Registry Repair
Getting some registry repair software is a great idea if you need to speed up your machine. You want to get a program that is easy to use, offers good customer support, has error reporting, and offers a registry optimizer and deep scanning.
A highly rated choice is RegCure. Downloading and running a registry cleaner like this should speed up a sluggish machine.
Defrag the Computer
Another thing to try once you’ve run your registry program is to defrag your hard drive. Over time and use, the files on your computer get scattered in pieces throughout your machine. Defragging your machine will put the data back in order which makes them easier to find and should help speed up your machine. To defrag your computer:
- Click on Start, then Programs and Accessories.
- Click on System Tools and then Disk Defragmenter. You will be asked to click on the drive that you want to defrag. The computer will show a progress bar as it defrags your drive - this may take anywhere from a few minutes to an hour so make sure you give yourself time.
PCtools has a great product suite that includes disk defrag, check out the PCtools Disk Suite here.
Uninstall Unused Programs
Keeping programs on your computer can take up space and make your computer run more slowly. You need to actually uninstall the programs rather than simply delete them in order to get them completely off your machine. Follow these steps to delete programs properly:
- Go to Start and then click on Control Panel.
- Select Add or Remove Programs.
- You will see a list of programs that are installed. Click on one you want to uninstall and click Remove (or Change/Remove).
- You will then see instructions and confirmation about uninstalling that program.
If uninstalls hang or for some unknown reason aren’t able to complete an uninstall- then try this uninstaller with its forced uninstall feature.
Antivirus Programs
Viruses, Trojans and spyware can slow down your computer. Make sure that you are running programs to protect your computer and are downloading updates regularly. Keep your system as clean as you can to avoid problems and optimize performance. Heres a good antivirus and check out our 2009 review of 20 antivirus programs here
Running a good registry cleaner as well as taking some basic steps to keep your files in order and unwanted programs off of your machine should make it run much faster.

Registry Cleaners
What are RegCure and Registry Mechanic?