How to do Computer cleanup
Essential routine home computer repair and maintenance tasks
Good PC tools and how to use them.
Regular computer cleanup is vital to prevent errors and to keep your PC in top form. One of the main reasons for many computer problems is low quality software downloaded from the Internet. These programs can damage the Windows registry and cause lot of errors. Therefore ALWAYS use a reputed website to download programs.
I strongly recommend you to read this page in conjunction with Computer Troubleshooting page.
Computer maintenance and home computer repair can be divided into two.
1.Standard (basic) PC maintenance, clean up and repair.
2.Advance Computer maintenance
Lets start with the basics….
Hard Drive Maintenance
The first task is hard disk maintenance. Click here to learn more on hard disk clean up and repair.
Windows Update
If you have Windows 98 or better installed on your PC, you have the option of performing semi-automated operating system (OS) updates directly from the Microsoft website. Microsoft updates all operating systems regularly to fix bugs as well as to apply patches to prevent from viruses. Initially, this process may take several hours, but if you frequently use Internet Explorer to make online purchases or use Microsoft Office programs to complete work and/or download e-mail, then this process is a must. Follow the steps below to get you started:
1. First, make sure you are connected to the Internet.
2. Click START and move your mouse pointer to the top of the START MENU and click on WINDOWS UPDATE. This will take you to the Microsoft Windows Update Homepage. In the upper left corner of the screen, you should see PRODUCT UPDATES: click on it.
3. During your initial setup, you will be prompted to download a small file from the Microsoft server; this step will enable the Microsoft server to determine what, if any, updates your PC requires. Click yes to download the file. Please note: The prompt has a check box that says "Always trust products from Microsoft." Please be aware of this and make a decision as to whether or not you want this option checked. Checking this option makes it easier for Microsoft to load software on your PC without your knowledge and could compromise your privacy. By leaving this unchecked, you should be prompted for any download from Microsoft.
4. Once Microsoft has determined what updates are missing from your PC, the updates will be listed and you may select the desired files or programs for download and installation.
5. One program in particular that should be downloaded is the Windows Update Notification program. This program will check the Microsoft server on a regular basis, when you are on-line, for new updates.
6. Critical Updates usually include security patches or other OS updates to maximize your PC's performance; these updates should be done every time they appear.
7. Most update programs or files may be downloaded and installed with other files; this decreases the number of times you will have to reboot your PC to ensure that you have all of your desired updates; HOWEVER, some files can only be downloaded by themselves. For example, service pack releases or other updates for, or related to, Internet Explorer are stand-alone downloads. This process will take awhile, as with every download and automated installation will require a reboot of your PC.
Advance Computer cleanup and Repair Tools
There are advanced computer cleanup and maintenance tasks, which you may have to do sometimes as a routine maintenance task or to fix errors. Special computer repair tools are available for these tasks. Some of these tools are available in Windows, but you may have to use 3rd party tools in some cases.
MSCONFIG
MSCONFIG is a Windows utility, which can be used for advance computer maintenance and fix Windows startup problems. I have built a separate page for this. Click here to learn how to use MSCONFIG for computer maintenance and troubleshoot startup programs
Clean Windows registry
Windows registry is a database that store details about programs installed in your PC. Damaged Windows registry is a common cause of Windows crashes and error messages. By using a registry cleaner regularly and fixing your registry your system should not only be more stable but it will also help Windows and your software run faster. This is not a manual task. Even expert PC users cannot do this manually.
What are the good PC tools available for Windows Registry clean up?
There is no repair tool available in Windows. Here are the best PC utilities in the market:
Registry Fix
One of the best tools available to download free. Click Here to read more about this PC tool and download FREE
RegCure
Another highly regarded software tool to fix registry errors. Click Here to download
Norton SystemWorks
This is on of the best products available in the market for this task. Norton SystemWorks will also
- Undoes system crashes, failed software installations, user errors, and more
- Optimizes performance and fixes many PC problems
- Removes Internet clutter and unwanted cookies
Click below image to learn more about this product
