Cleaning Windows XP for Dummies - Feed The Geeks

Spaceman3750 · #1 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007, 02:13 AM

This is a fool-proof system that I use to increase client's computer speed significantly (as long as it isn't a hardware based issue) and make their computing more secure.

This is a simple five-step guide to making your computer run so much faster.

Step 1: Uninstall any unneeded programs. Often, we install things and don't use them. These programs sometimes (often) run background processes that eat up memory and CPU.

Step 2: Download, install, and run Spybot Search & Destroy. Have it fix everything it finds.

Step 3: Download, install, and run AdAware SE Personal. Be sure to select "full system scan". Have it fix anything it finds.

Step 4: Run a full virus scan using your favorite anti-virus application. If you have none, use Avast! Anti-Virus Free.

Step 5: Download and run (and have it save a logfile) HiJackThis!. Do not fix anything yet! Most of these are not bad! Post your log at PC Help Forum for an expert analysis. It cannot be overly emphasized not to do ANYTHING with this program other than to run it and save a logfile. If you delete the wrong things, your computer can be permanently crippled. That is why it is so important for you to get an expert analysis.

bhar123 · #2 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007, 03:31 AM

Looks neat!!! let me try it and check if my laptop's performance increases. Good piece of information though..

~~Aravapalli~~ · #3 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007, 09:08 AM

is there any tool given by Windows itself, all points u mention here are using 3rd party tools....

Robert · #4 (**permalink**) 05-09-2007, 10:01 AM

Not a tool from Microsoft that I know of. It would be like them admitting that there OS is buggy and unstable, we all know thats not true.

As for cleaning XP. There is nothing better then a good old fashioned format. It will fix all your problems and you will be surprised how fast XP is without all the bloat ware and bit rot.

Spaceman3750 · #5 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 04:49 AM

Formats are great, and I usually try to do one about once per year or so, but so far I have only tried using our factory restore CD. I think I have a WinXP CD, so maybe I will use that next time, to get rid of all the annoying "helpful" tools Compaq likes to put on their computers...

Heather · #6 (**permalink**) 05-10-2007, 11:30 PM

Hey Spaceman, thanks for the list.

I've done those things in the past and been pleased with the results...particularly with SpyBot Search/Destroy and AdAware.

I also like CCleaner for that extra squeaky little shine.

Jason · #7 (**permalink**) 05-11-2007, 04:08 AM

As Heather mentioned, CCleaner at CCleaner.com is a great cleaning utility. I used to use WindowWasher a while back but now use CCleaner.

Spaceman3750 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-12-2007, 02:21 AM

I was positive I was missing a step. Thank you Heather for the advice

.

Be sure you un-check the Yahoo! Toolbar option though, CCleaner installs it as part of the standard install for some reason.

Jason · #9 (**permalink**) 05-12-2007, 04:18 AM

On the CCleaner download section, there is a link to other "Other Builds" which takes you to CCleaner.com

At that site, you can download:

Standard build - includes toolbar (which you can uncheck in installer) and multiple language versions

Basic build - includes NO toolbar and multiple language versions

Slim build - includes NO toolbar and only English language version

GandalfTheGrey · #10 (**permalink**) 05-28-2007, 11:49 AM

Thanks guys,

i used the old and no faulty way of format disk install. The hassle was unbearable, backup the data and applications and mail and and adn....of course it always ended with.... Ohh damn I forgot to copy xyz.....