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 fragmented files, lost disk space, 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 can not run database-dependent software.

1) Update your anti-virus program and scan your computer for viruses. Download a free version of Norton 360 and perform a virus scan and Security Check. Click on this link and choose to save to your Desktop:
http://send.onenetworkdirect.net/z/35050/CD128303/. Free anti-virus programs like AVG and Kaspersky are not adequate protection.

Download Norton for Free Virus Scans:

2) 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.

3) 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.)

4) Clean your PC's registry. As programs are installed and uninstalled, orphan references are left in the system registry. These need to be removed. PC Magazine ranks Advanced System Optimizer as the best registry cleaner. Download the free demo and run 'System and Disk Cleaner' and 'Registry Cleaner and Fixer'. For both functions just click 'Next' repeatedly until the scans start.

Download Advanced System Optimizer for Free System Scans:

5) 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.)

6) Reboot.

Now your computer should have more disk space and more available RAM memory and no viruses. PPSS 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.

A very useful inexpensive tool for optimizing your computer's performance is PC Pitstop.

For support please Email the Help Desk