CLEAN UP A SLOW PC

If your computer is suddenly running slow, it may be due to malware, viruses, corrupt files, registry issues, fragmentation of the hard drive and/or programs running in the background without your knowledge.

When cleaning a slow computer, you may have to reboot in "safe mode with networking" if you can't open a browser and get onto the Internet.

Try cleaning your PC of malware, viruses and registry issues by using this procedure in this order and by using these recommended programs.

The ComputerWise Top Ten Fixes

FIRST, use an EXTERNAL ANTI-VIRUS to get rid of any viruses on your PC. Anyone of these will work:

Housecall
SuperAntiSpyware
ESET Online Scanner
Kaspersky
Sophos

SECOND, run all three of the following Anti-spyware programs. Be sure to UPDATE them before running a SCAN:

SuperAntiSpyware
Spybot - Search & Destroy 
Malwarebytes

THIRD, Uninstall any UN-NEEDED programs on your PC, especially things like toolbars or coupon installers.

FOURTH, Run MSCONFIG to stop un-needed programs from starting when you boot up. See How to use MSCONFIG.

FIFTH, download and open CCleaner - use this to clean your registry and temp files.

SIXTH, run DEFRAG on your PC, if it indicates your hard drive is fragmented.

SEVENTH, check Power Management. You may pick up some speed by switching to a PERFORMANCE management setting. Better yet, see how to optimize Windows 8.

EIGHTH, if you are experiencing problems with Internet Explorer, you can RESET the program to clear things out and start again. Find it at TOOLS>INTERNET OPTIONS>ADVANCED TAB

NINTH, be sure to have an ANTI-VIRUS program installed and running in your PC. ESET has a good PAID version. Avast is a good FREE alternative - but use these instructions to set it up properly.

TENTH, get an external hard drive and BACK UP your important data on a regular basis.

Once done, you should have a clean and faster running PC.