Please don't expect to resolve issues if the computer has not been properly prepared for commercial use.

If your computer doesn't run like it did 'out of the box', it probably has insufficient RAM memory, fragmented and unnecessary files, lost disk space, malware infections, displaced memory and possibly a corrupted system registry.

If your PC is or has been connected to the Internet and it wasn't protected by an anti-virus program it is assuredly infected with adware, malware, spyware and viruses which cause PCs to run slower and 'crash' or 'lock up' often. These days even Norton, McAfee and PC-cillin are often unable to stop all computer attacks, so it's best not to use any PC for business that has been online unless it is reformatted and kept offline.

Poorly-maintained PCs cannot run database software.

1) A primary cause of slow PCs is insufficient space in virtual memory (RAM - Random Access Memory). That's an area where your computer temporarily stores bits of data (miraculously on electronic impulses) where the data is accessed incredibly more quickly than reading and writing data from the much slower hard drive. Have 1 to 4 gigs of RAM for XP, 2-4 gigs for Windows Vista/7 and 32-bit machines, 4-128 gigs for 64-bit machines.

2) Update your anti-virus program and scan your computer for viruses. Download a free version of ESET and perform a virus scan and Security Check. Click on this link and choose to save to your Desktop: ESET Smart Security. Free anti-virus programs like Avast, AVG and Kaspersky are not adequate protection.

3) VERY IMPORTANT! Microsoft's Windows software program is like every other - in constant need of updating. Every Windows version must be updated regularly! Click on Start then 'Windows Update' to access. If that shortcut is not available, try Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Security Center and set 'Automatic Updates' to 'On'. Alternatively, go to Microsoft's update web page http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com and follow instructions for downloading and installing updates.

4) Remove unnecessary files: In XP go to Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and click on Disk Cleanup. (Vista: Start > All Programs > Accessories System Tools > Disk Cleanup, or click Start. Type Disk Cleanup in the Search Box and click Disk Cleanup.) This will check your hard drive thoroughly for unnecessary files on the hard drive. Select which files to delete. Reboot. (Alternatively, find the defrag utility by opening Windows Help (Start > Help) and search for cleanup.)

Download Advanced System Optimizer for Free System Scans:

5) Remove unnecessary programs: Go to Control Panel and select (XP) Add/Remove Programs or (Vista/7) Programs. Uninstall all programs that are not needed for business. Do not remove programs if you aren't sure they aren't needed.

6) Stop programs from running at startup: Click on Start, Programs then Startup. Delete all entries. This only deletes shortcuts to programs. It does not delete programs. Programs that run at startup deplete RAM memory making your computer run slower.

7) Run CheckDisk: Got to Start then Run. Type chkdsk /f. A black screen may appear asking if you want to run CheckDisk upon reboot. Type Y then press enter. Reboot. CheckDisk will run and present a report when finished.

8) Run Disk Defragmentation. Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter. This usually takes more than one hour and often longer. (Alternatively, find the defrag utility by opening Windows Help (Start > Help) and search for defrag.)

9) Use Windows ReadyBoost which comes bundled with Windows 7. It allows the use of fast memory drives/cards for a high-speed system cache that will boost performance without adding any additional physical RAM. Although this is no substitute for adding more memory to your system, ReadyBoost-compatible devices have much faster read and write access times than hard disks, so they provide speedy buffers for random I/O operations.

10) Install the Correct Version of Windows 7. With a high-end PC with more than 4GB of RAM, use the 64-bit version of Windows. 32-bit doesn’t use memory above 4 gigs.

11) Updating the main system drivers (graphics card, chipset, audio and more) will maximize the benefit from any performance enhancements and bug fixes. Periodic driver updates will be provided automatically through a Windows 7 update.

12) File indexing works by extracting information from documents and other files on your hard drive and creating a 'searchable keyword index'. This slows the system. Disable it. This can take a long time so do it as a last task for the day:

1. Double-click the My-Computer icon.
2. Right-click on the C: Drive. Select Properties.
3. Uncheck 'Allow Indexing Service to index this disk for fast file searching'.
4. Apply changes to 'C: sub folders and files' and click OK.
5. If 'Access is denied' click 'Ignore All'.

13) Reboot.

Now your computer should have more disk space and more available RAM memory and no viruses. BCSS and other programs will have a better chance of running successfully. Also, as a computer and printer are used, their resources (like RAM or buffer memory) are reduced. Restart the PC and printer regularly to restore their capacities.

For free email support, send us an email. (Add the domain name mm.st to your email program's Approved Senders List or White List to lessen the chance that spam filters will block our emails to you. (Instructions) For phone and remote PC help, contact: Joy Archer, enJoy Consigning Services, 972-898-7921 (NY), Email, or Kerri Samples, KLS Pro Setup, 912-245-7831 (GA), Email