Question

A user reports that their Windows workstation has become extremely slow over the past week. Applications hang when opening or saving files, and the system occasionally freezes for several seconds. Task Manager shows normal CPU and memory usage, but the disk activity indicator is frequently at 100%. You hear intermittent clicking sounds coming from the computer. Which action should you take FIRST to diagnose the root cause?

Accepted Answer

Run a disk-checking utility such as CHKDSK and review the drive's S.M.A.R.T. status

Answer

Increase the size of the Windows page file to improve virtual memory performance

Answer

Perform a full malware scan assuming ransomware is encrypting files in the background

Answer

Add more RAM to the system to reduce reliance on disk paging