My PC is running too slow. In some cases it freezes.

Troubleshooting Slow PC and Frozen Screen: Scan for Spyware/Virus

Slow computers and intermittent freezing can be the result of a virus or spyware infection. Each one of these uses up valuable resources and if you don't get rid of them, they can cause your computer to freeze or run slowly. If you have an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, check for updates and then scan your computer with a full scan. If you don't have an anti-spyware/anti-virus application, try this one- Anti-VirusPLUS.

Troubleshooting Slow PC and Frozen Screen: Cleaning up the PC

Complete each one of the following tasks to clean up the computer and free up some valuable resources. Once you do, your computer should stop freezing up if a lack of computer resources is the problem.

• Delete unused applications and programs using the "Add/Remove" utility tool.
• Delete duplicate applications of the same program.
• If you have too many programs beginning at startup, it can cause your computer to freeze up. Disable some of the applications from starting up at boot up. For example, you don't need QuickTime to start up when you boot up and so on. Windows Defender, which is built into Windows Vista, has a Startup Manager that you can use to manage your startup programs. Otherwise, go to Start > Run and type in msconfig. The Startup tab allows you to select or deselect programs for automatic startup. Choose carefully as you don't want to disable necessary programs such as spyware protection.
• Delete unwanted files, photos, pictures, images, music files, videos, etc.
• Delete unwanted emails.
• Clear the temporary internet cache using the "Tools" feature on your web browser.
• Use a registry cleaner such as RegCure to scan your registry for errors.
• Defrag the computer by taking these steps: Click Start→ Click All Programs→ Click Accessories→ Click System Tools→ Click Disk Cleanup or some variation of this set of directions.

Troubleshooting Slow PC and Frozen Screen: Use System Restore

If none of the above strategies have worked to restore your computer back to normal, use the "System Restore" utility to turn time back and set your computer to an earlier date before this problem started to happen. To do so:

Click Start→ Click All Programs→ Click Accessories→ Click System Tools→ Click System Restore. Click "Restore my computer to an earlier time" and select a date that you think will be good. It should be an earlier date before the problems started to happen. Now, follow the prompts as they occur. Your computer should reboot and run smoothly now.

Susan Keenan | July 25th, 2009
Tags: clean computer, computer lock up, slow computer
Categories: PC Performance

You can leave a comment, or trackback from your own site.