My computer is running slow what steps can I do to fix it?

As a computer runs programs, temporary files are stored on the hard drive. Deleting these temp files can help improve computer performance. One of the most common reasons for a slow computer are programs running in the background. Remove or disable any TSRs and startup programs that automatically start each time the computer boots. read less

Below are steps for Microsoft Windows users that can help speed up the computer or determine why the computer is running slow. 1. Reboot 2. One of the most common reasons for a slow computer are programs running in the background. Remove or disable any TSRs and startup programs that automatically start each time the computer boots. 3. Delete temp files As a computer runs programs, temporary files are stored on the hard drive. Deleting these temp files can help improve computer performance. First, we suggest using the Windows Disk Cleanup utility to delete temporary files and other files no longer needed on the computer. Temporary folderUnfortunately, the Disk Cleanup may not delete every file in the temp directory. Therefore, we also suggest deleting temporary files manually. To do this, open the Start menu and type %temp% in the Search field. In Windows XP and prior, click the Run option in the Start menu and enter %temp% in the Run field. Press Enter and a Temp folder should open. You can delete all files found in this folder and, if any files are in use and cannot be deleted, they can be skipped. 4. Free hard drive space Verify that there is at least 200-500MB of free hard drive space. This available space allows the computer to have room for the swap file to increase in size, as well as room for temporary files. 5. Scan for viruses 6. Update Windows 7. Update your drivers 8 Memory upgrade Computer memory aka RAMIf you have had your computer for more than two years, you may need more memory. Today, we suggest computers have a minimum of 1GB of memory (RAM) for 32-bit system and 2GB for a 64-bit system. read less