- Ask user what they mean by "slow" - is the entire system slow? is just one program slow? is Internet Explorer (as opposed to actual network speed) slow? is the system slow only when doing certain things?
appwiz.cpl-> delete anything with "Toolbar" in the title, as well as anything else that looks like malware, spyware, or stuff the user doesn't need. Also check for malicious IE add ons and it wouldn't hurt to completely reset IE settings from the Internet Options control panel if you suspect malware has messed things up.- Process Explorer from an external thumbdrive as @Oliver Salzburg mentions -> any executables that are not signed by Microsoft or a well-known vendor should be suspicious - whittle it down to only what the user needs.
- Autoruns - another great Sysinternals utility - find what is registered to launch automatically on startup -> any executables that are not signed by Microsoft or a well-known vendor should be suspicious
- Malwarebytes + other free malware scanning program of your choice to check for viruses.
- Apply all outstanding Windows and Office updates
- Apply latest video driver updates if the PC belongs to a gamer
- Is antivirus out of date? Install newer version of antivirus if available
- User expectations - is the user really overtaxing their computer? (this step is necessary if computer is old)
- CCleaner - for the gigs of Temporary Internet Files undoubtedly...
- Run
defrag.exe - If the user generally uses the PC for Internet usage, install Chrome and make it default browser.
- Image the machine if you can so you won't spend as much time doing it all again in three months when the user listens to none of your advice and is in the same exact situation.
