Computer Maintenance Procedures
The following maintenance procedures should be run on a regular basis to maintain your computers performance. These directions are designed for Windows XP and Vista. Procedures for other versions of Windows (95, 98, 98SE, 2000, Me) will be very similar. Run in order as listed.
1. RUN - MSCONFIG (Shuts down programs running at startup that use critical system memory)
Programs are removed from Startup list by removing checkmark from checkbox with a Left Click. You can re-enable program with a second click that will replace check mark. Be absolutely sure which programs you are removing from the list because some of the files in the list are critical Windows files required for computer operation. Removal of these critical files may disable the computer. Do not uncheck references to your anti-virus program>
START>Run> Type in MSCONFIG and click on OK> Click on Startup Tab
2. RUN - DISK CLEANUP (Gets rid of unnecessary files from Hard Drive)
START>ALL PROGRAMS>ACCESSORIES>SYSTEM TOOLS>DISK CLEANUP
3. RUN - AD-AWARE (Searches hard drive for spyware, adware and malware and removes them)
Open program from icon on desktop. Accept Updates if prompted
You can download and Install FREE Version of AD-Aware from www.lavasoft.com
4. RUN - ANTI-VIRUS SCAN (Searches computer files for virus infections and repairs, deletes or
quarantines those that it finds.) [Note: needs regular updates from internet via “Live Update”]
5. ReStart - Computer at this point to be sure no critical files have been deleted.
6. Empty - Recycle Bin located on Desktop. Removes deleted files from Hard Drive
7. RUN - SCANDISK (ERROR CHECKING)
MY COMPUTER>Right Click on Drive C:>Left Click on Properties>Left Click on TOOLS
Tab>Left Click on Error Checking.
8. RUN - DISK DEFRAGMENTER (Reorganizes data on the hard drive to improve performance)
MY COMPUTER>Right Click on Drive C:>Left Click on Properties>Left Click on TOOLS
Tab>Left Click on Error Checking.
Note on SAFE MODE
If Error Checking and Disk Defragmenter are interrupted repeatedly by background programs while scanning your drive, you may need to run them in SAFE MODE. Safe Mode shuts down all back ground programs and stops all drivers from loading when the computer first starts. To start the computer in SAFE MODE hold the F8 key down while the computer is starting. A screen will appear from which you can chose SAFE MODE (usually #3). After running in SAFE MODE you will need to restart the computer which will start in NORMAL MODE.
9. Download and Install all Microsoft Updates including the latest version of Internet Explorer.
These updates are designed to keep your computer safe from hackers and other security threats. Be sure your computer is set to AUTOMATIC UPDATES.
10. USE a Surge Protector – to protect your computer against voltage fluctuations that can damage its circuitry. Power cords, phone lines and cables should all be connected to your surge protector before they are connected to the computer. NOTE: A power Strip is not the same as a surge protector
11. Backup your data on a regular basis. Hard drive failures can happen at any time and a variety of reasons. Without regular backups of your data/music/photos, you could loose everything on your computer at any time. See article in How-to section for more information on how to back up your computers hard disk drive