Fix a problem with an old PC
When an old PC starts acting up, the cause is usually findable in a few minutes, and the fix is often free. Start by finding out what's actually wrong, then check the parts that wear out: the drive and the battery.
Task Manager tells you in about 10 minutes whether the drive, the memory, or the processor is the problem.
Slow or freezing
-
Why is my computer so slow?
Open Task Manager and see which graph sits near 100%: Disk, Memory, or CPU. That tells you what to fix.
Fix · Published -
Why is my laptop slow after a Windows update?
Windows is usually still finishing work in the background. Leave it plugged in for an hour or two, then restart it.
Fix · Published
Health checks
-
How do I check if my SSD or hard drive is failing?
Install the free CrystalDiskInfo and read the Health Status. Caution or Bad means back up today.
How-to · Published -
How do I check my laptop's battery health?
Run powercfg /batteryreport and divide Full Charge Capacity by Design Capacity. Under 70% means it's time for a new battery.
How-to · Published
Back up anything you can't replace, especially if a drive health check says Caution or Bad. Here's how to back up a Windows PC.