My computer is running slow on startup or when opening programs

1. Make sure your hardware is sufficient!

Making sure you have the proper hardware to support Windows is critical. Below are the minimums that I suggest for any PC.

For XP – A computer with a Pentium processor, at least 512MB of RAM (operating memory), preferably 1 to 2 GB of memory and an 80GB hard drive or larger.

For Vista – A computer with any dual-core processor, 2 to 3 GB of RAM and a 160 GB or larger hard drive.

Computers that are performing slow or sluggish is a very common problem and there are multiple possible solutions. It’s sort of like hearing a rattle in your car… you take it to your mechanic and they try several different solutions before the rattle finally goes away. Even then,  sometimes you learn that annoying rattle is simply a result of old age. It’s the same way with computers!

I will not bore you with the explanation of how computers become slow over time.  It’s very difficult to explain and you probably don’t care… you just want it fixed! So let’s get started. This a very large page and there are a total of 5 steps that you can take to improve the performance of your computer.

2. How many files are on your desktop?

Every time windows starts, operating memory is used for all of the files on the desktop. If the icons are shortcuts to actual programs, then they should use a very small amount of memory. However, if you have several or dozens of actual document icons on your desktop, it can use a lot of memory on startup! For example: you may have several documents that you use on a daily or weekly basis and to make things easier, you placed icons for those documents on your desktop. Essentially, every time your computer is turned on, memory is used to pre-open every single one of those documents. Imagine 5, 10 or even 15 Microsoft Word documents all trying to open at the same time... it can really slow down your startup speed.

The best advice is to reserve your desktop for program shortcuts only. You may need to move the document icons back to your "My Documents" folder.  All you have to do is "right-click" on the desktop icon, hover your mouse over "send-to", then click on "Documents" or "My Documents". You can now safely delete the desktop icon.

It can also be helpful to remove any program icons that you do not use on a regular basis. You can always open programs by clicking on "Start", then "All Programs". Keep your desktop clean and to a bare minimum and it will help with speed.

3. Is it time to remove unwanted programs?

One of the huge advantages of high-speed Internet is the ability to download programs directly from the Internet without the hassle of trying to order the disk or spend a whole day looking for the program in stores. It's easy to be become a "Download Hog", and there is nothing wrong with that... I'm one myself. I am constantly looking for new programs to make life easier; sometimes up to 5 programs a week.

However, there may be programs that you downloaded or originally came with your computer that you never use. If that is the case, then it's time to get rid of them. This will free up some space on your hard drive, windows registry and other areas. Keep in mind that going through the uninstall list may be a tedious task being that some computers may have 50 or more  programs installed.  Just take your time and go through each program line by line. You also have to be careful not to remove any programs that are vital to your PC. The best advice is: "If your not sure exactly what the program does, then leave it alone"

For detailed instructions on how to remove programs, please choose your windows version below.

4. How to adjust startup programs?

A major reason for slow computer startup times is the amount of programs that Startup when you first turn your computer on. The process of altering startup programs is not very difficult and is something you can do yourself.

Step One: Click on "Start", then click "Run" (windows vista users can simply type the command in the search box and hit enter) In the run dialog box or the Vista search box, simply type "msconfig" and hit enter. The following console will pop up. (Windows Vista Users will need to click continue in the User Control Box) Click on the "Startup" tab and then follow the directions below.

You will notice the four column headers: Startup Item, Manufacturer, Command & Location. First click one time on the command header to sort the items alphabetically. Then, expand the Command column by clicking and dragging the column to the right. This will give you a full view of where each item is located.

The Startup Configuration console is a simple checked or unchecked interface. Any item that is checked will automatically load when you start windows.

1. Each item should be listed alphabetically now. The most important thing to remember is to never, never disable any program that is located in the "Windows" or "System" folder. You will notice that I have those programs highlighted in blue. Example: Never uncheck any item that is located in the C:\Windows folder.

2. Any other program should be okay to uncheck, if you choose to do so. The key is go line by line and remember the rule: "If your not sure what it does, leave it alone"

3. It's always a good idea to leave your printer (i.e. HP, Kodak, Cannon, etc...) checked. As well as your Anti-Virus program. (i.e. AVG, Norton, AT&T, etc...)

4. Once you have unchecked the items that you no longer want to open on startup, click the "apply" button, then click "ok".  You will be asked to restart your computer in order for the changes to take effect. Please do so.

5. Clean up your registry files

Your computers registry may be one component that you have never heard of and for good reason. If your hard drive is the brain of the computer, then you can think of the registry as the central nervous system. The registry  literally controls every aspect of your computer and is very sensitive. If you want to see what your computers registry looks like, you can type "regedit" in your Run Box (Windows XP) or your Search Box (Windows Vista) and hit enter. However, do not change anything!!!

Having said that, registry errors can cause slow or erratic behavior on your computer. There are hundreds of programs out there that claim to fix registry errors but there are only two that I trust.

The first is a free program available through download.com... I would give it 3 out of 5 starts on overall performance. Just look under "Top Free Programs" on the Computer Help Homepage for "Eusing Free Registry Cleaner"

The second program, Registry Patrol, costs $39.95 and includes lifetime updates. While you do have to pay for this program, it is well worth it in my humble opinion and I would give it a 5 out of 5 on overall performance. Not only does it have the ability to fix registry errors but also has a built-in startup manager and Internet optimizer.

If you decide to go looking on your own for a registry repair program, please use caution. There are many good programs out there but there are also too many programs that will mess up your computer.

Hopefully, one or a combination of the above steps has helped with your computers performance. There are a few other things that we can try but nothing that I feel comfortable posting as a do it yourself solution. If your computer shows no improvement after these steps, just get in touch with me and we will go from there. My contact info is on the Computer Help Homepage.