SPRING CLEAN YOUR MACHINE

Note: This information was developed as an "on-line handhout" for people attending a one-hour presentation on the above topic.

PRECAUTIONS

Backup the Registry. Many authors recommend  that you create a backup before making extensive changes to your computer so that if things go wrong, you can return (restore) your computer to a previously working state. 

For Windows 98  See http://www.dougknox.com/regback.htm for instructions on how to  backup the registry and links to further usefull information - this includes restoring the registry in the event of problems with the system.

For Windows XP and ME, the registy is backed up by creating a Restore Point. To create a restore point:

Select Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, System Restore. This brings up the System Restore Wizard - then select chose 'Create a Restore Point'

To restore the registry, follow the previous steps to get to System Restore and then select 'Restore my computer to earlier time' Then select a restore point from an earlier date - (Note that some dates may have more than one restore point)

REMOVE UNWANTED LEGITIMATE PROGRAMS

Go to - Start, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs, select the program to be removed and click 'Remove'

REMOVE MALWARE PROGRAMS

For virus protection use any ONE reputable antivirus program. Norton Antivirus and McAfee are popular programs.

For protection/removal of other malicious programs such as spyware, adware, browser hijackers etc, use at least two of the following: Microsoft Defender, Ad-awareSE, SpySweeper, or Ewido. Free versions of all these are available except Spy Sweeper.

Windows Defender can be downloaded from:

 http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx 

(Note: an earlier version was known as Microsoft AntiSpyware)

Make sure you use Internet Explorer for this task, not Firefox.

BEWARE of ROGUE programs; See list of more than 200 baddies at: http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm Other help is also available at this site.

Another usefull Microsoft resource: http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/about/productcomparisons.mspx 

Also see a recent update at the end of this page - ** Microsoft OneCare

REMOVE UNWANTED DATA FILES

You can remove/archive/backup the datafiles you have created and want to keep in many ways. Ttry EasyBackup by AJsystems.com. The most convenient media for very small backups is a memory stick. Larger backups require a CD-ROM, DVD or an external hard disk drive.

REMOVE UNWANTED TEMPORARY FILES

Use CCleaner - download a free copy from http://www.FileHippo.com This is a very popular and effective program. If you are cautious by nature, use only the Windows tab and click Run Cleaner.

REMOVE or TURN OFF UNWANTED STARTUP PROGRAMS

Use StartupControl by Mike Lin download from http://www.mlin.net

REMOVE or STOP UNWANTED PROCESSES

Use WinPatrol or WinTasks Pro or Security Task Manager. (These steps requires a higher level of expertise)

DISK DEFRAGMENT and Disk CLEANUP

Right-click the C drive icon and select Properties. The General tab shows a button for Disk Cleanup
The Tools tab provideds buttons for several tasks including Defragment - this can be a very long process - an hour or more.

** MICROSOFT LIVE ONECARE