How to Repair a Slow Computer

As a computer ages, its performance can significantly slow down and sometimes come to a halt. This is normal with old age but can also be the result of malicious software unknowingly wreaking havoc on your machine. Follow these tips to clear your machine of old, unnecessary and unwanted files to bring your computer back to life.

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Lavasoft Ad-Aware
• AVG free antivirus
• Windows computer
• Computer memory (optional

1. Step 1

   Remove any potential viruses that may be causing your computer to run slowly. Use AVG's free antivirus if you do not already own antivirus software. Put your computer through a full system scan, deleting or quarantining any detected threats.

2. Step 2

   Remove any spyware or adware programs that may be affecting your computer's performance. If you do not already own a spyware removal application, download Lavasoft's free Ad-Aware program. Run a full system scan and delete or quarantine any detected spyware.

3. Step 3

   Remove unnecessary or old documents and files you no longer need. Your computer can house a lot of files that build up over the years. Browse through your My Documents folder and prune your files.

4. Step 4

   Move your important files to an external hard drive. Back up your important files to an external hard drive, eliminating the need for them to sit on your computers hard drive causing unnecessary strain as the computer gets older.

5. Step 5

   Perform a Disk Cleanup, located under the System Tools area of your computer. This will go through your computer and empty any old temporary files and files cached by your browser that can slow down your computer.

6. Step 6

   Defrag your computer. This function is also found under the System Tools of your computer. Defragmenting your computer moves pieces of information around your hard drive so they can be accessed quicker.

7. Step 7

   Uninstall old or unneeded applications. Use Windows Add/Remove Programs universal uninstaller accessed through the Control Panel to completely remove applications and all associated files.

8. Step 8

   Install extra memory. You can purchase additional memory from any electronics store that can be physically installed into your computer. Every computer has different requirements and maximum memory allotments, so refer to your user manual for memory installation tips.