Windows Vista Running Slow? Basic Vista Performance Tips

Windows Vista has been out now for over two years though many users have yet to make the switch. Whether you're new to Vista or have been plugging along since its introduction, you may not be familiar with the built-in Vista performance tools. These tools are an excellent place to begin tweaking and troubleshooting performance.

Performance Information and Tools

First, go into the Control Panel and click on Performance Information and Tools. The next screen that opens is broken down into a main section summarizing your computer's performance and a Task pane.

Vista uses a "Windows Experience Index" that scores your system's processor, memory, graphics card, gaming graphics, and primary hard disk. You'll see your computer's score in the main screen. Your computer's Windows Experience Index score is determined by the lowest sub-score. If your score is exceptionally low, upgrading your lowest performing component can improve performance.

However, hardware upgrades aren't the only way you can speed up Windows Vista. Take a look at the links in the Task pane:

• Manage startup programs

• Adjust visual effects

• Adjust power options

• Adjust indexing

• Open Disk Cleanup

• Advanced tools

Go through each of these tasks and make performance adjustments. For example, managing programs that launch each time Vista loads is an excellent way to reduce demand for resources. Do you really need QuickTime or Real Player loaded at all times? If programs that you don't generally use are loading with Vista, they are taking up memory and slowing down your computer. Removing unnecessary programs from startup does not remove them from your PC, but it can improve Vista performance.

Visual effects are notorious power sappers. If your computer is particularly slow, turn off the Aero interface and enjoy an immediate performance boost. Experiment with the other settings until you find the right balance of performance and appearance.

Several power plans are available in Windows Vista including: Balanced, Power Saver, and High Performance. If battery power is not a concern, switch to High Performance.

Indexing the hard drive makes searches much faster. Rather than searching the entire drive for a file, Windows will search the index (if indexing has been enabled). However, you should only index folders or directories that contain your personal files - not the entire hard drive.

Cleaning up the hard disk using the Disk Cleanup tool can also improve Vista's performance. Regularly clean your PC of temporary Internet files, temporary downloaded program files, cookies, and other clutter.