need help with laptop performance

I have a Dell Vostro running on Vista. The performance of the computer has declined drastically. Is there a way to:
1. Determine what programs should be running on start up?
2. Clean he site of all potential corrupt/ bad/ spam files?
3. Do a thorough diagnostic to test the full performance of the laptop?

Thanks

Welcome
To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer
ignore, reg cleaners.

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

Download and use PSI, to to be sure that all of your software is up to date
Free Computer Security - Personal Software Inspector (PSI) - Secunia

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/w...er-performance

http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/81176-speed-up-performance-vista.html

Hello Kevinritt,

In addition to what Richard has said, you may also try the steps mentioned in the following articles:

-- Optimize Windows Vista performance — System slow.
-- Optimizing Microsoft Windows Vista Performance.

Please write back for further queries.

thank you rich and allan. I will try these and get back to the forum with my results

I think that the suggestions given, will be more than sufficient to assure a computer than runs great.

Hello Kevinritt,

Please try the steps and do let us know the results. We would be glad to assist you further.
Awaiting your response!