my computer has been running slow

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by shahab6, Mar 15, 2010.

  1. #1
    my computer has been running very slowly any software to make it run faster
     
    shahab6, Mar 15, 2010 IP
  2. Lanarkshire IT Services

    Lanarkshire IT Services Guest

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    #2
    Hi There

    I don't think there is any one program that can speed up a slow computer.

    However there are some steps you can take to speed it up, see my Slow PC Fix guide.

    Should you need help with any of the steps then just ask.

    Or I can do it over the internet for you!

    Regards
     
    Lanarkshire IT Services, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  3. Kerosene

    Kerosene Alpha & Omega™ Staff

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    #3
    If you use Windows, then you should consider reinstalling it (or restoring it from an image) every six months or so. I restore my fresh 'ready to roll' XP SP2 image every couple of months, it takes about 30-40 mins (unattended) and works a treat.
     
    Kerosene, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  4. dcristo

    dcristo Illustrious Member

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    #4
    My computer was running like a dog too. I ran the Disk Defragmenter in Windows but that didn't seem to help much. The funny thing is it seems to be better now. I probably should re-install Windows though, I can't remember the last time I've done it.
     
    dcristo, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  5. Lanarkshire IT Services

    Lanarkshire IT Services Guest

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    #5
    Hi There

    Yes reinstalling Windows will give a faster system but in the real world I don't think it's very practical.

    Especially when the user might have loads of documents / programs / settings etc that will have to be copied over or reinstalled.

    Also images should only be used for disaster recovery / migration. Anything NOT included in the latest image is gone and WON'T be included in the recovery.

    Plus you have the messing with partitions, OEM recovery partitions, reinstalling applications / security / Windows Updates / Service packs, product keys, OS media (usually misplaced) and the fact that a lot of users don't even know how to install Windows.

    I'd always leave reinstall as the LAST option

    Regards
     
    Lanarkshire IT Services, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  6. Kerosene

    Kerosene Alpha & Omega™ Staff

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    #6
    I store all my data on physically separate drives (backed up to four more (non RAID) drives). I keep multiple images of my OS drive (taken at meticulously documented intervals), so I can turn back the clock to one of several different instances if required. That said, I have Windows updates disabled, and am happy to roll the dice on an unpatched XP SP2 system - which makes the whole thing much easier.

    It's actually incredibly practical. I can restore to a "fresh" XP install, with all my required applications ready to go, in about 30-40 mins. Usually, the only thing I have to do manually is import my Firefox bookmarks and restore my Thunderbird inbox.

    It pretty much runs like clockwork. Operator error is the only thing I really have to worry about :p

    I use Macrium Reflect (the free version) and SecondCopy.
     
    Kerosene, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  7. sachin410

    sachin410 Illustrious Member

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    #7
    Use Ccleaner to clean up all unwanted files. (you can clean up the registry too with Ccleaner).

    Disable all unwanted programs in startup (run > msconfig > startup).

    Defrag your drives.

    If you have an anti-virus installed, do a full scan.
     
    sachin410, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  8. Lanarkshire IT Services

    Lanarkshire IT Services Guest

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    #8
    Hi Buddy

    I understand what you are saying but NOT everyone has 4 spare hard drives or can use imaging software.

    Also why roll back to an "unpatched SP2" when thats a security risk in itself?

    To the OP here's what I would do in simple steps:

    Clear temp files with TFC
    Download, update and do a QUICK scan with MBAM
    Scan your computer with an updated anti-virus program

    Check you only have ONE realtime Anti-virus program - More causes conflicts
    Check you only have ONE realtime Anti-spyware / malware program - More causes conflicts
    Check you only have ONE firewall

    DO NOT use MSCONFIG to disable startup items as this is used for diagnostic purposes only - Use Autoruns instead

    Turn OFF indexing on any hard drives

    Defrag using MyDefrag

    Run chkdsk /f/r on the C: drive

    The above should improve the performance of your system

    Regards
     
    Lanarkshire IT Services, Mar 16, 2010 IP
    Kerosene likes this.
  9. Kerosene

    Kerosene Alpha & Omega™ Staff

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    #9
    Very good tips to the OP from Lanarkshire IT Services. +REPZ :D

    -----------------------------

    (sorry to go off topic again, but here I go....)
    Hard drives are cheap. Partitioning is free. Imaging software is free. Learning is free.
    Not knowing how to do something is a good excuse to learn how to do it.

    I've managed to survive this long running SP2 (+common sense), so I figure I may as well keep going.
    Did I mention that I no longer run resident anti-virus? (that's a story for another thread!)
    If I learn my lesson the hard way, so be it.
    That's the kinda learning I like - beaten in with a fist so you don't go forgettin' it too soon. :D :p :D
     
    Kerosene, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  10. Lanarkshire IT Services

    Lanarkshire IT Services Guest

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    #10
    OK

    Your entitled to your opinion

    But "+common sense and NO resident anti-virus" doesn't make any sense.

    Regards
     
    Lanarkshire IT Services, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  11. huseinbandi

    huseinbandi Well-Known Member

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    #11
    just simple... if you have more budget.. you just upgrade your component. but if you don't have any money for that.. why you don't overclock your PC?? i think boost PC using software its not really working
     
    huseinbandi, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  12. farooq.azam

    farooq.azam Peon

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    #12
    May be there are viruses in your system. Otherwise you should increase RAM.
     
    farooq.azam, Mar 16, 2010 IP
  13. innocent-prince

    innocent-prince Member

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    #13
    i dont think software can make it faster i think you need to upgrade ur ram and processor
     
    innocent-prince, Mar 17, 2010 IP
  14. TOMCCO

    TOMCCO Peon

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    #14
    Hi, You didn't say which operating system you were using, if its Win7 try going to this side its free vistaspeedsecrets (thats a co.uk). For general advice and instructions on speeding up your XP computer try - wikihow.com/Speed-up-a-Windows-XP-Computer. RegCure (thats at .com) is a good registery cleaning software and it definitely helps to speed up your computer.

    Sorry as a new member I'm not allowed to add links to my posts yet!
     
    TOMCCO, Mar 18, 2010 IP
  15. blufishme

    blufishme Peon

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    #15
    The Easiest way but might not the most confenient way is to RE-INSTALL the System. Takes about an hour or two depending your H/W.
     
    blufishme, Mar 23, 2010 IP
  16. maivindian

    maivindian Active Member

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    #16
    Try to uninstall all program you don't need. And remove other start up program you don't need to put in start up.
     
    maivindian, Mar 31, 2010 IP
  17. jezzz

    jezzz Notable Member

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    #17
    Yup! it can delete your unwanted data and also delete Register Issues by going to Fix Option
     
    jezzz, Mar 31, 2010 IP
  18. palme

    palme Active Member

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    #18
    if it is slow when you are in the internet, i think zone alarm en freeware product is good and spybot search & Destroy also another good freeware to use.
     
    palme, Mar 31, 2010 IP
  19. rezyde

    rezyde Peon

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    #19
    There is no software that is going to help you out. You failed to mention the amount of memory you have and your pc specs. The only really way to get more speed out of your box is by upgrading the memory and tweaking the OS.
     
    rezyde, Apr 1, 2010 IP
  20. The rider

    The rider Peon

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    #20
    Just make a systematic format to your computer and increase the size of the RAM of your computer.
     
    The rider, Apr 1, 2010 IP