Computer self help

opus

Guys and Gals,


I think I need to cleanup my computer a little bit (nothing major) and am looking to do it myself. A couple of years ago I was using a site that walked you thru the process in a very simple step by step way. It allowed you to download all the free tools to do the proccess. I can't seem to find that site again or another place like it. I thought it was reached going thru CNET but I am not sure.

Anybody know of a site like this. It needs to be dumbed down pretty far for me to be able to do it;)


Any help? Thanks...................kevin

opus

I think my computer is set up to defrag on a schedule. Is this different than what you are talking about?

opus

doing the malware thing as we speak

txcoastal1

Lasareth is correct with the malwarebytes dont get sucked up by other software cleaners, there are a couple other things you can do especially if you have some really pesky trojans is once malwarebytes is installed and updated run the the program in "safeboot" or "safe mode" this is where the system only runs on its essecentials and can be entered by
1)windows start key
2)type into the search or run window (depending on OS)---"msconfig" then enter
3)system config file will open tab over till you see safeboot and check the box the restart the system ( you will exit back to "normal" the same way you got here after running malwarebytes)
4) run malwarebytes when this is complete repeat step3 and click normal and reboot

for damaged registries you can also run CC Cleaner another safe free software

http://ccleaner.softwarereviewer.info/?gclid=CIyz68LW66QCFQSt7Qod_UNu2A

opus

alright so I ran the malware and found 4 low level adware thingys.

I running vista so we have been defragging on schedule.

My main problem is slowness. It takes forever to open up things like quickbooks and such

ryanjoachim

Yeah, Malwarebytes and CCleaner. That's all you really need, besides actually going through and uninstalling old programs.

As for boot times, there's a fairly simple process for that. Go to Start>Run. Type in "msconfig" (minus the quotes).

Now, a warning - don't mess around in here. It can mess your install up pretty well if you go to the wrong spot.

Go to the Startup tab. Start going through that list (looking at the first column first, then the 2nd) and uncheck anything that doesn't need to be running. For the most part, nothing in this list will cause any problems with Vista itself, but other programs might be affected by proxy.

This list shows every program that starts up when you boot windows. 95% of these programs don't need to be started automatically. By unchecking as many as you can, you will notice an increase in speed during the boot-up process.

One last thing before you try the msconfig option - Hit ctr-alt-del, and look at where it shows how much memory you have vs how much you are currently using. If that amount is over 60%, chances are you're dipping into your virtual memory every time you try to open a program, which would slow you down dramatically.

opus

So when I downloaded and ran the cc cleaner it wants me to buy " active pc optimizer" to fix stuff is that what I need to do?

cokewithvanilla

be careful with things like ccleaner. If i recall, that tries to "clean" the registry too. Rarely, but sometimes you will experience problems after performing such a task... sometimes pretty big ones.

opus

thnaks for the help everyone

renowilliams

One other thing...you might want to invest in Windows 7. It is a far superior operating system than vista. You will truly feel like you've upgraded.

messiah

The defrag in windows sucks. I use perfect disc and it makes a big difference. You also should use a registry cleaner.

opus

Lasareath wrote: »

How's the PC running today?

Better, thanks.

Still seems sluggish at times when opening items like Quicken or switching browsers.

k

wz2p7j

ryanjoachim wrote: »

Yeah, Malwarebytes and CCleaner. That's all you really need, besides actually going through and uninstalling old programs.

As for boot times, there's a fairly simple process for that. Go to Start>Run. Type in "msconfig" (minus the quotes).

Now, a warning - don't mess around in here. It can mess your install up pretty well if you go to the wrong spot.

Go to the Startup tab. Start going through that list (looking at the first column first, then the 2nd) and uncheck anything that doesn't need to be running. For the most part, nothing in this list will cause any problems with Vista itself, but other programs might be affected by proxy.

This list shows every program that starts up when you boot windows. 95% of these programs don't need to be started automatically. By unchecking as many as you can, you will notice an increase in speed during the boot-up process.

+1000

I'm a little more radical, I say uncheck all of 'em. Re-start the computer and see if the performance is better. It usually will be. Check to see if there's something that normally starts up on it's own that you miss. Usually there won't be. But if so, go back to the startup menu and check stuff until the computer returns to your expected behavior.

I've fixed so many computers by the above procedure. Getting people over the "uncheck all of 'em" hump is the hardest. You're not going to break anything and can always go back in and check all of 'em. :p

Chris

opus

Lasareath wrote: »

what are the specs of the PC?

If McLoki is reading this I know he is laughing because he knows that I have no idea what the specs are.


I'll see if I can look them up

devani

add more memory if the computer is slow....
as others suggested I have Malware and MSE (microsoft security essential) both free running everyweek.

memory, best bang for the buck

txcoastal1

FYI- Programs like quickbooks are alway slow to open. I have a real mean PC and the only way quickbooks opens quickly is segregating your OS drive. I use a Patriot Torx for my OS with Raid5 for my data. Some programs including PDF's are just that way do the structure and encryption decoding....so you may not have issues... only issues maybe RAM and processor

opus

Alright guys thanks for the help. I think I have it narrowed down to a memory problem.
Appreciate the help

kevin