Computers and Technology

This article will help users to perform a complete computer cleanup, which will improve the overall performance of their computers. It's not meant as a substitute for regular computer maintenance, performed by a professional computer technician.

Almost every computer user knows that, from time to time, your computer starts to run a little slower or you notice that you hard drive space is dwindling. So many people shrug this off and choose not to do anything about it. They think that it's normal to have these kinds of computer problems and that there isn't anything they can do about it. Your computer is trying to tell you something...it's time for a cleaning. It's time to clean up the junk and organize the files on your computer, just as you would clean and organize your office.

This step-by-step tutorial will put you on the path toward a cleaner, more efficient computer. You'll learn how to perform a complete computer cleanup and you just may save yourself some money, in the future, by maintaining your computer, instead of just taking it to a repair technician when it breaks.

In this tutorial, we'll only concern ourselves with Windows XP (I guess I'll have to re-write this article for Vista), for a couple of reasons.

Microsoft has ended support for Windows 98, 98SE and Millennium.

If you still have one of those earlier operating systems, your computer is just too old to become "efficient" by today's standards.

Follow these cleanup steps and you just may learn to love your computer, again.

Unused User Accounts If you have any User Accounts that are no longer active, logon as a computer administrator and remove them.

1.Click START, then CONTROL PANEL.
2.When the Control Panel opens, click USER ACCOUNTS.
3.Click CHANGE AN ACCOUNT.
4.Click on the name of the account you want to remove.
5.Click REMOVE THIS ACCOUNT.
6.When given the option to "delete files" or "keep files", choose to delete them.
7.After removing all unused User Accounts, restart the computer. Windows Updates Make sure you have all of the latest Windows Updates installed by visiting update.microsoft.com and following the instructions on the website.

It's critical that you keep your computer up-to-date. Microsoft releases new security updates all the time and it's easier just to set your computer to automatically download and install these updates. Here's how to do that:

1.Right-click on MY COMPUTER.
2.Click PROPERTIES.
3.Click the AUTOMATIC UPDATES tab (reference the illustration, below).
4.Choose "Automatic (recommended)".
5.Click APPLY and OK.

Remove Unused Programs This is pretty basic stuff. Most Windows users have already been through the steps of adding and removing programs, but we'll list the steps for those who haven't.

1.Click START, then CONTROL PANEL.

2.Double-click ADD OR REMOVE PROGRAMS.

3.When the window that opens has fully loaded, scroll through the list of programs and remove any that are unwanted or no longer used.

4.Just a piece of advice...any programs listed that mention anything about "bargain", "cash", "search", "web" or "fun", in the program name, should probably be removed.

Temporary File Cleanup Temporary files are one of the biggest wastes of hard drive space, hogs of computer resources and major causes of recurring spyware and virus infections. They need to be cleaned on a regular basis. Follow these steps to remove ALL temporary files from your computer:

1.Double-click MY COMPUTER.
2.Open the root drive (usually C:).
3.Open DOCUMENTS AND SETTINGS.
4.Click TOOLS, then FOLDER OPTIONS.
5.Click the VIEW tab (reference the illustration, below).
6.Under "Hidden files and folders", click "SHOW HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS".
7.Uncheck "HIDE EXTENSIONS FOR KNOWN FILE TYPES".
8.Uncheck "HIDE PROTECTED OPERATING SYSTEM FILES (RECOMMENDED)".
9.When the warning message pops up, click YES. 10.Click APPLY, then OK.

***It's recommended that you change the file folder settings back to their default settings after you fully complete the computer cleanup.***

1.With the Documents And Settings folder opened, open a user account folder.
2.Open the LOCAL SETTINGS folder.
3.Open the TEMP folder.
4.Press CTRL+A to select all files.
5.Press SHIFT+DEL to permanently delete all selected files. *Note*: you may be unable to delete ALL of the files and folders because some of them may be "locked" by the operating system or another program. Select smaller groups of folders or files in order to remove as many as possible.
6.Navigate back to the LOCAL SETTINGS folder.
7.Open the TEMPORARY INTERNET FILES folder.
8.Repeat steps 4 and 5. See *Note*.
9.Repeat steps 1 through 8 for all user account folders.
10.Empty the RECYCLE BIN and restart the computer.

Virus And Spyware Scans If you don't already have an antivirus program and two or three antispyware programs installed and updated on your computer, then you're BEGGING for problems. I use Webroot Antivirus/Antispyware and Spybot Search & Destroy (free). If you're relying solely on "free" programs for your computer security, you're likely making a big mistake. I understand that you don't want to pay for software. Nobody does. You just have to look at the value in investing a little bit of money toward preventing the problems that might arise from choosing the "cheaper route". Ok...enough said on that subject.

The most efficient way for antivirus and antispyware products to complete their scans successfully is to run them while the computer is in Safe Mode. To restart Windows in Safe Mode, tap the F8 key about every half-second or so, at computer startup, once you see the manufacturer's logo. You'll then be brought to a screen where you will use the arrow keys to choose the boot mode. Use the arrow up or down key to choose SAFE MODE. Press enter and let Windows do it's thing. When the computer has fully booted, complete FULL SYSTEM scans with your antivirus and antispyware programs. When they are completed, reboot the computer, normally.

Defragment The Hard drive(s) This is the final step in your major computer cleaning. This will insure that the files on the disk are organized in such a way that makes them more quickly accessible, causing less "wait time" and less wear and tear on your drive.

1.Click START.
2.Navigate through ALL PROGRAMS to get to the ACCESSORIES folder.
3.Choose SYSTEM TOOLS.
4.Choose DISK DEFRAGMENTER.
5.Select the main disk (C:).
6.You shouldn't need to "analyze" the drive. At this point, it's better just to choose "DEFRAGMENT".
7.Let the program run through the process and reboot the computer, normally, when completed.

That's it! You should see a HUGE improvement in the performance of your computer.

Reorganizing the file system
Go to "Start" > "Run" > Type in "defrag" and press "Enter"
Select which drive you'd like to defrag (normally this will be C:)
Click OK to start defragging
Side Notes
This should be done about once a month.
It will normally take a few hours to complete depending on how fragmented the drive is and the size of the drive.
Start the scan before you go to bed and by the time you wake up the drive should be defragged.

Cleaning up your Startup
Go to "Start" > "Run" > Type in "msconfig" and press "Enter"
Go to the "Startup" tab
Uncheck everything that does not say "System Tray" or have to do with a firewall or antivirus
Once this is done click apply and reboot
Side Notes
By doing this you are preventing these programs from starting up when windows loads. This does not mean you can not use these programs it just means they are not using up resources right away. The more things that startup right away, the fewer resources you have for windows and other programs.

Releasing and Renewing your IP
Go to "Start" > "Run" > Type in "winipcfg" and press "Enter" (for Windows 98)
Go to "Start" > "Run" > Type in "command" and press "Enter"
Once in the DOS prompt type "ipconfig /release" and press "Enter"
Then type "ipconfig /renew"
Side Notes
If your ISP has gone through some changes or your IP has changed and you can't get online this releases what ever IP was bound to your network adapter and asks for a new one. This is normally useful when getting your computer back after being in for repairs.

Reduce recycle bin
Right click on the recycle bin on your desktop.
Go to "Properties"
Under the Global tab (which is the default tab) drag the slider so that it is 1% instead of 10%
Then click "Apply"
Side Notes
On an 80GB drive this will still leave you with 800MB for your recycle bin to hold. After you have changed the size, you will need to run defrag. This will reorganize where files go on the hard drive and increase the performance of your computer because your windows files will be located on the outer most part of the hard drive which is the fastest turning part of the hard drive.

Clearing Out your Temporary Internet Files
Right click on the Internet Explorer icon.
Click on "Properties"
In the "General" tab (Which is the default tab) click the button that says "Delete Files..."
Side Notes
Temporary internet files allow surfing the web to become faster and more seamless. However, these files tend to have javascript viruses hidden in them as well as use up a lot of your hard drive space.

Clean up Cookies
Right click on the Internet Explorer icon.
Click on "Properties"
In the "General" tab (Which is the default tab) click the button that says "Delete Cookies..."
Side Notes
Despite what some people may say, cookies are not a bad thing to have on your computer. Cookies are a way for websites to keep track of certain information. VERY seldom is important information ever held in them, also ONLY that site has access to the cookies that it has created and is normally encrypted beyond recognition to a normal user. Cookies are simply an important tool to web developers and can make your surfing experience more enjoyable. Don't fear the cookie monster.

Keep Drivers Up to Date
There is no generic way to tell you how to keep your drivers up to date. The only thing you can really do is make a list of all the components in your computer. E.g. MSI K7N2 Delta motherboard, creative SB Audigy, realtek 8139c... Go to the manufacturers of these parts and find a download page for the drivers and make sure that the driver is new. If it is download it and install it.

Run Windows Updates
Go to "Start" > "Programs" > "Windows Updates"
Once there install there latest updater software and click on the recommended link.
Side Notes
By keeping your windows operating system up to date you prevent yourself from being hacked and getting certain viruses and other glitches in the software. This will also improve the performance of your computer and other pieces of software or hardware in your computer.

Keep Virus Definitions Up to Date
Make sure that your virus definitions are at most one week old. Considering how many viruses come out on a daily basis, having your definitions more than a few days old can cause you serious damage. Do not trust any automatic updaters, do the update yourself by actually running through the steps for your software.

Keep Desktop Clean
I see a lot of computers come in with every program and document they know of right on their desktop. What you should do is categorize your information. If you have certain files and programs that relate to work or accounting or your kids or school, create a separate folder on your desktop and put that information into it. You can increase your use by just organizing your desktop a little better.

Don't use desktop backgrounds
Right click anywhere on your desktop that is blank.
Click on "Properties"
Select the "Desktop" tab
Below the picture of the monitor you'll see it say "Background:"
Go to the top of that list and select "None"
Side Notes
If you have a highly detailed picture as your background it can seriously decrease you computers performance. By setting it to none, you still have a choice of color for the background.

Don't Use Vacuum
We've heard a few too many people tell us they've cleaned the dust bunnies out of their computer with a vacuum. This is a big no no. The suction from the vacuum against the plastic nozzle creates static. Static is a computers worst enemy. If you need to clean those dust bunnies out use a can of compressed air (Make sure computer is turned off)

Turn Off Monitor Only
Most people seem to feel that turning the computer off will increase the life expectancy of their several hundred dollar investment. This is false, by continuously turning the computer on and off you continuously heating everything inside up, then cooling it down. This in turn makes the parts inside expand and contract which can create really small cracks. By only turning off the monitor and leaving the computer running 24/7 you will actually increase the life of your computer.

Keep 2-3 Feet Above Ground
Remember those dust bunnies we were just talking about, you won't have to worry about them nearly as much if you have the computer 2 to 3 feet above the ground and in a ventilated room. If you leave it inside a computer desktop that has the backed covered you will still get dust bunnies.

Don't open unless you REALLY know what you are doing
Normally if you open your own computer case you void ALL warranties to any parts. Not only that but if you just pet your cat or dog or standing on carpet and reach in to your computer you have a high probability of shocking a piece of your hardware. This shock might fry the component right away or could cause damage that you see go gradually. DO NOT OPEN YOUR CASE UNLESS YOU ARE US.

Don't get a friend who knows ALL about computers to fix it
This is not a polite suggestion. We have come to realize that apparently the world is full of people that "KNOW ALL ABOUT COMPUTERS". These people are not as good as we are. We do this day in day out, this is not just our job this is our hobby. So please ask us before you ask that person. You can save yourself a lot of headaches.

Backup Your Data
It is a good idea to frequently backup any important data onto a separate hard drive, cd, dvd, usb drive or other external media. This will save you a lot of headaches in the long run when you realize that your hard drive is dead and can't be recovered.

Keep track of software
Keep track of ALL software that came with your computer. Not only may you need it at a later date, but if you bring your computer in to be repaired, the techs will most likely need them to fix your computer.

Surge Protection
One of the worst things that can happen to a computer is a power spike or drop. To prevent your computer from being harmed in this occurrence, it is a good idea to get a UPS (uninterrupted power supply) which will protect you from almost any power irregularity. A cheaper solution is to get a good surge bar these will only protect you from power spikes but can still be quite helpful in protecting your computer.

Get a Firewall
As long as you are connected to the internet you are vulnerable to hackers. They do not care who you are, where you are from, or what is on your computer. Hackers simply care that there is an open connection that they can exploit. The best type of firewall is a hardware firewall. You can use a router or a small cheap machine as a hardware firewall and will normally cost anywhere from $50-$100. The next best thing would be a software firewall like Zone Alarm or Norton Personal Firewall. These are easier to bypass than a hardware firewall, but some protection is better than none.

Uninstall Unused Programs
Unused programs take up space and can cause incompatibility between other software and even hardware. It is a good idea to uninstall anything that you don't use.