Fix a Slow Computer in Minutes with Five Quick and Effective Steps

If your prime goal is to fix a slow computer but you are not sure how to make it happen, this article can assist you.

There is no bigger frustration than a crashing or freezing computer, or just having a system that moves at a slower pace than a sea turtle. Part of that frustration is not knowing what to do to get your PC running like new again. Many people avoid the conflict and purchase a new computer. There are many solutions at a fraction of the cost to fix a slow computer.

Step One: Do a Defrag on your hard drive disks

If you have a Microsoft operating system, it comes with accessories like a Defragmentation for your hard disk drive that can compress file sizes and streamline your computer. This can enhance speed and do so without a dime out of your pocket. Go to control panel, performance information and tools, advanced tools, and choose to open disc defragmenter.

Step Two: Close applications that you are not using

Another thing that can make a huge difference is to close out applications that you are not using (on the task bar). This will allow your system to run more efficient since it is not taxing on your PC when programs are closed.

Step Three: Run the free utility scan in Windows

Run the utility scan to check for errors on your hard drive. To accomplish this, go to my computer (or computer in Vista) and right click on the drive you want to check. Then choose properties, tools, then error checking. Scan for errors.

Step Four: Shut off design tools and desktop animation

Turn off unneeded desktop animation and other appearance-oriented tools. This includes special fonts, 3D objects, and styles that are eating up resources. This can be done in Windows XP by going to my computer and right click, go to properties, advanced tab, and to the settings button in the performance section. In the performance options dialogue box go to the visual effects tab and choose the option to adjust for best performance. In Vista go to start, control panel, system and maintenance, performance information and tools, and then click adjust for best performance.

Step Five: Get a free registry repair scan complete

Microsoft has an internal file library on each computer called a registry. When you add and remove programs files can become corrupt and leave partial files on your computer over time. These cause the system to bloat which contributes greatly to slow computer problems. One of the fastest ways to make your computer run effectively is to remove registry errors. The best bet is to download the free scan and simply run the scan to see what errors come up. Though it is always an important idea to keep a registry cleaner on your computers at all times, you can choose not to purchase a full version registry repair software until you use the free scan and check for errors.

Be careful with any product out there claiming to be free when it comes to registry cleaners, anti-spyware software, or virus scan software. These products commonly have you commit to a EULA (End User Licensing Agreement) which is an agreement for the software allowing them to put adware and malware on your computer. These types of parasites can be incredibly difficult to remove from your computer.

After doing all the free steps, be sure to add a registry cleaner as an investment in your computer. The best registry cleaners can have your system running like new in under ten minutes.

If you are not sure of which registry products to trust, my top pick that I use on my own computer is called Registry Easy. You can get a free scan or more information at http://www.registry-easy-info.com or you can see complete reviews on seven top products at http://www.registry-repair-source.com/best-registry-cleaner.htm If you are concerned about spyware capturing your private information, see http://www.xoftspyse-facts.com