Improving the Performance of Your Computer

Improving the Performance of Your Computer

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In this document:
Understanding performance issues
Use a spyware blocker to remove spyware and adware
Empty the Recycle Bin
Delete temporary files and directories
Scan the hard drive for errors
Defragment the hard drive
Prevent programs from loading at startup
This document pertains to Notebook PCs with Windows Vista.
Understanding performance issues
As a computer is used to access information on the internet and additional programs are added, the computer's performance may begin to degrade.
Use one or more of the methods below to resolve issues and improve system performance, and perform routine maintenance tasks to ensure that your notebook PC continues to work optimally.

Use a spyware blocker to remove spyware and adware
Adware is any program that displays advertising banners while it is running. This may include sometimes annoying pop-up windows. Spyware is any application that collects information from the computer and sends that information to another computer over the Internet.
These programs, just like viruses and worms, can degrade the system resources. Set up a schedule to search for and remove these types of programs.
Your notebook PC arrived loaded with a trial version of Norton Internet Security, which offers both spyware and virus protection. Always run Norton Internet Security in the background, and check at least once a week for updated virus and spyware definitions and to determine if your system has become infected.
For more information on viruses, adware, and spyware, see Related links

Close programs that are not being used
It is a good idea to save data and close program when the task is finished. Minimizing the window for a program does not stop that program from using the computer's processor and memory. Activities, like being connected to the Internet, listening to music, and running virus scans all use a lot of system resources. Schedule the use of virus scans and other system tools for a time when the computer is not being used. Work offline when convenient. Close unnecessary programs to help Windows perform more efficiently.
Empty the Recycle Bin
Deleting a file is a two-step operation. First the file is marked for deletion and temporarily stored in the Recycle Bin, then action is taken to empty the Recycle Bin. Files in the Recycle Bin take up disk space and can slow a program's operation. Do the following actions to empty the Recycle Bin frequently.
From the Windows desktop, right-click the Recycle Bin, and select Empty Recycle Bin.
Select Yes to confirm the deletion of multiple files.
Windows will remove the contents of the Recycle Bin from the hard disk (C: is most common hard drive designation).
If you are concerned about which files will be permanently deleted, open the Recycle Bin and view the file names by following the steps below:

From the Windows desktop, right-click the Recycle Bin, and select Open to view the contents of the Recycle Bin.
Select any file that is mistakenly marked for deletion, then right-click it and select Restore from the drop-down menu.
The file will be returned to its original location on the hard drive.
After restoring any files, close the Recycle Bin window and return to normal computer use.

Delete temporary files and directories
Windows uses several directories, such as the C:\WINDOWS\TEMP directory, to store files (*.tmp, *.spc) intended only for temporary use. Over time, the number of files can build up and slow the operation of programs, such as print spooling.
Windows Vista provides the Disk Cleanup utility to help reduce the number of unnecessary files on your computer and let your computer run more smoothly. Start and use Disk Cleanup by following the steps below:

Click Start and type Disk Cleanup in the Search field. Select Disk Cleanup from the menu when it becomes available. The Drive Selection window appears.
Select the drive that you wish to clean. By default, your hard drive is set as (C:).
Disk Cleanup will calculate how much space you can save by removing different types of files. Place a check next to the types of files you wish to be deleted. It is always safe to delete temporary files, internet files, and recycle bin files.
Select OK to begin the cleanup. When prompted, click Delete Files to confirm the actions.
After completing this action, continue on to Scan the hard drive for errors, below.

Scan the hard drive for errors
Error-checking examines the hard drive for file structure and physical errors. Run error-checking before running the disk defragmenter program by following the steps below:

Close all programs including background programs such as virus scanners and screen savers.
Click Start > Computer. The Computer window opens.
Right-click the hard drive's icon (C:).
Click Properties, and then click the Tools tab.
Under Error-checking, click the Check Now button.
Place checkmarks in the check boxes for the Automatically fix file system errors and Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors options.
Click Start, and click Schedule disk check allow a full disk scan when the computer is restarted.
Restart the computer. The disk scan can take a very long time to complete.
The results of the error-checking is displayed. Click Close to exit program when finished.
Go to Defragment the hard drive below to continue the maintenance process.

Defragment the hard drive
The Disk Defragmenter program examines all the fragmented data and program files and reorganizes them into continuous storage places on the hard drive. The defragmentation process reduces the time needed to access files on the hard drive.
Follow the steps below to defragment your hard drive. Depending on the size of the hard drive, it could take over an hour to complete the defragmentation process.

Close all programs including background programs such as virus scanners and screen savers.
Click Start > Computer. The Computer window opens.
Right-click the hard drive's icon (C:).
Click Properties, and then click the Tools tab.
Under Defragmentation, click the Defragment now button. The Disk Defragmenter window appears.
Click the Defragment now button.
NOTE: It is highly recommended that you run Disk Defragmenter on a routine basis by setting up a schedule. You may do so from this same window, now.

Prevent programs from loading at startup
At startup, many programs launch background processes that take up space in memory waiting for some system-level action to be called. Most of the processes are not needed by every program or game. Removing these speciality programs from a normal startup will improve overall performance.
WARNING: Disabling system-critical items could cause the computer to stop operating. Research all unknown task items before disabling them.
Use the System Configuration Utility to prevent items from starting when Windows launches by following the steps below.

Click Startand type System Configuration in the Search field. Select System Configuration from the menu when it becomes available.
Click the General tab, and then select Selective Startup.
On the Startup tab, clear the check boxes from any tasks that do not contribute to system performance and are unwanted. Do not clear a task check box if you do not understand the task function. Research unknown task functions on the Internet.
NOTE: If Windows or other software stops working after a task check box has been cleared, restart the computer, go to the Startup tab on the System Configuration Utility and replace the checkmark. Restarting the computer will mean losing your place in this document. You may wish to print these instructions before restarting.
After removing the checkmark from the unwanted files, click OK to accept the changes. Restart the computer.
After completing these steps, Windows will restart using the Selective Startup option. This means that Windows prevents the selected programs from starting automatically. To revert to the original state, during the startup process, deselect the Selective Startup option and select the Normal Startup.

Use System Information
System information can tell you what your hardware specifications are, such as your chip type, chip speed, amount of RAM, and so on. You may be asked to provide this information if you contact your company or a third-party software manufacturer for assistance in troubleshooting your problem. Follow the steps below to access System Information:

Click Startand type System Information in the Search field. Select System Information from the menu when it becomes available. The System Information window appears.

NOTE: You may also access the System Information window by pressing the FN key and the Esc key at the same time.

Use PC Health Check
PC Health Check is one of the many tools provided for you , and loaded onto your system when you first purchase it. PCHealth Check is available from the PC Total Care Advisor Window that appears on startup. If you have disabled this window, you can also open PC Health Check by following the steps below:

Press F1 and from the Help and Support center, selecting Troubleshooting Tools. The Troubleshooting Tools window opens. Select Use this tool to scan your system for security. . . . The PC Health Check window opens.
On opening PC Health Check, click the Start Scan button, and allow the utility to download updated components if necessary. PC Health Check should then examine your system for performance and security problems and identify issues, if any exist.