1. Perform Complete Backup

Better safe than sorry. A backup of all of your important data marked with the date will help you recover if your hard drive fails. You can use CDs or other media to store your backup files.  If you have your files organized by topics (documents, photos, music, etc.), it will be easier to determine which files need to be backed up. 

What is backing up and why should I do it?

To backup is to make spare copies of files and store them separately from the originals (i.e., not on the hard drive).

Backing up files is a very important part of maintaining a PC and can save a lot of hassle if/when the PC has a problem. Computers have a tendency to go wrong from time to time and total hard drive failure is rare but it does happen.

CDs are currently the recommended backup media device, although other media can be used.  CD writers are ideal for making back-ups of large amounts of data, with typical CD-R disks holding up to 800Mb of data and costing pennies. CD writers are also very easy to use, the software that comes with them is normally very straight forward and they can create back-ups in minutes.

A rule of thumb for when to back up would be if your important files change daily, back-up daily, if they change weekly, back-up weekly, and so on.

2. Run AIDA32 for System Information Report

AIDA32 is a system information and diagnostics program running on Win32 platforms. It extracts details of all components of the PC. It can display information on the screen, print it, or save it to file in various formats. There are three versions, all free. There is 80 pages of information available about all the hardware and all the software in one's system, including a list of all .dll files; invaluable information. Also gives information on all programs running in your system, however well hidden. To finish it, there are two benchmark tests that show where one's computer stacks up against other systems. This software is from  Hungary and available in 16 languages. Windows XP/Me/NT4/2000/98.  There's a manual available to download 2.4MB.
 This program is also included on the 2005 Club CD.

3. Run Cleanup! To Remove Unnecessary Files

CleanUp! is a powerful and easy-to-use application that removes temporary files created while surfing the web, empties the Recycle Bin, deletes files from your temporary folders and more.

CleanUp! frees disk space and reduces the "clutter" on your computer helping it to run more efficiently. It also can be used as a way to protect your privacy on the Internet. You can even instruct CleanUp! to securely delete files making it impossible to retrieve their contents using lower-level disk tools - just another way of protecting your privacy.

Do you use the Internet? Does your computer appear to be running slower than when you first got it? Do you want to clean up your disk but don't know where to start? CleanUp! was designed for people like you.  Are you concerned about your privacy on the web? Are you concerned that others may be able to see what sites you've been visiting? Are you concerned about what personal information may be stored in cookies on your machine without your knowledge? CleanUp! was designed for people like you. 

4. Update and Run Spyware Programs

Software programs that are installed without the computer owner's knowledge are often called Spyware. In most cases they piggyback on other programs that are downloaded from the Internet. They are completely transparent to the end-user, so your computer can be infected without your knowledge. Spyware is rapidly spreading. It can harm your computer and steal personal information. The two free spy removal programs listed below, Spybot and Ad-aware, are used by many club members.

Spybot - Search & Destroy is a program that can detect and remove a multitude of adware files and modules from your computer. Spybot can also clean program and Web usage tracks from your system.  The functionality of Spybot makes it a must-have for all Internet users,  And it's FREE!. Modules chosen for removal can be sent directly to the included file shredder, ensuring complete elimination from your system. And for advanced users, it allows you to fix Registry inconsistencies related to adware or malicious program installations. The handy online update feature ensures that Spybot always has the most current and complete listing of adware, dialers, and other uninvited system residents. Spybot-S&D is free, so there's no harm in trying to see if something snooped into your computer, too.

Version 1.4 has the first native multi-installation scanner, is noticeably faster than version 1.3 during scans, and has improved the tools and updated the interface.

Ad-aware SE Personel Edition is designed to provide advanced protection from known Data-mining, aggressive advertising, Parasites, Scumware, selected traditional Trojans, Dialers, Malware, Browser hijackers, and tracking components. With the release of Ad-Aware SE Personal edition, Lavasoft takes the fight against Spyware to the next level. With Lavasoft’s all new Code Sequence Identification (CSI) technology, you will not only be protected from known content, but will also have advanced protection against many of their unknown variants. To further protect you, Ad-Aware SE Personal Edition also has the capability to scan and list Alternate Data Streams (ADS) in NTFS enabled volumes. In combination with the new scanning engine, Ad-Aware SE will scan your computer faster and more thoroughly than ever before!

5. Clean Up Start Menu

Many programs install themselves so they launch automatically at Windows start-up. Whether you need them or not, they're using memory and CPU cycles. Windows 98, Me, and XP users can disable unnecessary background programs using the Startup tab of the MSCONFIG program, which you can launch from the Start menu's Run dialog. Windows 2000 users will need a third-party tool, such as StartUp Inspector.

Disabling anything listed in MSCONFIG should be safe. But keep in mind that if you disable the system tray, you'll lose the clock and volume control in the system tray. Also, one or more instances of LoadPowerProfile or TweakUI do no harm, because they don't remain in memory.

A simpler method of cleaning out your start up programs is a free utility -  StartUp Inspector. This handy tool lists all the programs which start when you boot your computer and gives a description of the program indicating whether the program is necessary or not needed.

For more detailed information on how start up programs affect your computer, visit PacMan.

6. Remove Unused Programs

To get rid of never- or seldom-used programs, launch Add/Remove Programs from the Control Panel and examine each item. Don't meddle with items that are completely unfamiliar; they may be required by the system. But if you find a standalone application that you no longer use, get rid of it!  Some programs come with their own uninstall program which may do a better job of removing the program.  Check the program folder for an uninstall file and use that one instead of the Windows uninstall.  If an uninstall file is not available, then use the Windows Add/Remove Programs process.

7. Organize "All Programs" Menu (XP)

When you hover the mouse over Start > All Programs you will see a menu appear from which you can access the programs currently installed on your PC. After installing new software it will (normally) appear on the programs menu.

You can rename any program on the menu by right clicking on it and selecting rename from the menu that appears.

To alphabetize the list, right click and choose "sort by name" from the menu.

To open a program simply left click on it,  Some options have a small black arrow to the far right side which indicates that it contains another sub-menu (e.g., the accessories folder has a sub-menu). Check each sub-menu - if it only has one file in the menu, then move that file to the main start menu by dragging it to the main bar - then delete the folder it was in originally.

To remove any program just from the All Programs menu, right click and select delete.  If you want to uninstall a program, check first to see if the program provides an uninstall file and use that to remove the program.  If not, use the control panel to uninstall it.  Deleting it from the programs menu will not uninstall the software.

8. Check for Critical Windows Updates

Users of all versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system can visit Microsoft's Windows Update web site which should automatically take you to the correct set of updates for your computer's version of the Windows operating system. Windows Update scans your computer and provides you with a selection of updates tailored just for you.

Check to see if there are any new critical updates or patches you need to install. The latest patches from Microsoft will help to secure your system. When you connect to the website, they will automatically detect which updates are necessary for your computer and will list them accordingly.  Read the summary on each one and determine which ones are necessary for your particular computer - you do not need to install all of them.  The critical updates should always be installed.

When these updates are installed off the Microsoft site, When it tells you to reboot before continuing you must do this in order for the update to "take".  It is also essential that the updates be installed in the order set forth by Microsoft. And, remember, you must reboot on update's request.

For a detailed guide (from UMBC) on how to install the updates,

9. Check for Updated Drivers

Updating your drivers is an important part of maintaining your computer. Although you do not need to update every day, it's a good idea to update drivers every couple of months. Drivers are files that tell hardware (modem, scanner, graphics card, monitor, mouse, etc.) how to operate.  Hardware manufacturers release new drivers for their hardware and are designated by version numbers (version 1.1, version 1.2, version 4.0, etc.).  The larger the version number, the more updated the driver file is. 

Although updates from Microsoft (for XP) contain updated drivers, oftentimes they may be generic drivers.  Your pc will run smoother and will be more stable if you use the specific drivers intended for your specific devices. To update the drivers, you should consult your computer manufacturer.   To find what drivers you have installed, go to Device Manager and double-click each component's listing and then select the Driver tab. You can also run AIDA32 and go directly to the manufacturer website from links in the report.

Or you may want to use a free 2-day trial of Driver Detective from DriversHQ.com.  An online scan of your computer will determine which of your drivers need updating.  You can also find out what hardware devices should be updated by visiting Computer Hope.  DriverZone is another source for help in finding the correct drivers.

10. Clean Registry

This process is not for the faint of heart.  The Registry is complex by its very nature and is not intended (nor recommended) to be altered by anyone but very experienced and knowledgeable users. 

The Windows Registry is a set of data files used to help Windows control hardware, software, the user's environment, and the "look and feel" of the Windows interface. The Registry is contained in two files in the Windows directory. Without the Registry, the operating system would not have the necessary information to run, to control attached devices, to launch and control applications, and to respond correctly to user input.

The Registry holds information about default data and auxiliary file locations, menus, button bars, window status, and other options. It also holds installation information such as the date of installation, the user who installed the software, the version number and date, and sometimes the serial number. Depending on the actual software installed, it may contain other application-specific information.

RegSupreme is a new generation standalone registry cleaner that is very fast, effective, safe and easy to use - no knowledge of the registry is required. A free 30-day trial is offered - after that the cost of this very useful program is a whopping $12.95!

11. Scan Hard Drive(s)

The program Scandisk checks a hard drive for errors. Run ScanDisk before running the Defragmenter as follows:

ScanDisk in Windows 2000 and XP

  1. Click Start, then open My Computer.

  2. Right-click on the hard drive icon (usually C:\).

  3. Click Properties, and then click the Tools tab.

  4. Click Check Now.

  5. Place check marks in all check boxes.

  6. Click OK, and then click Yes to schedule a full disk scan when the computer is restarted.

  7. Restart the computer. The disk scan can take a very long time to complete.

ScanDisk in Windows 95, 98, and Me

  1. Close all programs that are running. This includes background programs such as virus scanners. This includes background programs such as anti-virus programs, firewalls and screen savers. To close programs that are running in the background: hit the Ctrl, Alt and Delete keys all at the same time. This will show you what is running and you can highlight one at a time and click End task. Do this for each program that is running except for Explorer and Systray as they can remain running. To turn screen savers off: right click on an empty spot on your desktop then click Properties. Click on the screen saver tab and from the drop down menu of screen savers, pick none then click Apply and OK at the bottom of the window. There also is a small utility program called End it all that will close down all the programs that are running with just one click.

  2. Select Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and ScanDisk.

  3. Select the drive (usually C:\) and check Automatically Fix Errors.

  4. If low on time, select Standard. Otherwise, check Thorough. A thorough scan may take more than an hour to complete and is best done when away from the desk.

  5. Click Start and follow the onscreen instructions. If the scandisk starts itself over and over, then a hidden background program is still accessing the hard drive. Restart the computer in Safe mode and try again.

  6. After testing, the results will appear. Fix or repair any files, if asked. Click Close to exit program when finished.

12. Defrag Hard Drive(s)

The program Disk Defragmenter takes all of the scattered bits of program data and groups them together in the front of the drive.

  1. Close all programs that are running. (refer to #1 above)

  2. Click Start, Programs or All Programs, Accessories, then System Tools.

  3. Click Disk Defragmenter. Follow the onscreen instructions. If Disk Defragmenter starts itself over and over, then a hidden background program is still accessing the hard drive. Restart the computer in Safe mode and try again.

Defragmenting a hard drive can be a tedious and time-consuming process, but the performance gains are worth the time spent. Defrag is located in the same System Tools folder as Scandisk. The system will most likely tell you that defragmenting is not necessary. This is a default setting in Windows because Windows will continue to function with a badly fragmented hard drive, just slower. Make sure that the Settings are set to Rearrange Program Files AND Check the Drive for Errors. Use these settings each time. The first defragmentation, if it has not been run as a matter of habit (or ever), will take a considerable amount of time (from 15 minutes up to 2-3 hours). Allow it to run its course. It will appear to hang at 10% for a long time - this is normal. After the 10% hurdle is overcome, the remaining 90% passes relatively quickly.

IMPORTANT: Some PC's will not defrag correctly due to programs running in the background. Close all open applications, turn off your screensaver, disable anti-virus protection, disconnect from the internet and disable your firewall program, close any messaging programs (AOL IM, MSN Messenger, ICQ, etc.).

Senior Surfers Computer Club
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© Copyright 2005 Senior Surfers Computer Club - Webmaster

 Updated:
 06/21/2005