Regular PC Maintenance / Optimization

Regular PC Maintenance

Here are a few things that you should do on a regular basis to keep your computer working well: Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmentor, Windows Updates, Check Disk, System File checker.

Disk Cleanup:
Start | Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Cleanup |
Once it finishes scanning check all the boxes and click next.
What it does: Deletes files you don't use anymore.

Disk Defragmentor:
Start | Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Defragmentor |
Right click on "( C: )" and press defragment.
What it does: It rearranges your files on your hard drive so they are all together, thus quicker to retrieve.

Check Disk:
Start | Run | cmd | type "chkdsk /f" then "y" and restart your computer.
What it does: Searches your hard drive for damaged clusters.

Windows Updates:
Start | Programs | Windows Updates |
Click Custom. Check all High Priority, Software, Hardware. Install Updates
What it does: Updates your computers drivers and operating system.

System File Checker:
Insert your installation CD, Start | Run | cmd | type "sfc /scannow"
What it does: Scans your computer for corrupted operating systems files and fixes them.

Dust:
Physically clean out your computer of dust. Dust can make your computer overheat and cause problems

Optimization

Visual Effects
Right click My computer | Properties | Advanced | (under performance) settings | uncheck all the boxes excluding the last six.
What it does: Disables the visual effects you don't use.

Processes
Start | Run | msconfig | startup | uncheck all of the boxes of programs you dont want to start automatically.
What it does: Disables processes on startup

Windows Components
Control Panel | add and remove programs | Add/Remove Windows Components | uncheck all the programs you don't want
What it does: Deletes unused windows programs

By: wtp

 

cool, thanks for posting. THANKS!

now all that shit won't pop up when i start the computer

 

Might be good to put in the title "Windows" as this is guide is completely OS-specific.

 

always nullware to find insignificant mistake. but there i fixed it for you

 

They're really accepting all comers here. This guide is pretty much "Run all the programs in the optimisation and speed category of the control panel and clean that shit k done".

 

Accepting?

what are you trying to say?

 

Nice guide, could possibly add more details, aswell as specifications and pictures. Some good Vista help would be helpful

 

awesome guide, gave it a shot, since im running 512mb on this shit pc anythings worth trying... but it made my pc run a considerable amount faster, thanks for the guide man

 

Short, simple and basic.

Good idea for a tut though i guess.

 

Nice Guide, Nice Guide.
Mostly basic stuff though, but there is prolly some ppl that don't know bout it.

 

The official Windows programs do this really slow. You're better of buying a 3rd party one.

 

something you may want to add:

cleaning temp internet files, cookies, and history.

They tend to bog down internet a lot.

 

Maby add a virus, spamware, ... scan?

 

eh i think I'll just keep it as it is for simplicity and keep it on topic