Slow Windows computer? Here are some solutions!

[Blueeyes]

http://images.cooltext.com/3023194.png
http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1Qai6FTmTEI/TzpVNWY8SNI/AAAAAAAAAMY/rWJllcopCfo/s1600/slow-computer.jpg

I thought since, I go through cleaning up and attempting to speed up computers and actually be usable. Too many people are upset with their PC because it does run slow and bogs down everything. To start off, lets go through a few myths. . .

Myth #1
Registry cleaners help speed up your system

While this is somewhat true, most registry cleaners do more harm, then good! They can delete important registry files, thus your OS possibly corrupted and unbootable.

Myth #2
If it's slow, it has a virus

While having a virus-infected is a possible cause to a computer running slowly, it is not always the case.

Myth #3
Moaaaarr hard drive space!!

Yes, hard drives will get slower as they are filled up with more things. This includes SSDs especially. Having more hard drive space, and buying a new hard drive when you don't need it... just costs you more money. Now, if Windows is full with programs you aren't using... uninstall them.

Myth #4
You need to re-install Windows once in a while

No. Reinstalling Windows is your LAST resort. Doing this, can cause issues with your current system. Backups may fail, and if you have important documents... it's of course, good to have them backed up anyways, but fiddling around with reinstalling Windows may cause some issues.

Myth #5
You need a specialist to look at your computer

ONLY if it's serious. Computers now a days have become so incredibly easy to use and everything is online. Tutorials, how-tos, everything. So don't feel the need you need to spend your money, for some guy to do the same thing you can do.. but of course, you can do it yourself for free.

SOLUTIONS


Running cache/temp files cleaner

An amazing program for this is CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner). It's incredibly easy to use and it will erase any temp files that have been sitting on your computer for possibly ages. If you have never done this before and your computer is old, expect your PC to lighten up a few gigs. There are settings available to change. By default, things like your cookies, history, cache, and passwords are deleted.
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Upgrading hardware

This all depends on basically what you use your computer for. If you are finding you originally bought the computer and it couldn't do the task, (and you have a desktop pc) you can upgrade the ram as a easy start. It's super simple and takes just a few minutes and it's relatively cheap. Use this tool (http://www.crucial.com/) to find out what memory is compatible with your system. I recommend brands like G.Skill, Corsair, Crucial, and Kingston. RAM is used for basically enhancing multitasking in some ways. Unfortunately, unless your PC motherboard has a popular up-to-date socket (AMD: FM2, FM1, AM3, AM3+ Intel: LGA1155, LGA 1156) there isn't much you can do to upgrade your CPU (Central Processing Unit) or Processor. To upgrade your RAM, there is a good article here. (http://www.pcworld.com/article/129177/article.html) Especially, if you have a laptop... this makes upgrades much harder... if even possible.
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Eliminating unnessary startup entries

This can actually be done in CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner), just go to CCleaner > Tools > Startup and remove entries that you don't want and aren't associated with Windows startup. Startup entries are basically programs that are run RIGHT when you log into Windows. So those programs that pop up, and come up as a Icon in your bottom right tray. These utilize resources and slow down your PC not only at startup, but during your usage of the system. Eliminating these will take less time for Windows to 'warm up' after a shutdown or a restart.
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Uninstalling unneeded software

This is common sense here. If you haven't used your Firefox since 2008 when Chrome came out, it's best to just uninstall it. It frees up valuable space on your hard drive and your system will not longer need to index through all the files. This can be done in CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner) > Tools. Or under Control Panel > Programs (Depending on your OS).
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Disabling visual features

This mostly applies to Vista users. The fancy shmancy visual - transparent theme pre-installed with Vista utilizes a lot of GPU and CPU power. Eliminating the 'Aero' theme, can possibly speed up your system. Unfortunately, it may look like Windows 98 all over again. Your choice.
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Running antivirus scans

If you OWN a PC connected to the internet, it can get viruses. Anyone who tells you otherwise, can just go and.. idk. It is not IMPOSSIBLE to get a virus, especially with a Windows computer. They are more vulnerable to viruses/malware/bugs/etc than any other OS. (If you have OSX or linux, don't bother saying you can't get any either, because you can!). There are many free solutions for antivirus out there, such as

Microsoft Security Essentials (http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/security-essentials-download)
Avast! Free Edition (http://www.avast.com/en-ca/index)
Avira Free Antivirus (http://www.avira.com/en/avira-free-antivirus)
Bitdefender Free Edition (http://www.bitdefender.com/solutions/free.html)

Those are all free, and work great.

There is also things that may not be caught by your traditional antivirus. Malware being one of them, most catch them by now though. Therefore, a antimalware/antispyware solution MAY be needed.

Malwarebytes.org (http://www.malwarebytes.org/)
SUPERantispyware (http://www.superantispyware.com/)

Scans are straight forward, there is usually a big 'SCAN' button on most programs :D
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Disk defragmentation

Disk defragmenting is a common way to help 'speed up Windows'. Think of a disk defragmenter as a housekeeper, it puts away all your files into tidy areas where it can be accessed and indexed quicker. Windows has it's own Disk defragger pre-installed with the OS. You can find it by going to:
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk defragmenter

Or, many alternative 3rd party software is available... like Piriform's Defraggler (http://www.piriform.com/defraggler) which I'm actually quite fond of.


...and please, If your internet explorer looks like this
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_NZ2VObwKyrc/TFtyn_po9wI/AAAAAAAAJ1A/fGUdH9jLK58/s1600/Browser+Toolbars+2+THA+MAX.jpg
DISABLE YOUR TOOLBARS! ...sheesh...



If none of that really did anything, you can re-install Windows as long as you properly backed up everything. Or just buy a new computer, if you are interested in building a computer... just send me a PM, I'll be glad to help. Don't let the appearance of building a computer discourage you, it's easy!

So that's my guide for now, I will keep adding to it as I come up with more things to add!

Good luck! Post any questions you may have!!

[Axw_JD]

One more thing. If you have Windows 8, you don't need antivirus software (since it is now part of the OS itself) and the OS is overall faster / better with startup times so you might not notice most startup entries either.

Also replacing programs with less intensive ones is a key to getting better performance out of your computer.

Stuff like Chrome and iTunes are resource hogs. Unless you definitely must use them or else you will die, replacing them with less resource-hungry alternatives can do wonders. IE10 (http://www.beautyoftheweb.com/), Opera 12 (http://www.opera.com) and Firefox 19 (http://www.getfirefox.com) are not only overall better, but less resource intensive too. As for iTunes, VLC (http://www.videolan.org) is a very good, minimalistic media player that while not as fancy as iTunes, it will use less resources for your everyday music listening. So does Windows Media Player. Plus, neither one will load 4 additional services and 2 startup programs after being installed like iTunes does (of course, if you have any Apple devices you might not have a choice but to leave it installed).

As for stuff to disable from your startup, almost everything can and should be disabled (except for your antivirus of course and some Intel software related to drivers).

Also, unless you installed the Operating System yourself, it is very likely it came bundled with bloatware and trialware that you don't need. Uninstalling that will not only free up some space on your machine, but also remove some unneeded services from running in the background.

[TheMatrix]

Also, unless you installed the Operating System yourself, it is very likely it came bundled with bloatware and trialware that you don't need. Uninstalling that will not only free up some space on your machine, but also remove some unneeded services from running in the background.

I recall seeing in multiple places that uninstalling some of that crap causes weird things to happen. To be safe, I just left all of that sitting here. Much of it has been running since about 2 years ago, as well. Things like "EgisTec MyWinLocker" and "SuiteTray" are always in the little notifications area-thing.
"Times Reader", "Norton Online Backup", and "newsXpresso" are just sitting there. Never used them.

So, tell me, can I safely uninstall all that without Windows doing odd things?

[Jess]

One more thing. If you have Windows 8, you don't need antivirus software (since it is now part of the OS itself) and the OS is overall faster / better with startup times so you might not notice most startup entries either.

Also replacing programs with less intensive ones is a key to getting better performance out of your computer.

Stuff like Chrome and iTunes are resource hogs. Unless you definitely must use them or else you will die, replacing them with less resource-hungry alternatives can do wonders. IE10 (http://www.beautyoftheweb.com/), Opera 12 (http://www.opera.com) and Firefox 19 (http://www.getfirefox.com) are not only overall better, but less resource intensive too. As for iTunes, VLC (http://www.videolan.org) is a very good, minimalistic media player that while not as fancy as iTunes, it will use less resources for your everyday music listening. So does Windows Media Player. Plus, neither one will load 4 additional services and 2 startup programs after being installed like iTunes does (of course, if you have any Apple devices you might not have a choice but to leave it installed).

As for stuff to disable from your startup, almost everything can and should be disabled (except for your antivirus of course and some Intel software related to drivers).

Also, unless you installed the Operating System yourself, it is very likely it came bundled with bloatware and trialware that you don't need. Uninstalling that will not only free up some space on your machine, but also remove some unneeded services from running in the background.

I don't get how Chrome uses up more resources than IE and Firefox...in my opinion it's a better browser than either one (though Firefox is definitely better than IE)

[Iron Man]

I don't get how Chrome uses up more resources than IE and Firefox...in my opinion it's a better browser than either one (though Firefox is definitely better than IE)

A marble slab is better than IE :P

[Blueeyes]

Also replacing programs with less intensive ones is a key to getting better performance out of your computer.

Stuff like Chrome and iTunes are resource hogs.

While replacing programs with something that utilizes less resources MIGHT be a good idea, replacing Chrome is pointless... I mean, who DOESN'T love chrome? :yeah:

It has it's own flash player, it runs quick and very simplistic. Not to mention, TONS of addons are available (favorites- adblock, WOT, 9Gag, and Google Docs extension). Yes, it may SEEM like it's heavy on the resources when you open up a crap load of taps and go to task manager and see all the chrome.exe but that's mostly a combination of tabs and extensions running. iTunes running may be a resource hog, but how often do you run iTunes other than to sync music? Most people listen to music on YouTube. As long as iTunes isn't running or doing anything, it should be fine.

[Axw_JD]

I recall seeing in multiple places that uninstalling some of that crap causes weird things to happen. To be safe, I just left all of that sitting here. Much of it has been running since about 2 years ago, as well. Things like "EgisTec MyWinLocker" and "SuiteTray" are always in the little notifications area-thing.
"Times Reader", "Norton Online Backup", and "newsXpresso" are just sitting there. Never used them.

So, tell me, can I safely uninstall all that without Windows doing odd things?

It depends on how extensively your OEM "customized" the Operating System, but in general the 5 things you mentioned are all perfectly safe to completely uninstall.

Most of that stuff is just bloatware installed by the OEM. That's why whenever I have gotten a new or "new" laptop, the first thing I do is format and install my own copy of the latest version of Windows that the machine can run (have plenty thanks to MSDN). Most OEM licenses allow using any other Windows install disc anyways so you don't need to buy an additional copy of Windows (this has been specially true starting with Windows Vista, that allows even a different language version to be installed with the same key).

[Magus]

Slow WINDOWS? GET A MAC!!!!111one11!!!!. Just kidding.

It's always best to have 2 Hard Drives(1 for the OS, and the other for storing), or 1 External Hard drive for backup purposes.

All of my stuff are on my external hd, and its stuff are on another hd. If your computer gets corrupted, you can get it easily fixed(fixing the hd or getting a new one) and your stuff are intact.

Doesn't those newly Installed CDs make a restore partition? But that will go to the dumpster if the whole hd dies on you. XD

Unfortunately, I made a recovery disc, which I think it includes the OEM bloatware. Where can I get an official win7(don't worry, I have the OEM name and code stuck somewhere on the computer)

If you have OSX or linux, don't bother saying you can't get any either, because you can!

Yes, you can get it. But it doesn't get activated if you don't give that specific binary package a root access, which is similar to Wins Administrative Access.

Now this brings a lot of debate whether we should install from source(only those who knows the language knows where the virus is, before compiling it) or get the binary. But it is best getting the binary from an official source(Canonical, RHL or Suse).

The difference is that, most Windows user are having admin access already open, which makes it much vulnerable to malwares. And in Linux(not sure about OSX), you must always give it(although you can override the whole ordeal, but it is a bit tricky to set it up).

[Blueeyes]

It depends on how extensively your OEM "customized" the Operating System, but in general the 5 things you mentioned are all perfectly safe to completely uninstall.

Most of that stuff is just bloatware installed by the OEM. That's why whenever I have gotten a new or "new" laptop, the first thing I do is format and install my own copy of the latest version of Windows that the machine can run (have plenty thanks to MSDN). Most OEM licenses allow using any other Windows install disc anyways so you don't need to buy an additional copy of Windows (this has been specially true starting with Windows Vista, that allows even a different language version to be installed with the same key).

They're are different versions of Windows, to do a legal install.. you would need your manufacturer's OEM copy.

[Mirage]

Not a bad guide. Great job!

[Axw_JD]

Slow WINDOWS? GET A MAC!!!!111one11!!!!. Just kidding.

It's always best to have 2 Hard Drives(1 for the OS, and the other for storing), or 1 External Hard drive for backup purposes.

All of my stuff are on my external hd, and its stuff are on another hd. If your computer gets corrupted, you can get it easily fixed(fixing the hd or getting a new one) and your stuff are intact.

Doesn't those newly Installed CDs make a restore partition? But that will go to the dumpster if the whole hd dies on you. XD

Unfortunately, I made a recovery disc, which I think it includes the OEM bloatware. Where can I get an official win7(don't worry, I have the OEM name and code stuck somewhere on the computer)



Yes, you can get it. But it doesn't get activated if you don't give that specific binary package a root access, which is similar to Wins Administrative Access.

Now this brings a lot of debate whether we should install from source(only those who knows the language knows where the virus is, before compiling it) or get the binary. But it is best getting the binary from an official source(Canonical, RHL or Suse).

The difference is that, most Windows user are having admin access already open, which makes it much vulnerable to malwares. And in Linux(not sure about OSX), you must always give it(although you can override the whole ordeal, but it is a bit tricky to set it up).

If you have access to MSDN through your school (aka DreamSpark) you can get it from there, or you can borrow one from someone.

Starting with Windows Vista, that's the exact same way Windows works. Even if you are logged in as an admin, nothing you run gets root access unles you explicitly give it. Windows is no less safe than any other OS (in fact, is probably the one with the most robust security, since it is under constant attack and scrutiny), it just so happens to be the most popular one which makes it not only the number 1 target, but also the one with the most clueless users.

"Security through obscurity is no security at all". Thats the main security behind Linux and OSX. If they ever grow in popularity, they will simply start getting more malware targeting them, thats just how it is.

They're are different versions of Windows, to do a legal install.. you would need your manufacturer's OEM copy.

Not true. According to the End-User License Agreement, the contract is between you and Microsoft, not you and the OEM. For an OEM license, a legal install means a fresh install (or in-place reinstall, aka refresh in Windows 8) of the operating system in the same machine.

Bit version, language and OEM-provided, MSDN-provided or retail disc doesn't matter.

Please don't double post, use multi-quote for quoting multiple posts n one go. ~TheMatrix

[Blueeyes]

Not true. According to the End-User License Agreement, the contract is between you and Microsoft, not you and the OEM. For an OEM license, a legal install means a fresh install (or in-place reinstall, aka refresh in Windows 8) of the operating system in the same machine.

Bit version, language and OEM-provided, MSDN-provided or retail disc doesn't matter.

A 'refresh' of Windows 8 is not a actual reinstall, but merely just resetting everything. In order for the license key to work with your installation of Windows, you need your OEM copy of Windows (Dell usually has a disk, while other brands have Recovery Partitions/drives with a bootable reinstallation). If you were to reinstall Windows using a installation retail disk from Microsoft onto a computer and re-use the license key on the computer... it will not work. Notice, the OEM name on the license key sticker on the computer.

OEM vs Retail Windows 7 is very different. Support given in the retail version is 90 days of free support. OEM - none, unless the manufacturer provides it themselves.


“Typically the OEM product is tied to the motherboard,” explained Painell. “It’s the one component we do tie the OEM product to and the only thing that shouldn’t really change in the PC. People will typically upgrade a hard drive, people will typically upgrade a processor, people will typically upgrade a graphics card, but the motherboard is pretty much the heart of the PC and as such is what we link the OEM product too.”

Therefore, the OEM key to the computer is bound to the hardware of the computer.

Now, the only way to install Windows 7 legally using a OEM key and a retail copy of Windows 7 ... is using the phone support option.

[Axw_JD]

A 'refresh' of Windows 8 is not a actual reinstall, but merely just resetting everything. In order for the license key to work with your installation of Windows, you need your OEM copy of Windows (Dell usually has a disk, while other brands have Recovery Partitions/drives with a bootable reinstallation). If you were to reinstall Windows using a installation retail disk from Microsoft onto a computer and re-use the license key on the computer... it will not work. Notice, the OEM name on the license key sticker on the computer.

OEM vs Retail Windows 7 is very different. Support given in the retail version is 90 days of free support. OEM - none, unless the manufacturer provides it themselves.



Therefore, the OEM key to the computer is bound to the hardware of the computer.

Now, the only way to install Windows 7 legally using a OEM key and a retail copy of Windows 7 ... is using the phone support option.

Thanks for essentially reinstating what I was saying. It is possible, it is within your EULA and it is perfectly fine on Microsoft's side to reinstall your OEM Windows with a retail disc as long as you do so on the same hardware.

And have you actually done a refresh of Windows 8? Is the same as the Windows in-place reinstall with a recovery partition.

[Blueeyes]

Thanks for essentially reinstating what I was saying. It is possible, it is within your EULA and it is perfectly fine on Microsoft's side to reinstall your OEM Windows with a retail disc as long as you do so on the same hardware.

And have you actually done a refresh of Windows 8? Is the same as the Windows in-place reinstall with a recovery partition.

I was rephrasing everything, for people reading to understand in simple terms. Yes I have, multiple times. And no it's not, it can be with changing of some settings but... by default, it leaves a few things untouched.

[TheMatrix]

It depends on how extensively your OEM "customized" the Operating System, but in general the 5 things you mentioned are all perfectly safe to completely uninstall.
Great! Finally I can shorten my start menu by 5 entries or so.

Most of that stuff is just bloatware installed by the OEM. That's why whenever I have gotten a new or "new" laptop, the first thing I do is format and install my own copy of the latest version of Windows that the machine can run (have plenty thanks to MSDN). Most OEM licenses allow using any other Windows install disc anyways so you don't need to buy an additional copy of Windows (this has been specially true starting with Windows Vista, that allows even a different language version to be installed with the same key).
I would, except that my laptop didn't come with a disc(much less does it have an optical drive at all, which I only realised in retrospect).
It's an Acer Aspire, if it matters.

Yes, you can get it. But it doesn't get activated if you don't give that specific binary package a root access, which is similar to Wins Administrative Access.

Now this brings a lot of debate whether we should install from source(only those who knows the language knows where the virus is, before compiling it) or get the binary. But it is best getting the binary from an official source(Canonical, RHL or Suse).

The difference is that, most Windows user are having admin access already open, which makes it much vulnerable to malwares. And in Linux(not sure about OSX), you must always give it(although you can override the whole ordeal, but it is a bit tricky to set it up).
Sure, Linux(and by extension, any UNIX or BSD, MacOS included) can get a virus, even if you install from source. Anyone could put malicious code in an application somewhere, even in the form of program code. Right there where everybody can see it, but only if you actually look through the sources. But this becomes tedious and boring for large projects. Now when you type "sudo make install", something malicious could be inserted into crontab, for example. It isn't impossible.

The thing is, most of the time, this is difficult. Because GNU/Linux is mostly community projects, the maintainers of these projects review each and every proposed modification. And if you're wanting to edit the autoconf macros, you'd better have a good reason to(or CMakeLists.txt, SCons script, etc).
And if word gets out that a maintainer of a package is being sloppy or malicious, the code is forked, has the malicious parts removed, and continues under a new name and leadership. Sometimes for better, sometimes for worse.

"Security through obscurity is no security at all". Thats the main security behind Linux and OSX. If they ever grow in popularity, they will simply start getting more malware targeting them, thats just how it is.
It's true. And not a bad strategy per se.

[Blueeyes]

Great! Finally I can shorten my start menu by 5 entries or so.

I would, except that my laptop didn't come with a disc(much less does it have an optical drive at all, which I only realised in retrospect).
It's an Acer Aspire, if it matters.


It's possible to use something to remove EVERYTHING related to the program you are uninstalling. Revo Uninstaller (http://www.revouninstaller.com/) is something I've used before. Note - I'd still rather a re-installation, because not all programs are perfect at removing registry entries and stuff like that.

You could of always put Win 7 basic (I think basic is on the Aspire), and boot a installation from USB. Now, the sources to get it I'm not sure of. I don't think it's legal to pirate a Windows OS, even if you use your key to license it. So that I'm personally not 100% sure of.