Time to Clean Up

[Guest nellie2]

Time to Clean Up

There comes a time when you PC starts to cry out for a little TLC

Here are a few things you can do on a regular basis to keep things chugging along nicely

Scandisk/Chkdsk

Scandisk is used to check the file system for any problems. This utility is found on Window 95, 98 and ME systems. On Windows NT, 2000, and XP you can use Checkdisk, (chkdsk).

Scandisk is easily located in Windows 95 through NT. It is found in the Start Menu under Programs > Accessories > System Tools.

In XP open My Computer, right click the drive you want to check and select Properties, click on the Tools tab and click 'Check Now' under Error checking, you will need to reboot, and the chkdsk program will run automatically.

Clear Those Temp Internet Files

When you visit a Web page, IE caches the page contents to disk so that the next time you visit the page, IE can read certain elements (e.g., images) from the local disk instead of having to download them again. This functionality also lets you view pages you've looked at before, even if you're not connected to the Web.

It is not necessary to keep all these files though and they should be cleaned out on a regular basis as they can clog things up.

Open your browser > Tools > Internet Options > General > Delete Files (In the Temporary Internet Files box)

You can also set the cache so that it doesn't use up too much space for these files

Open your browser > Tools > Internet Options> General > Settings (In the Temporary Internet Files box) and set the Amount of Disk Space to Use to no more than 80MB

Defrag

As you use your computer, your files get defragmented. This means that they get scattered about in little bits all over the place. This is ok, but your computer has to work harder to find all the bits when you want to open a particular file or application. Defragmenting puts all the peices back together again.

It is a good idea to run Defrag in safe mode, especially if you aren't using windows XP.

See here how to start in Safe mode if you aren't sure

http://www.windowsforum.org/support/forum/...?showtopic=5885

Then, Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.

Click the Settings tab, select the check boxes you want (to ensure fastest startup of programs, select the first box), and then click OK.

Click the drive you want to defragment, click OK, and then click Yes.

[Guest nellie2]

It is a good idea to regularly check your PC for nasty spyware too. We can help you if you are badly infected, all you need to do is post a topic with the symptoms. but a sensible thing to do is to run Adaware and Spybot Search and Destroy at least once a week.

To Download and install both AdAware and Spybot Search & Destroy.

Adaware

Spybot Search and Destroy

Adaware

Make sure you are using the latest Ad-aware 6 Build and always run the Webupdate feature before scanning.

Please use either the Custom Scan with Memory and Both registry scans ON.

Also.... make sure that you activate IN-DEPTH scanning before you proceed.

NOTE: If you used any other AntiTrackware application to remove detected content immediately prior to running a scan with Ad-aware 6 you will need to perform a Custom Full System scan to ensure that the objects have all been successfully removed by that product.

Then it is recommend that you have these options checked:

Under Ad-aware 6 > Settings (Gear at the top) > Tweaks > Scanning Engine:

"Unload recognized processes during scanning."

Under Ad-aware 6 > Settings (Gear at the top) > Tweaks > Cleaning Engine:

"Let Windows remove files in use after reboot."

Click on "Scan Now"

Change the Scan Mode from "Smart Scan" to the "Use Custom Scanning Options" and make sure the "Activate In-Depth scan" is ON.

Next...

Run Ad-aware 6.

Exit AdAware and reboot.

Spybot S & D

Use the "Easy Mode" link from your start menu to start Spybot S&D. Click the "Search for updates" button, then the "Download Updates" button. After all updates are downloaded, click the "Search and Destroy" button, and then the "Check for problems" button. When the scan is complete, place a check next to anything marked in red, then click the "Fix selected problems" button.

Exit Spybot S&D and reboot.

[-pops-]

I'm definitely one for "keep it lean, keep it keen" so, perhaps I can add something to the above.

What about all those programs you've downloaded which are either not used or are total rubbish and you wouldn't want to use?

Get rid of them. They're just filling up your hard drive for no purpose.

When removing programs, always use the uninstall feature of the program itself, if it has one, before trying the Windows Add/Remove facility. Don't just delete the program from Explorer or wherever as this can introduce problems.

Another thing is, once you've removed all the rubbish spyware and stuff, stop it re-installing with Spywareblaster and its stablemate, Spyware Guard http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html and http://www.wilderssecurity.net/spywareguard.html

[andsome]

Good tips. All it needs is the common sense to do the clean up REGULARLY, not just now and then when you think about it.

[-pops-]

Good tips.  All it needs is the common sense to do the clean up REGULARLY, not just now and then when you think about it.

All too often though this good housekeeping is sadly neglected.

Being able to use my machines almost any time, I reserve Friday afternoon for all this housework.