Does it feel like your computer is slowing down? On this article under out IT Support 101 series, let us tackle the probable cause together with you.
It is frustrating when it happens, and we know how you feel. Distraught and frustrated at these machines, you paid much money. It should work well, but it does not. Applications take a long time to load, starting it up also takes a long time. Worst of all, it keeps crashing on you. You have no clue as to what is wrong. Let us help you figure it out together.
RAM
Windows computer is slowing down
Let's start with the most manageable and most probable cause. Sometimes your RAM comes a little loose. Some static build-up and gradual minuscule vibration from your fans are enough to dislodge it from its the place. It could be the reason why your computer is crashing; it has no ram or random access memory to allocate the processing. Your processor uses the memory to perform select calculations for programs that are running, especially those running in the background.
If you are confident, you can clean your ram. Here is another video tutorial one installing and removing ram. It could just be a simple dust issue that has resulted in what has happened to your system. And for your sake, we hope that is the case. Following this, you can start your computer back up again. Which is not the end just yet; we want you to do is to start and run "DXDIAG" which is a built-in diagnostic application to read all the hardware that connects to your computer. Click here to learn how to do that.
Alternatively, all you need to do is to click on the magnifying glass button and type 'dxdiag'to launch the application. For older versions of windows, click on start>run and then type 'dxdiag'. Once you have done that you should see the application load and eventually the same window, we show above, which is from the name of your computer, version of an operating system, down to the version of DirectX. Ignore all of those and look for "Memory". Remember, one thousand megabytes or MB is equal to one gigabyte or GB. If you are aware of how much ram you have compared that number with what you see. If the number is less than half the amount of ram you have, your ram is faulty. Which is an easy fix, buy new ram—time for an upgrade.
DUST
Windows computer is slowing down
Another common reason is simply dust. Parts on your mainboard or motherboard requires constant cooling during operations; This is because electrical signals running along the copper threads generate heat, and if unchecked, the heat can cause overheating issues. And your CPU chip needs the most cooling. The moment your CPU overheats, everything freezes, and your computer crashes. Commonly this is because dust has clogged up your CPU fan.
Just like a house fan, the dustier it gets, the less effective it gets. So time to bring out the vacuum cleaner to suck up all that dust. Shut down your computer, open up the casing and start cleaning away. One of the better ways is to buy some compressed air cans available at your closest computer hardware store and blast those dust out of those hard to reach places. They say if pulling does not work, try pushing. That is what we always say actually. But yeah, when it comes to dust, sometimes a vacuum cleaner is not strong enough. Over time dust can get pretty clingy and hard to suck out of the tiny crevices inside your computer fan and to cool the heat sink.
Maybe before doing that you might want to watch this video. Might we also suggest something, if cleaning the CPU fan works and your computer stops crashing? And if you are using a desktop computer, you may want to consider upgrading your fan to a beast. You do not have to spend more than fifty dollars and make your computer last a long time.
Operating system
Windows computer is slowing down
Please do note; this blog is about identifying the problems we are confident you can solve yourself. Any advanced underlying problems are best resolved by a professional. Moving on, say your ram is working, and your computer is clean and your Windows operating system loads. It still crashes after a while. You are not running out of options; it could be possible that your operating system corrupted. It is entirely possible that malware has entered your system and corrupted many files needed to run your computer correctly.
The thing is, this is the point beyond repair if malware has caused all of this. What we mean to say is you won't be able to remove the virus since it does not allow Windows to run long enough to do anything about it. So the next step we have to do is to repair windows or reinstall it completely. Repairing is the better option here. You have files that might be crucial and repairing may allow you to salvage these critical files. Before doing a full re-installation. You have to work out your license. And you need to use another computer to download these installer files. Here are some links that may prove useful:
Speccy - Install and run application this to find out your windows license.
Windows 10 - Download the ISO file for Windows 10 here.
Windows 8 - Download the ISO file for Windows 8 here.
Windows 7 - Download the ISO file for Windows 7 here.
Windows USB tool - This will make a bootable USB with your windows ISO file.
Driver Booster - This is for after the re-installation. The driver booster will source and install all the drivers for your computer components. Easy and simple to use.
Do be patient when downloading the windows installer files and try to get a freshly formatted USB drive stick to install the windows installer so now that you have run Speccy and found out your license key and have windows installer in the USB. Where do we go from here? Plug-in your USB and restart your computer and access the boot menu. Read here to learn how to access the boot menu.
Once you are in the boot menu, boot from the USB and you should see the Windows logo appear. And if you do, congratulations, you are now in the right place. Now if you do not have any critical file to save, we recommend you proceed straight to a fresh install instead of a repair. If we are honest, we prefer a direct re-installation, it is way less complicated and straightforward. But yes, go and carry on with the repair and follow the steps. Also, if the entire process happens, whether it repairs or reinstall without crashing. Smile, you have successfully found the problem! It is no longer crashing.
Is it still crashing?
Windows computer is slowing down
First and foremost. We are so sorry to hear that. We feel you, and we have been there. It is not a comfortable feeling, and it is your hard-earned money that went down the drain. You have to bring it down to a professional at this point. You should be proud of yourself. You have done everything you can to solve the issue, and you can hold your head up high.
We wish you all the luck and hope they can repair the problem without costing you an arm and a leg. But be prepared for the worst-case scenario. In the event when it is your laptop's mainboard that is no longer operational, it might be time to buy a new laptop. If it is a desktop, the repair might be more comfortable and cheaper since all you most likely need is just a new mainboard and processor.
Thank you again for reading and don't forget to love, like and share our articles if you like them.
