What to do for "slow computers"

[Zensal]

I could be called my neighborhood techie. People come to me often to fix computers or other technical issues.

My #1 complaint about a computer is that it's "running slow." I typically run CCleaner, JKdefrag, and stop most programs from starting up on boot.

Aside from hardware issues, which are not usually the cause, I was wondering what everyone else would run to fix it? Anyone know of anything else that might help?

 

[MustISO]

Best thing I can usually do for a slow machine is add RAM if needed and format and re-install Windows (after backing up important files).

 

[redbeard1]

More ram, a faster rpm or higher density hard drive, a real video card instead of onboard video which steals from the system ram, and/or wipe and reload winodws.

 

[mechBgon]

If it's super-duper slow, also check in Device Manager to make sure the IDE controllers haven't slipped into PIO mode instead of an UltraDMA mode. If they have, then do an Uninstall of the controller, then reboot and let Windows rediscover it.

Checking for malware is never a bad idea either, of course.

 

[tcsenter]

Delete temp directory contents (C:\Windows\Temp and the user profile temp folders)

Run Disk Cleanup and delete System Restore points except the last one (accessed from the Disk Cleanup advanced settings tab)

Run chkdisk from command line with /r switch

Clear Event Viewer logs (using script/bat file for Windows Vista)

Remove duplicate, unused, unwanted programs

Update all device drivers, applications, and OS patches, if available

Check that pagefile is not too large or small

Check that internet temp and history cache is not too large or small

Configure real-time security protection to be less paranoid, especially the all-encompassing security suites (e.g. disable or uninstall third-party firewalls when Windows Firewall is sufficient)

Run Windows defrag a couple times

Run defrag boot optimization (e.g. use the command line defrag with -b switch)

Return to owner and charge $60

 

[Zensal]

Thanks for the suggestions. I do wish I could just reformat everyone's computers, but as most of them don't have their OS disk or even all their program disks, it's not always a viable option.

I do most of the things on your list tcsenter, but I didn't know about a couple. What does the defrag boot optimization do? I typically use JKDefrag, and I know it tries to move data to the outside of the HDD for faster access.

 

[tcsenter]

Optimizes Windows Prefetch folder data and moves it to the outside of the disk. Prefetch not only includes boot and startup files but the first several applications launched by the user.

 

[Modelworks]

Run hijack this , see all the crap they have installed, then format the pc
If they don't have the install disc all you need is their product key and you can use any media to reinstall.

To get the product key, use this:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Aside from the above, which are excellent things to do,

Disable wallpaper (Active Desktop)
Delete unused desktop icons
Disable visual effects/themes - go with standard grey "W2K" look.

These give minimal performance gains, but every little bit helps on underpowered PCs.

 

[Zensal]

Originally posted by: Modelworks
Run hijack this , see all the crap they have installed, then format the pc
If they don't have the install disc all you need is their product key and you can use any media to reinstall.

To get the product key, use this:
http://www.magicaljellybean.com/keyfinder/

This is not an option for quite a few people because they don't have their program cds. Photoshop, Quicken, games, Office. If they do, I normally just do reformat.

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Delete unused desktop icons

Sometimes I turn on someones computer and they have so many icons that they are actually going of the right side of the desktop.

 

[InflatableBuddha]

Originally posted by: Zensal

Originally posted by: InflatableBuddha

Delete unused desktop icons

Sometimes I turn on someones computer and they have so many icons that they are actually going of the right side of the desktop.

Scary, isn't it? I think these people haven't grasped the concept that you don't need to save individual Word docs, photos, or music tracks on the desktop :laugh:.