How to Fix PC System Resources Problems

Check your performance by using the Task Manager.

Over time, your PC may experience problems with overtaxed system resources. You must pinpoint specific problems before you can take steps to increase your PC's resources. Use the "Resources Monitor" and the "Performance" tab in the Task Manager to understand your system's current hardware configuration and weak points. Further, examine your resources after any changes to your Windows configuration to determine your progress. Typically, these problems arise from inadequate hardware and you should upgrade as needed. If you do not have the means to upgrade your PC, there are a number of Windows-based tweaks you can make.

Things You'll Need

• Administrator access

Instructions

Reduce Processes at Start Up

1. Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "msconfig," and press the "Enter" key.

2. Click on the "Startup" tab. Examine each service, the manufacturer and the name of the command. Research any programs that you do not understand.

3. Click on the box next to the program to uncheck it and remove it from the Window Startup process. Note that you can launch the program as needed or restore it by returning to System Configuration.

4. Click on the "Services" tab. Click the box next to "Hide all Microsoft services."

5. Examine each service listed, and research any services with which you are not familiar. Click on the boxes next to your unneeded services to uncheck them. Click "Apply," then "OK." Restart the computer.

Clean Up Hard Disk

1. Click on "Start," then "Run." Type "cleanmgr," and press the "Enter" key.

2. Select "Files from all users."

3. Click the box next to each unneeded file category in the Disk Cleanup utility. Do not click on "Hibernation File Cleaner" if you use the hibernation service on your laptop.

4. Press "OK," then "Delete files."

5. Repeat this process for each hard disk you have.

6. Click on the "More Options" tab.

7. Click on "Cleanup" in the "System Restore" section, then click "Delete."

8. Click on "Cleanup" under "Programs and Features" or "Installed Programs."

9. Examine your currently installed programs. Remove any programs you do not use by double-clicking on the program and following the on-screen prompts.

10. Restart the computer.

Defragment Your Hard Drive

1. Click on "Start," then "Computer" or "My Computer."

2. Right-click on your C: drive. Left-click on "Properties."

3. Click on the "Tools" tab. Click on "Defragment Now."

4. Click on the "Defragment Now" button after Windows analyzes the hard disk(s), and select all disks, if applicable. Defragment each hard disk.

Tips & Warnings

• Automate disk defragmentation and disk cleanup to help maintain your computer's performance. Please see "Resources" section for link to instructions.

References

• Microsoft: Description of the Disk Cleanup Tool in Windows XP
• Microsoft: Restore Your Computer's Performance
• Microsoft: Ways to Increase Your Computer's Performance

Resources

• Microsoft: How to Automate the Disk Cleanup Tool
• Microsoft: How to Automate Disk Defragmentation
• ZDNet.uk: Ways to Increase Vista's Performance