install Windows on the computer. Verify possession of CD keys on original software disks - including Windows; if any are missing, read the installed keys with a keyfinder and write to paper for reuse during re-installation. Be sure to back up important data first and have all program installation disks ready for re-installation. The format process will delete *all* files on the disk.
  • Adding memory to a 32 bit computer. The effect of adding memory decreases as you have more of it. You do not need more than 2 GB unless you play very graphic intensive games.
  • Clean up your desktop. Having large files located on your desktop can cause performance problems.

Warnings

  • Know the Operating System. A 64 bit computer can run either a 32 bit (x86) or a 64 bit (x64) version of an Operating System. A 32 bit Operating System running on either a 32 bit or 64 bit computer however, will only register up to 4 GB of memory as discussed earlier. In order to eliminate the 4 GB limit, a 64 bit computer must run a 64 bit Operating System (designated specifically as 64 bit or "x64"). It is not possible to run a 64 bit Operating System on a 32 bit computer.
  • Download files from trustworthy sources the developer's page is best, but probably not the fastest. P2P, newsgroups and anonymous file hosting sites may be faster, but are more likely to be infected with a virus.
  • Shut off power to the PC prior to opening the case. This reduces the chances of electrocution. Additionally, most PC's do not support "hot swapping" (replacement of components while powered) of hardware.
  • Discharge any static electricity. Touch an electrically grounded source (a heating or plumbing pipe or the metal case of an electrical device powered by a grounded 3 prong cord connected to a grounded receptacle) prior to touching components inside the PC case. Static electricity can pass through hands and could cause delicate electronics inside the PC case to fail.

Related wikiHows

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/freeware

Article provided by wikiHow, a wiki how-to manual. Please edit this article and find author credits at the original wikiHow article on How to Speed Up a Slow Windows Computer for Free. All content on wikiHow can be shared under a Creative Commons license.

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