1. Erroneous registry, missing shared-DLLs and dead shortcuts.
Within the framework of the operating system, Windows, there is a structural element known as the registry. This is effectively a log of all program installations and their related files and preferences. After only a few months, with many new installations and uninstallations, the registry can become unorganised and inaccurate. This quite often leads to a slowdown in computer performance and in a number of cases error messages. It can cause certain programs or applications to stop working altogether and has been the bane of my life numerous times. The missing shared-DLLs and dead shortcuts are both potential errors that can arise from a badly maintained registry. The process of altering or amending the registry is a tricky one (deserves an article all on its own), and can do more harm than good if attempted by someone who is not 100% confident with working inside the registry hierarchy. Fortunately, there are a number of programs that can automate the process of fixing the registry, and allow the resolution of these potential problems for even the most novice of computer user.
Registry Fixer – Free download
2. Disk defragmentation.
The programs you install on your computer are saved onto the hard disk. Initially, upon installation, the files are installed in an intelligent and ordered manner. But, in a similar way to the point above, after months of use these files can become scattered across the hard disk in a less than desirable order. This slows down and delays the retrieval of files by the hard disk as it has to effectively search for the relevant parts. This, however is fairly simple to resolve and can be done by following the steps below:
i. Click ‘Start’ > ‘My Computer’
ii. Right click on your Hard Drive > Select ‘Properties’
iii. Select ‘Tools’ > Click ‘Defragment Now’ The process will then lead you through the final, straightforward, steps and the defragmentation will be automated from then on.
3. Background processes.
While your operating system is active there are a number of processes active that are responsible for allowing you to use specific applications, software, tools and utilities. Effectively, everything has a process associated with it in the operating system. In most cases, not every one of these processes is actually necessary and can, therefore, hinder performance by hogging resources. Ending these unwanted processes is an effective way of speeding up your computer. One tip I use is as follows:
i. Click ‘Start’ > Search for ‘msconfig’ > Select ‘msconfig’
ii. Click the tab labelled ‘Startup’
iii. Click ‘Disable All’
iv. Restart the computer This will now disable all non essential processes at the startup of Windows. All programs and applications will still run without a hitch.
4. Viruses, malware and other infectious programs.
This would not be a computer related article without the mention of viruses. It is quite well known that viruses and adware cause computer slowdown by hogging resources and generally being a nuisance. There is no other remedy for this than to simple get hold of a piece of anti-virus software and let it do it’s magic. Fortunately, there are a number of excellent free options out there. Most notably, AVG Anti Virus Free Edition. Get hold of a copy of this program, install it and let it delete any viruses that may be lurking on your computer. If this is what may be causing your slowdown, you will see an improvement almost instantly.
5. All of the previously mentioned.
It is quite common when people attempt to diagnose computer related problems that the user will become frustrated by the lack of success of one particular solution. In quite a number of cases there are a large number of issues with an individuals computer and as such one potential action may not produce a visible solution. In that case it is imperative all routes are attempted before succumbing to dismay. In the worst case scenarios it is occassionally advisable to reformat the hard disk and start from a clean install. But, bear in mind that if this is done, prevention of all the issues mentioned above would be an intelligent course of action to take with your new, clean install.
Registry Fixer – Free download
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