A machine is described as being “really slow” or “freezing”. How can I troubleshoot/resolve this issue? What should be the first steps to take?
Solution:
Assuming you are using a Windows OS…
Things to check:
- PC has 10% at least of free disk space
- PC has at least 1 GB of RAM for Windows XP and 2 GB for Windows Vista
- If there are any hanging programs or drivers.
- Corrupt system files. If that is so, run sfc /scannow in cmd and let it replace any corrupt system files. It may ask for your Windows CD. Or, if it is seriously damaged then perform a Windows XP repair install or Windows Vista repair install
- A badly corrupted file system. This is from experience rather than knowledge.Run chkdsk /r in the command prompt.
- Due to the way Windows handles files, it will in inevitably get slow over time. Your MFT structure gets bigger and bigger over time. The only cure is a fresh install.
- Malware. Download and run HijackThis, and then post the log here. It’ll give us a decent idea of what’s running and what could be hogging all your memory/CPU.
