Regular PC Maintenance / Optimization

[wtp]

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

 

[bennytheberry]

cool, thanks for posting. THANKS!

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

 

[Nullware]

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

 

[wtp]

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

 

[Faskist]

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".

 

[wtp]

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?

 

[RS2Sms]

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

 

[MDS]

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

 

[The Dark]

Short, simple and basic.

Good idea for a tut though i guess.

 

[Merchant Millz]

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

 

[Rsismyname]

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

 

[Gamestar73]

something you may want to add:

cleaning temp internet files, cookies, and history.

They tend to bog down internet a lot.

 

[OwnerR]

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

 

[wtp]

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