Is your computer crawling along at a snail’s pace? Do you remember when you first got it and it was so fast? What went wrong? The first thing you need to determine is whether you think it’s a hardware or software issue. Is it a bad hard drive or other component? Is your Windows Operating System infected? This is not an easy call to make but I would start with your hardware if you’re not completely sure it’s something wrong with your Operating System. Hardware Diagnostics can test the various parts of your computer… namely: CPU (Processor Unit), RAM (Memory Sticks), HDD (Hard Drive), GPU (Graphics Card), MOBO (Motherboard), and more. Some Diagnostics can be accessed the instant the computer is turned on. For example, for many Dell computers it’s by repeatedly pressing the F12 key as the computer turns on (and then selecting the Utility Partition on older machines) that one can access the option to run Diagnostics. Express Tests can typically take 10-20 minutes whereas, Extended Tests, which are a thorough examination, could take an hour or more. If you suspect it’s a certain system, you could simply run the test for that system. If your computer can make it all the way to the Desktop, then you might be able to run an installed Diagnostic programs like Dell’s SupportAssist for PCs and Tablets. If you don’t have any Diagnostics installed, you may be able to download some from your computer’s manufacturer. This link: SupportAssist for PCs and Tablets will take you to the download Dell’s diagnostic software, should you want to install it. Even if your computer isn’t a Dell, the software may still do a good job of testing your unit’s systems. However, it’s quite possible that it will detect that your computer isn’t a Dell and go no further. Should you want to install diagnostics you should really go to your manufacturer’s (HP, Lenovo, Acer, etc.) website for the software.
Another possibility is that your manufacturer’s website has built-in Online Diagnostics. These effectively eliminate the need to install anything. You simply start the diagnostic on the website and check back later for the results. In addition, you can be assured that you have the latest version of the diagnostics since the manufacturer themselves are keeping it up to date.
There are third party Diagnostics that one can download. They range from programs that are free to those that cost hundreds of dollars, depending on the level of pinpoint accuracy you are looking for. Some can test your computer in a “pre-boot” environment of their own making. Others will test it at the desktop level if your slow or broken computer can get there.
Have you ever run hardware diagnostics on your own before? If so, which software… built-in, installed, or online, did you use, and did it find anything wrong?