subject: How do I fix my PC when it keeps crashing [print this page] How do I fix my PC when it keeps crashing
Are you experiencing regular crashes on your PC for no particular reason? Is your PC running much more slowly than when you first bought it? Unexplained crashes on your PC are often caused by a registry file that is out of date. The registry on your computer keeps track of all programs installed and the components they need to run. As you use your computer regularly, over time you collect old data and parts of old programs that stick around and slow your computer down. What if you could make your computer run like the day you first took it out of the box?
Well here are seven simple steps you can follow to speed your computer up:
Step 1: Backup your old files and improve your storage space. Saving space on your hard drive can make your computer run faster.
Step 2: Empty your recycle bin. Sounds simple, but some people forget that files in the recycle bin are not deleted until it is emptied. This means that those files are still taking up space on your disk.
Step 3: Uninstall old programs or those that you don't use anymore. To find and remove old programs go to the control panel and choose the Add/Remove Programs option; this will show you a list of programs and you can choose to uninstall those you no longer use.
Step 4: Remove temporary files. Just like emptying the recycle bin, it's a good idea to find and remove files that you don't need including old documents, pictures and images attached to email files. Choose the System Tools Disk Cleanup option (available from the Start - Accessories menu) which enables you to remove these files quickly and easily.
Step 5: Run System Recovery and restore your PC to its factory settings. Do this if you have a relatively new PC and it is running slowly; you may feel like you have a new PC again! System recovery will wipe your hard drive clean so its important that you get a backup of all your files before doing this. Use the system recovery disk that came with your PC to do this.
Step 6: Check your firewall. Your PC may be the victim of a malicious program or virus, often called malware or spyware. Spyware monitors the activity on your computer and can transmit it to third parties who can use information like passwords and credit card details to steal from you. Make sure that your Windows firewall is on (select Start Control Panel Network and Internet Connections Windows Firewall to do this). Spyware will slow your PC down significantly to identify whether you have it use a utility like this.
Step 7: The registry is like your computer's library that stores your programs. With time, as some programs are added and removed, and everyday programs opened more frequently than others, your registry ends up disorganized with files scattered everywhere. An old or cluttered registry will cause crashes and blue screen lags.
There are many good utilities available for clearing your computer of spyware and updating the registry. Download a recommended hard disk scan and check for free if hackers have targeted your browser.
