The first time you perform maintenance on your PC, you probably wonder just what to do first.  The steps below are listed in the recommended order.  Click on the links to learn more about each of the processes/programs.

PC Maintenance Checklist (The 12-Step Program)

1. Back Up Important Data Files (just in case) (Monthly thereafter)

2. Run Aida32 to get hardware specs (As needed thereafter)

3. Run Cleanup to remove temp files (Daily thereafter)

4. Update, Immunize and Run SpyBot (to remove spyware) and also
   Update and Run Ad-aware SE (to remove spyware) (Every 2 weeks thereafter)

5. Run StartUp Inspector to clean startup menu (Monthly thereafter)

6. Remove Unused Programs/Files (Quarterly thereafter)

7. Clean out the Start/All Programs Menu (Monthly thereafter)

8. Check for Windows Critical Updates (Automatically or monthly thereafter)

9. Check for any available Driver Updates (When problems arise)

10. Run Registry Cleaner to remove unused registry entries (Quarterly thereafter)

11. Scan disk to check for bad sectors or disk errors (Quarterly thereafter)

12. Defrag hard drive to rearrange files (Semi-Annually or as needed thereafter)

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About Restore Points (Windows XP)

Windows XP creates restore points regularly. They include information on the system's state. If something causes Windows to become unstable, you can use a restore point to go back in time to a good configuration.

However, a restore point can also house a virus or Trojan. So, when you clean a virus or Trojan from your system, you have to delete your restore points. Otherwise, if you were to use an infected point, it would re-infect your system.

The solution is to simply delete the restore points. To do that, click Start>>Control Panel>> Performance and Maintenance>> System. Select the System Restore tab. Click the box next to "Turn off System Restore on all drives." Click Apply>>OK.

Reboot the computer and all restore points will be wiped out. Return to the System Restore window. Remove the check from the box next to "Turn off System Restore on all drives." Click Apply>>OK.

Windows will automatically create a new restore point. It should be clean.

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If you ever need to use System Restore, access it by clicking:

>>Start

>>All Programs

>>Accessories

>>System Tools

>>System Restore.

>>Select "Restore my computer to an earlier time."

>>Click Next.

>>Click a bold date on the calendar and click Next.

>>Then click Next on the following page. 

System Restore will restart the computer and turn it back to a previous configuration.  

System Restore does not affect the files you create so you don't have to worry about losing your Christmas letter to your relatives. But if something has gotten into Windows and your computer is unstable, System Restore can be a lifesaver. Personal files left on your desktop may be lost so please file things away before restoring to an earlier time.

Learn more about system restore here.

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M A I N T E N A N C E   S C H E D U L E

STEP 3:  After the initial tune up is complete, you will still need to maintain your computer on a regular basis to keep it operating smoothly.  Some tasks are ongoing, but others can be performed weekly, monthly, quarterly or annually. The schedule provided here is just a guideline; individual use may require a different schedule.   Click on the arrow to review a suggested guideline  for a maintenance schedule.

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