Vista is running slow

There are many possible causes and remedies for a Vista system that is running poorly.

-Dual Boot or Multi-boot systems:

If your computer is setup to run two or more operating systems, you can select the boot order so that only one operating  will start when your machine is turned on. Here's how:

1. Go to Start>> Control Panel>> System and Maintenance>> System
2. Select Advanced System Settings. You may be prompted for an administrators password or confirmation at this point.
3. Select the Advanced tab
4. Select Settings under Startup and Recovery
5. Under the System startup category you'll find a default operating systems list. Select the operating system that you would like to use when you start your computer.
6. Click OK and exit all windows.

-Using Startup Repair:

If you are sure that your Vista systems poor performance is not hardware or virus related. You can try running the Startup Repair feature to fix system files that may have become corrupt or gone missing. Here's how:

You will need your Vista installation DVD/CD for this task.

1. Insert your installation disk
2. Restart your computer. Your computer should boot to your installation disk. If it won't, you will need to change the boot order in your BIOS. Consult your computer manufactures operating guide for this procedure.
3. You may receive a prompt asking you to press any key to start Windows from the installation disk.
4. Select the language setting and then click Next.
5. Select Repair your computer
6. Select the operating system that you would like to repair and then click Next.
7. Select Startup Repair from the System Recovery Options menu.
8. Follow all of the on-screen prompts and answer the questions accordingly. Your system may restart as repairs are made.

-Using the System File Checker (SFC):

If you are experiencing system lockups or error messages when using Windows applications, you can try running the System File Checker tool to scan your operating system for corrupt files. If the SFC finds any corrupt files, it will automatically replace them with "known" good files. Here's how to use SFC:

1. Go to Start
2. In the Serch field, type in: cmd
3. Right click the "cmd" entry
4. Select "Run as administrator". Continue through any resulting UAC prompts.
5. At the command prompt, type in the following command:
   
   sfc /scannow
    
6. Press Enter on your keyboard

-Using Safe Mode:

Safe Mode is a very useful diagnostic tool used to troubleshoot system startup problems and performance issues. When you start your system in Safe Mode, Vista will run only the basic default Windows settings, services, devices and drivers. If your system performs fine in Safe Mode but poorly in regular mode, you can eliminate these default settings as the cause. You can access Safe Mode by tapping the F8 key on your keyboard as Windows first begins to boot.