Slow Computer

Before I got a new one, I took mine to a local computer store and paid $50 for a cleanup. It greatly increased the speed!

Theresa:

Clear your cookies and your cache.

If you know how to use the Administrator function on your computer - make sure you have no extra programs or applications on your computer.

If you have recently upgraded your printer, for example, make sure your old one is uninstalled.

Go through the applications - if you haven't used it - and it's NOT an executable file - then delete it. Write down the programs/applications that you have deleted.

You can also pay Office Depot $50 to "spring clean" your computer - you can have it back in 24 hours.

take it to Staples, they do free tune ups.

How old is it? Pull out your manual it'll give you tips. Aside from deleting programs you don't need and only opening what you need when you need it, the age makes a differnece.

Is it a Windows Operating System?
Delete all pictures, video, and music that you dont absolutely have to have. One thing you can do is email things to yourself or upload to a differant site so you dont have to save them on your computer. Then do your routine maintenance...
Start Menu>All Programs>Accessories>Disk Cleanup
then
Start Menu>All Programs>Accessories>Disk Defragment

Before you pay someone to clean it up, try running 3 different programs for free. Go to www.cnet.com and download the free versions of Avira antivirus program (AVG works ok as well, but I've had issues with it in the past), Spybot Search and Destroy, and Malware Bytes. Once you get to the CNet website, click on "Downloads" on the top, then on the left side choose "Top Freeware" or "Most Popular" and all 3 should be listed. When you go to download Malware Bytes, it doesn't matter which place you download it from as long as it has an American flag beside it. Beware of using some of the other free programs that will clean up your computer because I've tried some of them and sometimes they remove things from your computer that you need (ie. Registry cleaners). If you don't know what you need to remove (like I didn't), a registry cleaner can be a headache. I had to use my restore point in Windows to "fix" what the free registry cleaner had done.

After you have downloaded and run all 3 programs, I would then go into Windows and defragment your hard drive like some other moms have suggested, along with removing any programs you don't use.

If you're afraid you're going to mess up your computer (you really won't by doing these things above), or if these things don't help significantly, then I'd pay for a tuneup done by a professional. Most of the time the professionals do what most of us are telling you to do for free. Good luck with it and I hope your computer speed improves!

I used Advance System Care (free download) and do a scan whenever my laptop is running slow and it clears up junk files, cookies and everything.

Download Malwarebytes (use the free version) and check for viruses and malware. If there is any it will remove it for you. Then run a disk cleanup and defragmenter like a pervious poster mentioned.

Hi, Theresa:
Do you have DSL connection? D.

Add some more memory to it. Get rid of the stuff on the computer that you do not need. I would also run the disc defragmentor. That may take at least 3 hours. I would do the disc defrag before you go to bed. Games on the computer or lots of photos will also slow it down. Get a portable hard drive which are small and put the photos on there. If that does not work then it is time to get a new computer. good luck

Updated

Add some more memory to it. Get rid of the stuff on the computer that you do not need. I would also run the disc defragmentor. That may take at least 3 hours. I would do the disc defrag before you go to bed. Games on the computer or lots of photos will also slow it down. Get a portable hard drive which are small and put the photos on there. If that does not work then it is time to get a new computer. good luck