Thread:

computer clean up

does anyone have any programs that cleans up your computer, mine is running slower and slower everyday, got rid of all my favorites and have just the basic programs that I need, I know I should get a new one, mine is 8 years old, but it just seems to be getting all jambed up with errors. I have seen programs that you can buy but not sure if they reall y work and do not want to give them my credit card info. I am running XP with comcast cable.

I run old computers too and unless the motherboard goes, I plan on keeping these dinosaurs.

Always remember.....ike an engine, routine maintenance on a computer is necessary. But even with maintenance, sometimes a computer gets bogged down with so many different or changed settings, that starting with a fresh reformat is the best way to go. You can try to clean it up first, though.

Personally I use Iolo Syetem Mechanic. I've used this program for about 10 years now. It runs on autopilot and does all the maintenance stuff automatically every night when I'm aslepp. It also comes with Kaspersky Anti-virus, and truly is one of the 3-4 core programs I could not live without.

For free, start by blowing out your system. Disconnect the power supply and blow the crap out of it. Yes, some of the geeks will come on here and tell you not to do it that way due to condensation in the compressor air...whatever. Just run the air for a minute or so and then give it a good blast. The cans don't work worth a shiat, BTW.

Run a defrag of your sytem. If it hangs and will not finish a defrag, then try Ultimate Defragger, they have a free version.

CCleaner is a great, free cleaning application. It will clean out some stuff and fix your registry.

Find an antivirus application and run it. Microsift Security Essentials is always up to date and is trusted. Run it with Malwarebytes too. Scan only your system files, otherwise the scans can take forever. DO NOT RUN several different antivirus applications at the same time, Stick to one, and Malwarebytes seems to play nice with many othe rflavors. So use one Antivirus and Malwarebytes.

If you are removing programs, Revo unisntaller is the way to go. They have a free version, it's all you need. Many times the resident uninstall features of the program you are removing will remove almost everything. Almost. Some programs like to keep registry entries and other bits and pices of their stuff on your computer. Revo uninstalkler finds those bits and pices and removes them too. Follow the instructions closely - mainly, only delete the items in bold when delting the registry entries.

Export your favorite bookmark so you have a backup copy of them. CCleaner should clean out your cookies, but also clean out your adobe flash cookies. Do a google search under "adobe flash cookies" and it will take you to the Adobe site where you can delete them.

Without knowing if your computer is up to date, it's hard to say if you need to download any updates. If anythiung, try to keep the Adobe Flash Player and any other Adobe flash stuff up to date.

The reason I use Iolo System Mechanic - it does all the above, except the compressor part.

And BTW, your chances for getting your credit card info jacked are far greater offline, than online. The majority of all credit card/atm fraud originates from gas stations, atm's and crooked ass employees. In fact, if you use your atm card regulary, it's just a matter of time before your account will get hit.

A clean format will have it like new .
Just back up all your stuff on USB drive and format.

Personally, I run Advanced System Care (Free) on all of mine. Has numerous "tune up" type tools.

Originally Posted by Ultra26 # 1

Malwarebytes works well. Download the free version at Malwarebytes.org

just used this helped some but at the end still did not clean it all up, asked for credit card info to completely clean it, maybe I used the wrong download.

Originally Posted by CoolCruzinCobra

A clean format will have it like new .
Just back up all your stuff on USB drive and format.

I keep all my stuff on a externl harddrive.

Originally Posted by C-2

I run old computers too and unless the motherboard goes, I plan on keeping these dinosaurs.

Always remember.....ike an engine, routine maintenance on a computer is necessary. But even with maintenance, sometimes a computer gets bogged down with so many different or changed settings, that starting with a fresh reformat is the best way to go. You can try to clean it up first, though.

Personally I use Iolo Syetem Mechanic. I've used this program for about 10 years now. It runs on autopilot and does all the maintenance stuff automatically every night when I'm aslepp. It also comes with Kaspersky Anti-virus, and truly is one of the 3-4 core programs I could not live without.

What is Iolo System Mechanic?

For free, start by blowing out your system. Disconnect the power supply and blow the crap out of it. Yes, some of the geeks will come on here and tell you not to do it that way due to condensation in the compressor air...whatever. Just run the air for a minute or so and then give it a good blast. The cans don't work worth a shiat, BTW.

Is there a certain psi you use?

Run a defrag of your sytem. If it hangs and will not finish a defrag, then try Ultimate Defragger, they have a free version.

CCleaner is a great, free cleaning application. It will clean out some stuff and fix your registry.

Where do you get CCleaner?

Find an antivirus application and run it. Microsift Security Essentials is always up to date and is trusted. Run it with Malwarebytes too. Scan only your system files, otherwise the scans can take forever. DO NOT RUN several different antivirus applications at the same time, Stick to one, and Malwarebytes seems to play nice with many othe rflavors. So use one Antivirus and Malwarebytes.

I run Avast

If you are removing programs, Revo unisntaller is the way to go. They have a free version, it's all you need. Many times the resident uninstall features of the program you are removing will remove almost everything. Almost. Some programs like to keep registry entries and other bits and pices of their stuff on your computer. Revo uninstalkler finds those bits and pices and removes them too. Follow the instructions closely - mainly, only delete the items in bold when delting the registry entries.

Export your favorite bookmark so you have a backup copy of them. CCleaner should clean out your cookies, but also clean out your adobe flash cookies. Do a google search under "adobe flash cookies" and it will take you to the Adobe site where you can delete them.

How do you export your bookmarks?

Without knowing if your computer is up to date, it's hard to say if you need to download any updates. If anythiung, try to keep the Adobe Flash Player and any other Adobe flash stuff up to date.

The only update it says I need is system 3 update

The reason I use Iolo System Mechanic - it does all the above, except the compressor part.

And BTW, your chances for getting your credit card info jacked are far greater offline, than online. The majority of all credit card/atm fraud originates from gas stations, atm's and crooked ass employees. In fact, if you use your atm card regulary, it's just a matter of time before your account will get hit.

Thanks Pat

Originally Posted by Showrigger

What browser are you using? the programs are downloads if you goolgle them they should show up, air pressure+not much go easy and just blow the dust out and off the components in the power supply and motheboards etc (when you open the computer case you will probably see dust everywhere, just softly blow it off with a can of air electronics cleaner or compressed air.
if you post what internet browser you have we can walk you through backing up and restoring your bookmarks. also do you use outlook for email?

What he said!
On blowing out the computer, as fun as it is, DO NOT spin the fans too much with the air. I guess doing so can fry the bearings on the fans since they are not made to spin so fast.

If you're considering a reformat, first make sure you have your original system disks with the passwords, and the program disks for any programs you may have, along with their serials too.

Since you already have an external drive, I would also suggest making a backup image of your current system, including making a boot disk. That way if the reformat does not go well, or you forgot to pull something off, you can always load your original disk image (you just made) and be returned to where you are now - with a slow computer, but not FUBAR.

Spend some time reading about Clonezilla, a free, open source disk imaging program.