Done a Computer Clean Lately?

[Gambitt]

Most of us here us our computers every day, but how often do we take the time to ensure they are working at top efficiency?

So, since I was bored, with both the washer and dryer already running on a rainy day, I decided to write a bit of tutorial for those who might find it useful.

1) One of the best programs I've found, for general computer maintenance is CCleaner  (thanks, Johnnycastaway)

http://www.ccleaner.com/

After you install the program.  The FIRST thing you want to do is select Options, and then Cookies.  This is where your passwords are stored for all your sites, so you need to go thru the list on the left, and mark the cookies from sites that you use everyday.  It will save you from having to re-enter all your passwords.

Once you're done there, click on Cleaner and select run cleaner.  It deletes a bunch of old files that you don't need that are just taking up space on the hard drive.  It will remove temporary internet files, empty your recycle bin, and get rid of it.

When that's done, click on Registry and "Scan for Issues".  A poorly maintained registry can really slow down your computer.  When the scan is done, click fix selected issues.  It will ask you if you want to save changes to a file, and you can chose... I never bother.  You might have to run this more than once, because some times deleting one entry makes a 2nd one unnecessary, so keep doing scan/fix until you get a "No issues" message

2) How long as hit been, since you did a complete scan for viruses?   Depending on which program you use, the options here vary, but make sure to update your scanner first, to get rid of any new stuff that has popped up.

3)  Defragmenting the hard drive is one everyone forgets to do. Hit start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Defragmenter.   Windows will analyze your hard disk, and let you know if you need to run the full program.  

Note that you need to have as few programs running as possible while this works, to keep the scan from having to restart, due to usage of the Hard drive.

Well, that's my spiel...  If anyone has additions, suggestions, or needs help, please post here!

[Milli]

  Another rainy day here so I decided to take the time to check out your suggestions Gambitt.  I run my virus scan and antispyware programs a couple times a week and I decided to check out this ccleaner with your suggestions. I didn't realize how slow this computer had become!  Thanks for the reminder and the tips.  I will leave the defrag for overnight. 

[Gambitt]

Glad it helped!! 

[Gambitt]

One other thing to add to this list:

Go to www.pcpitstop.com and run a full test of your system.

The only thing I suggest here, is that if PC Pitsop suggests a fix, that you don't understand, DON'T Do IT!

PC Pitstop tells me that I'm not using the newest Driver for my Video Card; but because I run multiple Monitors, I's getting a false reading on my system.

If it tells you to defrag the HD, then that's an easy one, and a good idea, but don't let this one get over your head!

[Milli]

Thanks for the warning Gambitt!