how to speed up pc

[Louise07]

Hello my mother in law is having trouble with her pc in that it is just sooo slow and most of the time just freezes soon after starting it up so it's barely useable. Even starting up and logging off can take ages and ages, let alone actually using it. What would she need to do to speed it up. Thanks for any suggestions.

[HowardKennitby]

Make sure the maximum amount of memory(RAM) is fitted.

Ensure no unnecessary programmes are starting automatically in the background

[MarkRae]

In addition to throwing more hardware resources at it, when was the last time it was checked for malware? If she's not already doing this on a regular basis, download, install and run the free edition of malwarebytes: http://www.malwarebytes.org/

[gingejbee]

30 tips here:


http://www.computerac...elp-pc-original-speed

[Louise07]

How do I stop unnecessary programs starting up?

[MarkRae]

^^ 2. Defragment hard disks

That will have no effect whatsoever.

[MarkRae]

> How do I stop unnecessary programs starting up?

You haven't said what operating system the machine is running, so assuming a reasonably recent version of Windows:

http://www.google.co....rceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8

[gingejbee]

Mark; OK, 29 tips! (I didn't write it btw.)

[ummmm]

I have the same problem with my other laptop...

It's now saying something about reinstalling windows (I don't use it so not 100% sure) It's windows 7.

[VHG]

Make sure it is not trying to download Windows updates on a slow broadband connection. This can often happen in the background without the user knowing it. If you think it is, then switch the PC on and leave it for say half a day with nobody using it to let all updates download. You may be prompted for a reboot during this time.

Also make sure none of the disks are full up. If Windows has no room on a hard disk to create temporary files this can make Windows grind to a halt.

How old is the PC?
What version of Windows?
Any idea of the spec of the PC (CPU, memory, hard disk size etc)?

[Louise07]

It's windows xp

[pdq1]

There are so good professional tips to keep your computer in running order:

http://www.ehow.com/h...ning-fast-smooth.html