If you ran a scan and your computer is still running slowly, it is more likely to be caused by an issue unrelated to viruses. Contributing factors could be how long ago the computer was purchased, the number of programs and files you have on your computer and your computer’s memory. Here are some things you can do to improve your computer’s speed:
Index:
Resetting your Internet Browsers
- A disk cleanup will remove temporary and unnecessary system files and empty the recycle bins.
1. Left-click on the Start icon at the bottom left hand corner of your screen. Your start menu will appear.
2. Go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup
3. Select your C: drive.
4. Make sure everything is checked off, then go to the More Options tab.
5. Under the More Options tab, click on Clean Up beside System Restore.
6. Confirm that you want to run the disk clean-up by clicking Yes on the window that will appear.
1. Click Start.
2. Go to All Programs > Accessories > System Tools
3. Click Disk Cleanup
- A window will appear similar to the one below:
4. Select all of the items in the list, then click the More Options tab.
5. Select Clean-up beside System Restore.
6. You will be prompted to confirm your choice, select Delete.
- Wait for the disk cleanup to finish.
1. Click Settings > Click Control Panel > Administrative Tools
2. Click Disk Cleanup.
3. At the Drives list, select which drive you want to run Disk Cleanup on.
- Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space can be freed up.
4. Select which files you want to delete.
5. Click Clean up system files.
1. Type Disk Cleanup in the Search Bar.
2. Press Enter. The Disk Cleanup will begin to calculate how much space can be freed up.
3. At the Drives list, select which drive you want to run Disk Cleanup on.
4. Select which files you want to delete.
5. Click OK.
- Click Delete files.
Resetting Your Internet Browsers
- In some cases, unwanted browser add-ons like search bars and re-direct extensions can cause pop-ups or for your web browser to not function properly. You can easily solve this by resetting your web browser to its default settings.
1. Open a Firefox page and click the icon that looks like three stacked lines at the top right of the browser window.
2. Select the question-mark icon at the bottom of the drop-down menu.
3. Select Troubleshooting information in the slide-out menu.
4. Select the Refresh Firefox button at the top right of the new Web page.
5. Select Refresh Firefox in the confirmation pop-up window. It will automatically restart your browser and let you know that it was refreshed successfully.
1. Click the icon that looks like three dots in a vertical line at the top right of the browser window.
2. Select Settings.
3. Scroll down as far as you can, and click on Advanced settings at the bottom of the Web page.
4. Scroll down as far as you can once more, and select Reset browser settings at the bottom of the page.
5. Select Reset in the confirmation pop-up window.
1. Click on the gear icon in the upper right corner of your browser, then click on Internet Options.
2. Click on the Advanced tab and then click on Reset towards the bottom.
3. When Internet Explorer finishes applying default settings, select Close, and then select OK. Restart your PC to apply changes.
1. Click on your Start Menu, and type Internet Options in the Search bar.
2. From here, the Internet Options are the same as for Internet Explorer. Follow the steps above.
Removing Unwanted Programs From Your Computer
- You can manually remove any adware or potentially unwanted programs that the FixMeStick or other anti-virus programs are not able to. On Windows computers, you can remove adware and other Possible Unwanted Programs (PUPs) by accessing your computer’s Control Panel, then clicking on Add or Remove Programs. From there, locate the program in the list and then right-click it and select Uninstall.
1. Navigate to the computer’s Control Panel.
- Windows XP/Vista/7: Left-click on your Start Menu, and then click Control Panel.
- Windows 8/8.1/10/11: Right-click on your Start Menu, and then click Control Panel.
2. From Control Panel, click on Uninstall a Program under Programs and Features.
3. Locate the adware or PUP in the list, right-click it, and then click Uninstall.
4. Restart your computer to complete the uninstallation. Your computer should now be free of the selected programs.
A fast, efficient and safe solution is System Mechanic, a PC optimization tool. System Mechanic performs regular maintenance on your PC such as removing clutter, freeing up RAM, and repairing your computer’s registry to help programs run more smoothly. The software is compatible with Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, and you can use it on an unlimited amount of PC computers in your home.
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