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Runs Sluggishly

A. Verify that a virus scan sweep is not running:

  1. During an active scan, system performance will deteriorate. It will return to normal when when the scan is done.

B. Flush the browser cache

C. Empty the Recycle Bin

  1. Right-click on the Recycle Bin and select "Empty Recycle Bin", then click "Yes" on next the dialog.

D. Sweep for Adware/Spyware

  1. Update your definitions file before running.
    (You do have a Spyware application, right? See "General Recommendations"

E. Sweep for Viruses

  1. Update your definitions file before running.
    (You do have an anti-virus application, right? See "General Recommendations"

F. Set System Performance option for "Best Performance"

  1. Right-click on "My Computer" and select "Properties".
  2. Select the "Advanced" tab and press the "Settings" button in the Performance block.
  3. Select "Adjust for best performance" in "Performance Options".

G. Check for run-away processes

  1. Hit CNTRL-ALT-DEL keys simultaneously and go to "Task Manager".
  2. Select the "Performance" tab.
    • Verify in the "PF Usage" display that the pagefile use is not consistently high.
    • Verify in the "CPU Usage" display that CPU use is not constantly/mostly at 100%.
      • If it is, continue by selecting the "Processes" tab;
      • Press the "CPU: label button twice to resort the columns;
      • Identify any processes (except "System Idle") that is using lots of CPU time; These processes may be affecting your computer's performance.