Really slow computer

[9mak9]

My brother gave me his computer to use and I find everything very slow to use. I am not really sure what he did on that computer but it takes so long to anything and there isnt much on it. What are the best programs to use to clean whatever 'garbage' is on there?

thanks

 

[Chiefcrowe]

does it have an up to date AV program? scan it with that in safe mode.
and also scan with malwarebytes antimalware.
Also you may need to boot with an offline viruscan cd like Antivir has.

 

[Ksyder]

I say reinstall if you have the option... you might as well make that "new computer" more like a "NEW COMPUTER!"

seriously, its nice to have a fresh install with new service packs or updates, the latest drivers, bios, etc. Coupling this with a fresh inspection and cleanout of the dust bunnies inside the case and assuming you have enough memory and a good hard drive, you are good to go!

 

[Dinkbat]

Go to download.com and download the following programs....
Ccleaner
Malwarebytes
Ausdefrag


Run them in that order too that should help speed things up.

 

[Chiefcrowe]

I agree here.. it's easier just to nuke it and set it up properly!!

Originally posted by: Ksyder
I say reinstall if you have the option... you might as well make that "new computer" more like a "NEW COMPUTER!"

seriously, its nice to have a fresh install with new service packs or updates, the latest drivers, bios, etc. Coupling this with a fresh inspection and cleanout of the dust bunnies inside the case and assuming you have enough memory and a good hard drive, you are good to go!

 

[mechBgon]

Also make sure the ATA controllers haven't slipped down to PIO mode. You can check by going to Device Manager, expanding the ATA controllers category, opening up each controller and looking at the Advanced tab. DMA modes good, PIO mode bad.

If you find a controller that's in PIO mode, right-click it and choose Uninstall, then reboot and let Windows rediscover it.

 

[BW86]

spybot
superantispyware
spywareblaster
ccleaner
antivir

Although I would just do a complete reformat

 

[techmanc]

Are you trying to save the system or is refomatting a option you would do?

 

[9mak9]

hmm yeah I was thinking the best option is to start over..but .there are some programs and such that I would like to keep...so I might download those and try it first then maybe reformat.

Thanks

 

[techmanc]

Before you format you should image the drive to a drive with enough free space to do the backup which will be less than the drives used space if you use the software compressing option. My recommendation is to get ShadowProtect Desktop 3.3 trial. You could also use Acronis True Image. Once you have imaged the drive you can mount it as a virtual hard drive and retrieve any files you need.