what are the best steps restore speed top a computer?

[CyCloned]

I have an older desktop that has gotten very slow in operation and start up. Any suggestions on how to revive it? I was going to clear the register, and look for programs to delete. Anything else?

[TykeClone]

RAM

Check to see if the amount of memory in use if more than the amount of physical RAM available. If so, the OS is hitting the hard drive to swap stuff in and out - drastically slowing things down.

[iahawkhunter]

As Tyke said...RAM.

Also, reinstall the OS if you can. My linux machines don't seem to slow down much with age, but anything that runs Windows slows down a lot as it gets older. Plus, this is a good opportunity to only reinstall the applications you need/want and ensure that the undesired applications aren't lingering somewhere.

[1100011CS]

As Tyke said...RAM.

Also, reinstall the OS if you can. My linux machines don't seem to slow down much with age, but anything that runs Windows slows down a lot as it gets older. Plus, this is a good opportunity to only reinstall the applications you need/want and ensure that the undesired applications aren't lingering somewhere.

This. Reformat before reinstalling OS.

[dmclone]

Go into task manager and see what processes are running. Look up the names and if they are not necessary stop them from auto starting.

[CyLoboClone]

i havent reinstalled vista in two years. I feel like I have an itchy trigger finger to do it this weekend!

[Cloned4Life]

Most importantly, reformat. Upgrade RAM if needed.

[edr247]

Both that I really know have been mentioned.

RAM is one. However, there is a limit to which adding RAM can help. And there may be a limit as to how much RAM you can add.

Reinstalling the OS is the other. This usually helps because it helps get rid of so much crap that ends up getting installed, or is running in the background, etc. However, note that this will delete all your data (more or less) so don't do this unless you have everything essential backed up. Also, be prepared to have the fun task of reinstalling stuff (especially if it's an older computer and you have older gadgets like printers that aren't 'plug and play' types)

Adjusting what programs and services run at startup (or run automatically) can also help.

[3TrueFans]

Buy a new one.

[BooneCy]

Come on people. Solid state drives. The computer will fly, and then eventually the drive will give out, so make sure you have a back up. :)

[alarson]

Buy a new one.

Similarly, drop the computer from a tall building. It will achieve some decent speeds then, for a short bit.

[TedKumsher]

Note when reinstalling OS on an old machine -- don't upgrade everything possible. Assuming some flavor of Windows, for example, stick with IE 7 instead of 8 or 9. If WinXP, stick with SP1 or SP2. Firefox should not use 4. In general (but obviously not always), updated software will be nicer but need more power.

More ram in a marginal machine will do wonders.

dell.com/outlet can get you a (nearly) new computer cheap.

[kilgore_trout]

this.

Reformat before reinstalling OS.

[TedKumsher]

Come on people. Solid state drives. The computer will fly, and then eventually the drive will give out, so make sure you have a back up. :)

All of our new machine purchases at work (desktops and laptops) have SSD's (8Gb ram, Win7 64 bit). But it's unlikely to help an old machine much -- especially when you consider the cost (you could buy a refurb. Dell computer for the same $$ as a SSD).

[Naughtius]

Delete all the pornographic images from your computer. Those things take up A LOT of memory.

At least, that's what my friend told me. I wouldn't know.

Don't judge me.