We'd like to remind Forumites to please avoid political debate on the Forum... Read More »
We're aware that some users are experiencing technical issues which the team are working to resolve. See the Community Noticeboard for more info. Thank you for your patience.
📨 Have you signed up to the Forum's new Email Digest yet? Get a selection of trending threads sent straight to your inbox daily, weekly or monthly!
Curlyben's Computer Maintenance tips
Options
Curlyben
Posts: 127 Forumite
in Techie Stuff
As a long time IT techie geek, I thought I would share some simple methods of keeping your machine running well.
Now these have probably been posted previously, but I believe in "pay it forward" so here goes..
LONG read
So time for some system maintenance.
Now this will seem like a long list, but it's all quite straightforward.
You're going to be clearing out junk, scanning for viruses and spyware, patching and defragmenting. Now I can see you looking in horror at what I have just typed, but don't panic we're here to help. Once we are done your system will run better than it ever has, WITHOUT spending any money. Now bear in mind I will be recommending that you download aload of tools, don't worry they are perfectly safe, but they help to make the job easier.
So first things first, lets get rid of all the crap.
1/ Clean out junk/rubbish files:
- CCleaner
Download CCleaner (http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/download/9c776ba3dcb271f4e245b2562bffaa8c/)
Install it and run it, there's a nice How to here: http://www.ccleaner.com/help/tour/1-after-installation
You basically want to start at the top and run the Cleaner with everything selected, clean the registry (do this option multiple times until it comes back clean) and then we need to look at the programs that start when the computer is booted.
- Inbuilt Windows Disc cleaner
So once you have used CCleaner to remove carp it's time to use the windows Disc cleaner.
2/ System Scan
- Anti Virus
Now let's make sure your system is free of nasties.
I hope you have anti-virus protection installed! If not, AVG is a good one and it's free! (http://free.avg.com/ww.download?prd=afe)
So this is pretty easy
- Spyware
As for spyware you'll need another tool called Spybot Search & Destroy (http://fileforum.betanews.com/download/Spybot_Search_and_Destroy/1043809773/1)
Here's how to use it: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/tutorial/index.html
When you run this software, it's simply a case of saying YES to everything and deleting anything it finds. Again this will take ages.
3/ Patching with Windows Update
Patching is very straightforward as it's just a case of going to Microsoft's update site:http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
If you want things nice and easy select Express, BUT be warned doing this WILL automatically update your IE to version 7.
Selecting Custom allows you to install only the updates you want.
Personally I use Custom and uncheck anything to do with IE7.
4/ File System Defragmentation
Last, but by no means least, is a defrag.
Over time hard drives get slower as Windows throws files wherever it likes.
A defrag is a simply reorganization of the filing system that is on your hard drive.
Yet again here's a great free tool that makes this process reallllly easy: http://www.defraggler.com/download/downloading
Here's the how to:http://www.defraggler.com/screenshots
5/ Coffee Time
Right after all that's done (and it WILL take ages), your system will be running better than it has for a long time.
Now it's good practice to get into a routine when using these tools.
I use CCleaner weekly and do the others monthly.
Yes it all takes time, but you can fire them up and have coffee
** Please note there are OTHER ways to do this, but these instructions are trying to be as simple and painless as possible. **
If you need further advice feel free to post it here
Cheers
B
Now these have probably been posted previously, but I believe in "pay it forward" so here goes..
LONG read
So time for some system maintenance.
Now this will seem like a long list, but it's all quite straightforward.
You're going to be clearing out junk, scanning for viruses and spyware, patching and defragmenting. Now I can see you looking in horror at what I have just typed, but don't panic we're here to help. Once we are done your system will run better than it ever has, WITHOUT spending any money. Now bear in mind I will be recommending that you download aload of tools, don't worry they are perfectly safe, but they help to make the job easier.
So first things first, lets get rid of all the crap.
1/ Clean out junk/rubbish files:
- CCleaner
Download CCleaner (http://www.filehippo.com/download_ccleaner/download/9c776ba3dcb271f4e245b2562bffaa8c/)
Install it and run it, there's a nice How to here: http://www.ccleaner.com/help/tour/1-after-installation
You basically want to start at the top and run the Cleaner with everything selected, clean the registry (do this option multiple times until it comes back clean) and then we need to look at the programs that start when the computer is booted.
- In the Tools tab select Start Up
- Now make the box FULL screen and take a screen shot
- For a Screen Shot press the ALT and Prnt Screen buttons
- Open Word (or any other imaging program)
- RIGHT click and select PASTE
- You now have a picture of the CCleaner window in a word doc
- Attach your screen shot/doc to your thread and we'll advise what you can disable and what you MUST keep on start up
- Inbuilt Windows Disc cleaner
So once you have used CCleaner to remove carp it's time to use the windows Disc cleaner.
- Open My Computer
- RIGHT click C: Drive and select PROPERTIES
- Click the Disc Cleanup button
- WAIT a bit
- Put a check mark on everything EXCEPT Compress Old Files
- Click OK
- WAIT again
- Job done.
2/ System Scan
- Anti Virus
Now let's make sure your system is free of nasties.
I hope you have anti-virus protection installed! If not, AVG is a good one and it's free! (http://free.avg.com/ww.download?prd=afe)
So this is pretty easy
- Open My Computer
- RIGHT-click on a drive and select scan for viruses (verbiage may a little different based on each AV software you may have installed)
- WAIT ages
- Delete everything it finds
- Setup you AV software to run this same scan on it's own, perhaps in the middle of the night while you sleep
- Spyware
As for spyware you'll need another tool called Spybot Search & Destroy (http://fileforum.betanews.com/download/Spybot_Search_and_Destroy/1043809773/1)
Here's how to use it: http://www.safer-networking.org/en/tutorial/index.html
When you run this software, it's simply a case of saying YES to everything and deleting anything it finds. Again this will take ages.
3/ Patching with Windows Update
Patching is very straightforward as it's just a case of going to Microsoft's update site:http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
If you want things nice and easy select Express, BUT be warned doing this WILL automatically update your IE to version 7.
Selecting Custom allows you to install only the updates you want.
Personally I use Custom and uncheck anything to do with IE7.
4/ File System Defragmentation
Last, but by no means least, is a defrag.
Over time hard drives get slower as Windows throws files wherever it likes.
A defrag is a simply reorganization of the filing system that is on your hard drive.
Yet again here's a great free tool that makes this process reallllly easy: http://www.defraggler.com/download/downloading
Here's the how to:http://www.defraggler.com/screenshots
5/ Coffee Time
Right after all that's done (and it WILL take ages), your system will be running better than it has for a long time.
Now it's good practice to get into a routine when using these tools.
I use CCleaner weekly and do the others monthly.
Yes it all takes time, but you can fire them up and have coffee
** Please note there are OTHER ways to do this, but these instructions are trying to be as simple and painless as possible. **
If you need further advice feel free to post it here
Cheers
B
Signature Space for Rent
Don't be confused by the low post count on this account, I've been around many years.....
Don't be confused by the low post count on this account, I've been around many years.....
0
Comments
-
clean the registry (do this option multiple times until it comes back clean)As a long time IT techie geek
I would have thought you'd have know then to backup the registry before "cleaning" it!AVG is a good one and it's free! (http://free.avg.com/ww.download?prd=afe)
A sub-standard, poor detection rate anti-virus you've chosen. Bad choice. You also haven't bothered to say update the anti-virus software before scanning!!!As a long time IT techie geek
Really?!Spybot Search & Destroy
Another piece of junk, good maybe 5 years ago.If you need further advice feel free to post it here
I'd rather not!0 -
David, thanks for the critique.
As you are obviously unaware CCleaner registery clean does a back up as part of the process..Deleted_User wrote: »I would have thought you'd have know then to backup the registry before "cleaning" it!
AVG is an acceptable FREE option and also updates as part of the install process. The default install even checks DAILY for updates.Deleted_User wrote: »A sub-standard, poor detection rate anti-virus you've chosen. Bad choice. You also haven't bothered to say update the anti-virus software before scanning!!!
Have you actually used the latest Spybot as it would appear that you haven't.Deleted_User wrote: »Another piece of junk, good maybe 5 years ago.
It's currently on version 1.6.2, so 5 years ago would of been the BETA program.
Of course with your lust for quoting you missed the most important one of all:** Please note there are OTHER ways to do this, but these instructions are trying to be as simple and painless as possible. **
Nice try, but really if you have anything constructive to add feel free.Signature Space for Rent
Don't be confused by the low post count on this account, I've been around many years.....0 -
natweststaffmember wrote: »What are the programs you would use?
Got the links for them?
What do they have that is better than has already been said?
Anti-virus - Avira AntiVir
Anti-malware - Malwarebytes
Anti-spyware - SUPERAntiSpyware
These are widely regarded as the best in their fields.0 -
Im not in the mood for swearing....but AVG is regarded as pretty poor these days.:idea:0
-
His condescending, demeaning OP is frankly rubbish.0
-
Deleted_User wrote: »Anti-virus - Avira AntiVir
Anti-malware - Malwarebytes
Anti-spyware - SUPERAntiSpyware
These are widely regarded as the best in their fields.
As we are on MSE, are they all FREE to download and use?0 -
natweststaffmember wrote: »As we are on MSE, are they all FREE to download and use?
Of course.0 -
Well thank you.Deleted_User wrote: »His condescending, demeaning OP is frankly rubbish.
As you well know IT can become so embroiled in jargon that the more "normal" users end up seriously confused and quite often in the clutches of PCworld, or others of that elk.
Now would you rather offer some pointers in Plain Intelligible Language that any computer user can understand, or continue with the Elitist miasma that clouds technology for those without the correct handshake or rolled up trouser leg.
As I have already said there's more than one way to do maintenance on your system and I was simply offering some simple to follow and use directions..Signature Space for Rent
Don't be confused by the low post count on this account, I've been around many years.....0 -
Wow! What's got your back up david?!!! I thought it was rather helpful, even though I do use most of it myself. I use a paid for anti-virus rather than the free ones!
But for anyone not so technical, I thought it was rather useful. And yes, CCleaner does back up as part of the process.Northern Ireland club member No 382 :j0
![[Deleted User]](https://us-noi.v-cdn.net/6031891/uploads/defaultavatar/nFA7H6UNOO0N5.jpg)
This discussion has been closed.
Confirm your email address to Create Threads and Reply
Categories
- All Categories
- 351K Banking & Borrowing
- 253.1K Reduce Debt & Boost Income
- 453.6K Spending & Discounts
- 244K Work, Benefits & Business
- 598.9K Mortgages, Homes & Bills
- 176.9K Life & Family
- 257.3K Travel & Transport
- 1.5M Hobbies & Leisure
- 16.1K Discuss & Feedback
- 37.6K Read-Only Boards