Why is my computer so slow?
What Happened?
Unless you have a virus, chances are you have a lot of programs running in the background. Programs that load when you start your computer normally are put in "Startup" section of the registry, and can be accessed by typing "msconfig" in either a DOS prompt or in the Start Menu "Run" (XP) or Start "Search Programs" (Windows 7). But before we go into how to remove them, let's discuss how they got there.
90% of the time, they get there as an "add-on" from a program install. When you buy a new peripheral such as a printer, it comes with a driver disk. This disk contains special software that installs so that your computer can communicate with your printer. It's necessary for this to be installed so that you can print. But, when you install the drivers, if you don't pay attention, you'll be installing other software that you don't necessarily need. Some of this software installs in the "Startup" section of the computer, and starts when you turn on the computer. Also, when you install free programs off the Internet, like Adobe Reader, it'll put a piece of software in "Startup". It seems that a lot of software programmers want to put something in startup to run. I'm sure all they're trying to do is help the computer owner experience the full effect of their products, but in the end all it seems to do is frustrate them.
How do I clean them up?
When computers start running slow, most people try removing programs that are installed to free up space on their computer in hopes to help speed up the computer. Although, this may free up space on the computer, that's about all it'll do. You might get a few programs out of startup, but that's it.
You can use a couple different programs you can use to remove startup items. "Msconfig" will let you go in and disable programs that you don't need, but is difficult to read because you can't go full screen to view everything. I recommend a program called "Whatinstartup". With this program, you can view everything full screen, disable, delete, and view other vital information. You can download "Whatinstartup" here. Once you run the program, you can view, disable, enable, or delete any startup items you want. I recommend NOT deleting anthing in the startup group unless you are absolutly positive that you don't need it. I recommend disabling the startup item, so if you find that it's needed later on you can enable it.
Last Updated (Sunday, 06 June 2010 15:53)