Here is how to optimize your PC's speed and get more memory:
0. Correct disk errors by running CheckDisk:
a. Start> Computer >select C Drive>Right Click C Drive>select "Properties">"Tools" > click "Check Now"> Select both boxes and click "Start".
b. This can take a long time, so let it complete (may take all night or longer. Be patient.)
1. Ensure your PC has as much memory (RAM) as possible.
a. Go to Start > Right Click "Computer" > Properties
b. This will list the processor type and speed as well as how much RAM is installed and what version of windows is running along with the Service Pack #. Write all this down as it may be needed later.
c. Use the RAM Configurator linked below to see what RAM your PC uses and the max it will support.
d. Get the maximum amount of memory your computer can hold and install it (the configurator has directions on how to install it).
2. Get good Anti-Virus and Anti-Spyware programs (AVG is good for Anti Virus; MalWare Bytes is a good, free anti malware program as is SuperAntiSpyware -- see links below. Get the AV if you don't have one and Malware Bytes & SuperAntiSpyware).
a. Download Malware Bytes and install it. Also download and install SuperAntiSpyware.
b. Run a complete (full) SpyWare scan with Malware Bytes and handle whatever it finds. Repeat with SuperAntiSpyware, handling what it finds.
c. Run a complete Virus Scan and handle whatever it finds (if you are going to change AV programs, remove the old one first before installing AVG).
3. Next, ensure the Registry is clean and the disk's clutter is also cleaned out.
Solution: Get and run a good, reliable registry cleaner.
(Note: Registry cleaners can cause problems if misused. Use a reliable time-proven one like CCleaner and leave it at default settings till you know what additional options will do. Ensure you allow it to make a back up of any changes made so these can be reversed if needed).
a. If no Reg cleaner, get CCleaner here: http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/
b. Run the Registry cleaner till it finds and corrects all errors
c. Run the "Cleaner" to analyze the disk and see what files it finds to delete and then delete the files that are not needed (most of the files it finds are unneeded, but look through the categories to make sure).
d. In CCleaner, under "Tools", go to "Start Up" and look over the programs that start up on your PC. You may see a lot of programs that simply do not need to start up when you first boot up your PC. Disable these and leave only the essential ones (if not sure, note down the program name and then try to open it up via Start-> All Programs. If not essential, disable them). These are big "RAM Eaters" and many times are not needed at start up -- if you do need to use them, you can start them up as needed.
4. Now defragment the drive with a good third party program that will defrag your drive and keep it defragmented.
Fragmentation is basically broken-up pieces of files and free space randomly scattered all over your disk. The disk has to work a lot harder to save files in pieces and then to find them again and this really slows your computer down. It also wears out your disk, as the more the disk is used, the faster it wears out.
Basic defragmenting finds all the pieces of a file and puts them together. Windows has a basic built-in defrag tool, but it can be slow and you cannot use the PC while it is running (some users complain that it did not completely defrag their disks despite running all night).
a. Below is a Top 10 Reviews side-by-side comparison of the best defrag programs around:
b. Select a program and install a free trial. The better defrag programs are automatic. The gold medal winner in the above review can defrag while you use the PC and it will also prevent fragmentation (see the review). You can get a free trial of the gold medalist at the link below.
c. Defragment your disk drives.
Once this all is done, your PC will be in much better shape and should no longer be sluggish.
Good luck and let me know how this works out for you.
Bill R TechSpec
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