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View Full Version : PC cleanup for dummies



Sailavie
03-17-2008, 07:29 PM
Yep, that's the reason I'm here! I'm savy in many ways, but when it comes to the inner workings of my pc's data I'm totally clueless!

Sorta like a colon cleanse for pc's I suppose LOL!

Anyhow, I know there are many products out there which in the end will likely be what I seek. However, having used things like "spybot" and "adaware" I know that as user friendly as they are meant to be, they still confuse the heck out of me.

Specifically, I get really nervous running any advanced utility that messes with the registry. I realize that the registry is in some way affected everytime you ask your pc to perform various tasks, but also know that deleting (the wrong) entries can wreak havoc on the system.

From the many articles I've read it seems that a registry cleaning as well as other parts of your drives (temp files, etc...) along with deleting all unwanted and unnecessary processes is what will truly speed up your old pc.

So, how does a clueless person like me get this done without irreversable damage to said pc?

Are there truly "idiot proof" cleaning utilities available? How does one identify which processes are critical from the ones that just take up space? I have at least 50 running at any given time - is that normal? Are the utilities all inclusive or do you need to run specific ones to clean specific areas?

Doing this thoroughly and correctly might give 'ole Bessy a new short term lease on life while I put together my thoughts for a new build.

Again, all thoughts are much appreciated!

Clueless in Seattle, uhh I mean Charlotte! :confused:

RickyTick
03-17-2008, 08:16 PM
Maybe the best method of cleaning things up is to format and re-install the Operating System and software.

I've tried several "Cleaning" utilities, but was never comfortable with them. There are also many that are not free, but I don't want that either.

A fresh OS install might be just the trick.

btw, I work in Charlotte, but live in Indian Trail.

chunkylover53
03-17-2008, 08:23 PM
IMO the only true "colon cleanse" for the PC is to re-format the hard drive and re-install Windows. I have used many tools, but nothing makes an old PC run as fast as a complete flush does - NOTHING.

It might take you a little time to re-install programs, and if you're not the type to save your product keys you might have to make a few phone calls to get some software running again, but boy is it worth it.

Sailavie
03-17-2008, 08:47 PM
Thanks guys! Well, it's pretty certain I won't be reinstalling this pc. Although I would consider doing that if only reinstalling the basic stuff to use it as a second pc once I build a new one (if I can ever make that leap!). I got alot of stuff in this thing!

RT, you're my neighbor man! I'm in Wesley Chapel by the new Target plaza. Nice to know there's hope for my cause just a few miles away ! :)

chunkylover53
03-17-2008, 09:01 PM
OK. Here are some other free ideas:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902.aspx

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

http://www.ccleaner.com/

http://www.pcdecrapifier.com/home

http://personal.inet.fi/business/toniarts/ecleane.htm

Sailavie
03-20-2008, 08:05 PM
CM, thanks for the links. Hopefully, these will be friendly enough that I don't delete my entire drive LOL! I'll check these out in detail.

P

The Wise Monkey
03-21-2008, 04:49 AM
You might want to check out Lavasoft Ad-Aware - you can download a free trial, and its as simple as point and click. :)