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Sometimes when using Windows Vista, you may encounter download delays and a sluggish computer. There are many reasons why this can be happening but a few helpful hints may get you back on the road to faster downloads.

First make sure you are connected to the Internet with optimum speed. You can do this by right clicking the icon that is found in the lower right corner of your monitor that displays “Local Area Connection.” Make sure it is enabled and if the status reads that you have limited connectivity you can enter your control panel and click on “Network and Sharing Center,” and then “Manage Network Connections.” Select “Status” and in the dialog box that appears, click “Internet Protocol Version 6 (TCP/IPv6) and then select “Properties.” Make sure that the options for “Obtain an IPv6 automatically” and “Obtain DNS server automatically” are selected, and then click “Ok.”

If this does not speed up your download time do a reboot of your modem by turning off your computer, unplugging the router (if one is connected) and then resetting the modem. Some have a reset button in the back. You can find this information out by calling the company you use. Once you have done this simply wait for the lights to come on with your modem then plug in the router. Once that boots up turn your computer back on. This will also be helpful to refresh your computer settings.

If this does not work and you know that there are no outages in your area you may want to close unnecessary programs that are running in the background by opening the “Task Manager” and ending those programs that you are not actively using. You can also seek out programs like the one offered at openoffice.org that are built to run faster and more efficiently.  You can also run a speed test of your Internet connection at many free sites to see exactly how fast you are downloading. If you have done all of this and are still running slow you may want to call your provider and see if there are any other issues that are affecting your computer.