Re: Clean Computer

From: Budget Print Center (budget(nospam)print_at_1usa.net)
Date: 02/10/05 

Date: Thu, 10 Feb 2005 06:39:14 -0500

Very Comprehensive...
Found a couple of things even an old dog can use
Thanks for the post. 

-- 
"Display tolerance & kindness to those with less
knowledge than you because there is ALWAYS
someone with more"
"Shenan Stanley" <news_helper@hushmail.com> wrote in message
news:uC9lJAzCFHA.3348@TK2MSFTNGP10.phx.gbl...
> Stevon wrote:
> > How to clean up Unwanted files & Programs?
>
> Depends what you mean..
> But if you go through this entire list - you will likely accomplish what
you
> want.
>
>  Protect your PC
>  http://www.microsoft.com/security/protect/
>
> Let's take the cleanup of your computer step-by-step.  Yes, it will take
> up some of your time - but consider what you use your computer
> for and how much you would dislike it if all of your stuff on your
> computer went away because you did not "feel like" performing some
> simple maintenance tasks - think of it like changing the oil in your car,
> changing the air filter on your home A/C unit, paying your bills on time,
> etc.
>
> Let's go through some maintenance first that should only have to be done
> once (mostly):
>
> Tip (1):
> Locate all of the software (the installation media - CDs, etc) that you
> have installed on your computer.  Collect these CDs into a single pile
> and locate the original installation media (CDs, disks) in a central and
> safe place along with their CD keys and such.  Make backups of these
> installation media sets using your favorite copying method (CD Burner and
> application, Disk copier, etc.)  You'll be glad to know that if you have
> a CD burner, you may be able to use a free application to make a
> duplicate copy of your CDs.  One such application is ISORecorder:
>
> ISORecorder home page (with general instructions on use):
> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/isorecorder.htm
>
> Pre-SP2 version:
> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/IsoRecorder/download.asp
>
> Post-SP2 beta version:
> http://isorecorder.alexfeinman.com/download/ISORecorderV2B2.zip
>
>
> Tip (2):
> Empty your Internet Explorer Temporary Internet Files and make sure the
> maximum size for this is small enough not to cause trouble in the future.
> Empty your Temporary Internet Files and shrink the size it stores to a
> size between 10MB and 360MB..
>
> - Open ONE copy of Internet Explorer.
> - Select TOOLS -> Internet Options.
> - Under the General tab in the "Temporary Internet Files" section, do the
>   following:
>  - Click on "Delete Cookies" (click OK)
>  - Click on "Settings" and change the "Amount of disk space to use:" to
>    something between 10MB and 360MB. (Betting it is MUCH larger right
>    now.)
>  - Click OK.
>  - Click on "Delete Files" and select to "Delete all offline contents"
>    (the checkbox) and click OK. (If you had a LOT, this could take 2-10
>    minutes or more.)
> - Once it is done, click OK, close Internet Explorer, re-open Internet
>   Explorer.
>
>
> Tip (3):
> If things are running a bit slow or you have an older system
> (1.5GHz or less and 256MB RAM or less) then you may want to look into
> tweaking the performance a bit by turning off some of the memory
> using Windows XP "prettifications".  The fastest method is:
>
> Control Panel --> System --> Advanced tab --> Performance section,
> Settings button.  Then choose "adjust for best performance" and you
> now have a Windows 2000/98 look which turned off many of the annoying
> "prettifications" in one swift action. You can play with the last
> three checkboxes to get more of an XP look without many of the
> other annoyances.  You could also grab and install/mess with one
> (or more) of the Microsoft Powertoys - TweakUI in particular:
>
> http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx
>
>
> Tip (4):
> Understanding what a good password might be is vital to your
> personal and system security.  You may not need to password your home
> computer, as you may have it in a locked area (your home) where no
> one else has access to it.  Remember, however, that locked area is
> unlocked when you access the Internet unless you are taking proper
> precautions.  Also, you aren't always "in that locked area" when using
> your computer online - meaning you likely have usernames and passwords
> associated with web sites and the likes that you would prefer other
> people do not discover/use.  This is why you should understand and
> utilize good passwords.
>
> Good passwords are those that meet these general rules
> (mileage may vary):
>
>  Passwords should contain at least six characters, and the character
>  string should contain at least three of these four character types:
>     - uppercase letters
>     - lowercase letters
>     - numerals
>     - nonalphanumeric characters (e.g., *, %, &, !)
>
>  Passwords should not contain your name/logon name.  Passwords should
>  be unique to you and easy to remember.  One method many people are
>  using today is to make up a phrase that describes a point in their
>  life and then turning that phrase into their password by using only
>  certain letters out of each word in that phrase.  It's much better
>  than using your birthday month/year or your anniversary in a pure
>  sense.  For example, let's say my phrase is:
>  "Discharged from Marines in 1964"
>  I could come up with this password from that:
>  "DifrMain64"
>
> The password tip is in the "one time" section, but I highly
> recommend you periodically change your passwords.  The suggested time
> varies, but I will throw out a "once in every 3 to 6 months for
> every account you have."
>
>
> Tip (5):
> This tip is also "questionable" in the "one time" section.  However,
> if properly setup, this one can be pretty well ignored for most people
> after the initial "fiddle-with" time.
>
> Why you should use a computer firewall..
> http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/viruses/fwbenefits.mspx
>
> You should, in some way, use a firewall.  Hardware (like a nice
> Cable Modem/DSL router) or software is up to you.  Many use both of
> these.  The simplest one to use is the hardware one, as most people
> don't do anything they need to configure their NAT device for and
> those who do certainly will not mind fiddling with the equipment to
> make things work for them.  Next in the line of "simplicity" would
> have to be the built-in Windows Firewall of Windows XP.  In SP2 it
> is turned on by default.  It is not difficult to turn on in any
> case, however:
>
> Enable/Disable the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/283673
>
> More information on the Internet Connection Firewall (Pre-SP2):
> http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=320855
>
> Post-SP2 Windows Firewall Information/guidance:
> http://snipurl.com/atal
>
> The trouble with the Windows Firewall is that it only keeps things
> out.  Truthfully, for most people who maintain their system in other
> ways, this is MORE than sufficient.  However, you may feel otherwise.
> If you want to know when one of your applications is trying to obtain
> access to the outside world so you can stop it, then you will have to
> install a third-party application and configure/maintain it.  I have
> compiles a list with links of some of the better known/free firewalls
> you can choose from:
>
>  ZoneAlarm (Free and up)
>  http://snipurl.com/6ohg
>
>  Kerio Personal Firewall (KPF) (Free and up)
>  http://www.kerio.com/kpf_download.html
>
>  Outpost Firewall from Agnitum (Free and up)
>  http://www.agnitum.com/download/
>
>  Sygate Personal Firewall (Free and up)
>  http://smb.sygate.com/buy/download_buy.htm
>
>  Symantec's Norton Personal Firewall (~$25 and up)
>  http://www.symantec.com/sabu/nis/npf/
>
>  BlackICE PC Protection ($39.95 and up)
>  http://blackice.iss.net/
>
>  Tiny Personal Firewall (~$49.00 and up)
>  http://www.tinysoftware.com/
>
> Perhaps you can find the right firewall for your situation in that
> list and set it up/configure it.  Every firewall MAY require some
> maintenance.  Essentially checking for patches or upgrades (this
> goes for hardware and software solutions) is the extent of this
> maintenance - but you may also have to configure your firewall to
> allow some traffic depending on your needs. Also, don't stack these
> things.  Running more than one firewall will not make you safer
> - it would likely (in fact) negate some protection you gleamed
> from one or the other firewalls you run.
>
>
> Now that you have some of the more basic (one-time) things down..
> Let's go through some of the steps you should take periodically to
> maintain a healthy and stable windows computer.  If you have not
> done some of these things in the past, they may seem tedious at
> first - however, they will become routine and some can even be
> automatically scheduled.
>
>
> Tip (6):
> The system restore feature is a new one - first appearing in Windows
> ME and then sticking around for Windows XP.  It is a VERY useful
> feature - if you keep it maintained and use it to your advantage.
> However, remember that the system restore pretty much tells you in
> the name what it protects - "system" files.  Your documents, your
> pictures, your stuff is NOT system files - so you should also look
> into some backup solution.
>
> I'll mainly work around Windows XP, as that is what the bulk of this
> document is about.  I will, however, point out a single place for you
> poor souls still stuck in Windows ME where you can get information on
> maintaining your system right now:
>
>  Windows ME Computer Health:
>  http://www.microsoft.com/windowsME/using/computerhealth/articles/
>
>  Pay close attention to the sections:
>   (in order)
>    - Clean up your hard disk
>    - Check for errors by running ScanDisk
>    - Defragment your hard disk
>    - Roll back the clock with System Restore
>
> Now back to the point at hand - maintaining your system restore in
> Windows XP SHOULD be automatic - but I have seen the automatic go wrong
> too many times not to suggest the following..  Whenever you think about
> it (after doing a once-over on your machine once a month or so would
> be optimal) - clear out your System Restore and create a manual
> restoration point.  Why?  Too many times have I seen the system restore
> files go currupt or get a virus in them, meaning you could not or
> did not want to restore from them.  By clearing it out periodically
> you help prevent any corruption from happening and you make sure you
> have at least one good "snapshot".
> (This, of course, will erase any previous restore point you have.)
>
>  - Turn off System Restore.
>    http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
>  - Reboot.
>  - Turn on System Restore.
>    http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310405
>  - Make a Manual Restoration Point.
>    http://snipurl.com/68nx
>
> That covers your system files, but doesn't do anything for the files
> that you are REALLY worried about - yours!  For that you need to look
> into backups.  You can either manually copy your important files, folders,
> documents, spreadsheets, emails, contacts, pictures, drawings and so on
> to an external location (CD/DV - any disk of some sort, etc) or you can
> use the backup tool that comes with Windows XP:
>
> How To Use Backup to Back Up Files and Folders on Your Computer
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/308422
>
> Yes - you still need some sort of external media to store the results
> on, but you could schedule the backup to occur when you are not around,
> then burn the resultant data onto CD or DVD or something when you are
> (while you do other things!)
>
>
> Tip (7):
> You should sometimes look through the list of applications that are
> installed on your computer.  The list MIGHT surprise you.  There are more
> than likely things in there you KNOW you never use - so why have them
> there?  There may even be things you KNOW you did not install and
> certainly do not use (maybe don't WANT to use.)
>
> This web site should help you get started at looking through this list:
>
> How to Uninstall Programs
> http://snipurl.com/8v6b
>
> A word of warning - Do NOT uninstall anything you think you MIGHT need
> in the future unless you have completed Tip (1) and have the installation
> media and proper keys for use backed up somewhere safe!
>
>
> Tip (8):
> Patches and Updates!
>
> This one cannot be stressed enough.  It is SO simple, yet so neglected
> by many people.  It is especially simple for the critical Windows patches!
> Microsoft put in an AUTOMATED feature for you to utilize so that you do
> NOT have to worry yourself about the patching of the Operating System:
>
> How to configure and use Automatic Updates in Windows XP
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306525
>
> However, not everyone wants to be a slave to "automation", and that is
> fine - as long as you are willing to do things manually.  Admittedly, I
> prefer this method on some of my more critical systems.
>
>  Windows Update
>  http://windowsupdate.microsoft.com/
>
> Go there and scan your machine for updates.  Always get the critical ones
> as you see them.  Write down the KB###### or Q###### you see when
> selecting the updates and if you have trouble over the next few days,
> go into your control panel (Add/Remove Programs), match up the latest
> numbers you downloaded recently (since you started noticing an issue) and
> uninstall them.  If there was more than one (usually is), uninstall them
> one by one - with a few hours of use in between, to see if the problem
> returns.  Yes - the process is not perfect (updating) and can cause
trouble
> like I mentioned - but as you can see, the solution isn't that bad - and
is
> MUCH better than the alternatives.
>
> Windows is not the only product you likely have on your PC.  The
> manufacturers of the other products usually have updates as well.  New
> versions of almost everything come out all the time - some are free, some
> are pay - some you can only download if you are registered - but it is
best
> to check.  Just go to their web pages and look under their support and
> download sections.  For example, for Microsoft Office update, you should
> visit:
>
>  Microsoft Office Updates
>  http://office.microsoft.com/
>  (and select "downloads")
>
> You also have hardware on your machine that requires drivers to interface
> with the operating system.  You have a video card that allows you to see
on
> your screen, a sound card that allows you to hear your PCs sound output
and
> so on.  Visit those manufacturer web sites for the latest downloadable
> drivers for your hardware/operating system.  Always (IMO) get the
> manufacturers hardware driver over any Microsoft offers.  On the Windows
> Update site I mentioned earlier, I suggest NOT getting their hardware
> drivers - no matter how tempting.  First - how do you know what hardware
> you have in your computer?  Invoice or if it is up and working now - take
> inventory:
>
>  Belarc Advisor
>  http://belarc.com/free_download.html
>
>  EVEREST Home Edition
>  http://www.lavalys.com/products/download.php?pid=1&lang=en
>
> Once you know what you have, what next?  Go get the latest driver for your
> hardware/OS from the manufacturer's web page.  For example, let's say you
> have an NVidia chipset video card or ATI video card, perhaps a Creative
> Labs sound card or C-Media chipset sound card...
>
>  NVidia Video Card Drivers
>  http://www.nvidia.com/content/drivers/drivers.asp
>
>  ATI Video Card Drivers
>  http://www.atitech.com/support/driver.html
>
>  Creative Labs Sound Device
>  http://us.creative.com/support/downloads/
>
>  C-Media Sound Device
>  http://www.cmedia.com.tw/e_download_01.htm
>
> Then install these drivers.  Updated drivers are usually more stable and
> may provide extra benefits/features that you really wished you had before.
>
> As for Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP, Microsoft has made this
> particular patch available in a number of ways.  First, there is the
> Windows Update web page above.  Then there is a direct download site
> and finally, you can order the FREE CD from Microsoft.
>
>  Direct Download of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP
>  http://snipurl.com/8bqy
>
>  Order the Free Windows XP SP2 CD
>  http://snipurl.com/8umo
>
>
> Tip (9):
> What about the dreaded word in the computer world, VIRUS?
>
> Well, there are many products to choose from that will help you prevent
> infections from these horrid little applications.  Many are FREE to the
> home user.  Which one you choose is a matter of taste, really.  I wouldn't
> list one here I had not personally used - and they all work.  Many people
> have emotional attachments or performance issues with one or another
> AntiVirus software.  Try some out, read reviews and decide for yourself
> which you like more:
>
>  Symantec (Norton) AntiVirus (~$11 and up)
>  http://www.symantec.com/nav/nav_9xnt/
>
>  Kaspersky Anti-Virus (~$49.95 and up)
>  http://www.kaspersky.com/products.html
>
>  Panda Antivirus Titanium (~$39.95 and up)
>  http://www.pandasoftware.com/
>  (Free Online Scanner: http://www.pandasoftware.com/activescan/)
>
>  AVG Anti-Virus System (Free and up)
>  http://www.grisoft.com/
>
>  McAfee VirusScan (~$11 and up)
>  http://www.mcafee.com/
>
>  AntiVir (Free and up)
>  http://www.free-av.com/
>
>  avast! (Free and up)
>  http://www.avast.com/
>
>  Trend Micro (~$49.95 and up)
>  http://www.trendmicro.com/en/home/us/personal.htm
>  (Free Online Scanner:
>   http://housecall.trendmicro.com/housecall/start_corp.asp)
>
>  RAV AntiVirus Online Virus Scan (Free!)
>  http://www.ravantivirus.com/scan/
>
> Most of them have automatic update capabilities.  You will have to
> look into the features of the one you choose.  Whatever one you finally
> settle with - be SURE to keep it updated (I recommend at least daily) and
> perform a full scan periodically (yes, it protects you actively, but a
> full scan once a month at 4AM probably won't bother you.)
>
>
> Tip (10):
> The most rampant infestation at the current time concerns SPYWARE/ADWARE.
> I hate this stuff.  It has no purpose.  I have seen people try to justify
> it over and over - it's worthless.  It slows down your PC, it can send
> your private information to people you'll never meet and did I mention,
> it's worthless.  You need to eliminate it from your machine.
>
> If you use P2P software, this COULD make that stop working.  Find some
> decent software to do the same thing - what you are currently using is
> crap.
>
> Anyway - there is no one software that cleans and immunizes you against
> everything.  Antivirus software - you only needed one.  Firewall, you
> only needed one.  AntiSpyware - you may need several.  I have a list and
> I recommend you use at least the first 5.  I know that sounds like a lot,
> and you may be saying "But you said earlier that I should clean my system,
> now you are telling me to install more software - 5 pieces in fact!"
Okay,
> I get your point, but please consider that this stuff has prevented the
> install of the latest service pack for some people, it has the potential
> to slow and crater your PC, it can send your private information around
> the world to people you do not know - it is all around BAD.
>
> First - make sure you have NOT installed "Rogue AntiSpyware".  There are
> people out there who created AntiSpyware products that actually install
> spyware of their own!  You need to avoid these:
>
> Rogue/Suspect Anti-Spyware Products & Web Sites
>  http://www.spywarewarrior.com/rogue_anti-spyware.htm
>
> Also, you can always visit this site..
>  http://mvps.org/winhelp2002/unwanted.htm
> For more updated information.
>
> Then, my suggestion again is that you at least install the first five of
> these: (Install, Run, Update, Scan with..)
>
>  Lavasoft AdAware (Free and up)
>  http://www.lavasoft.de/support/download/
>  (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdn )
>
>  Spybot Search and Destroy (Free!)
>  http://www.safer-networking.net/en/download/index.html
>  (How-to: http://snipurl.com/atdk )
>
>  Bazooka Adware and Spyware Scanner (Free!)
>  http://www.kephyr.com/spywarescanner/
>  (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate3 )
>
>  SpywareBlaster (Free!)
>  http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/sbdownload.html
>  (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate6 )
>
>  IE-SPYAD (Free!)
>  https://netfiles.uiuc.edu/ehowes/www/resource.htm
>  (How-to: http://snipurl.com/ate7 )
>
>  CWShredder (Free!)
>  http://www.softbasket.com/download/s_8114.shtml
>
>  Hijack This! (Free)
>  http://mjc1.com/mirror/hjt/
>  ( Tutorial: http://hjt.wizardsofwebsites.com/ )
>
>  ToolbarCop (Free!)
>  http://windowsxp.mvps.org/toolbarcop.htm
>
>  Browser Security Tests
>  http://www.jasons-toolbox.com/BrowserSecurity/
>
>  Popup Tester
>  http://www.popuptest.com/
>
>  The Cleaner  (49.95 and up)
>  http://www.moosoft.com/
>
> If used properly, you should have a malware free system now.  The last
> two of the first five I suggest you install are immunization applications.
> None of these programs (in these editions) run in the background unless
you
> TELL them to.  The space they take up and how easy they are to use greatly
> makes up for any inconvenience you may be feeling.
>
> Unfortunately, although that will lessen your popups on the Internet/while
> you are online, it won't eliminate them.  I have looked at a lot of
options,
> seen a lot of them used in production with people who seem to attract
popups
> like a plague, and I only have a few other suggestions that should help.
> This
> one ends up serving double duty (search engine and popup stopper in one):
>
>  The Google Toolbar (Free!)
>  http://toolbar.google.com/
>
> Yeah - it adds a bar to your Internet Explorer - but its a useful one.
You
> can search from there anytime with one of the best search engines on the
> planet (IMO.)  And the fact it stops most popups - wow - BONUS!  If you
> don't like that suggestion, then I am just going to say you go to
> www.google.com and search for other options.
>
> Please notice that Windows XP SP2 does help stop popups as well.
>
> Another option is to use an alternative Web browser.  I suggest
> "Mozilla Firefox", as it has some great features and is very easy to use:
>
>  Mozilla Firefox
>  http://www.mozilla.org/products/firefox/
>
> One more suggestion is to disable your Windows Messenger service.  This
> service is not used frequently (if at all) by the normal home user and
> in cooperation with a good firewall, is generally unnecessary.  Microsoft
> has instructions on how to do this for Windows XP here:
>
>
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/howto/communicate/stopspam.asp
>
>
> So your machine is pretty clean and up to date now.  If you use the
sections
> above as a guide, it should stay that way as well!  There are still a few
> more
> little things you can do to keep your machine running in top shape.
>
>
> Tip (11):
> You should periodically check your hard drive(s) for errors and defragment
> them.  Only defragment after you have cleaned up your machine of
> outside parasites and never defragment as a solution to a quirkiness in
> your system.  It may help speed up your system, but it should be clean
> before you do this.
>
>  How to use Disk Cleanup
>  http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=310312
>
>  How to scan your disks for errors
>  http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=315265
>
>  How to Defragment your hard drives
>  http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=314848
>
> I would personally perform the above steps at least once every three
months.
> For most people this should be sufficient, but if the difference you
notice
> afterwards is greater than you think it should be, lessen the time in
> between
> its schedule..  If the difference you notice is negligible, you can
increase
>  the time.
>
>
> Tip (12):
> SPAM!  JUNK MAIL!
> This one can get annoying, just like the rest.  You get 50 emails in one
> sitting and 2 of them you wanted.  NICE! (Not.)  What can you do?  Well,
> although there are services out there to help you, some email
> servers/services that actually do lower your spam with features built into
> their servers - I still like the methods that let you be the end-decision
> maker on what is spam and what is not.  I have two products to suggest to
> you, look at them and see if either of them suite your needs.  Again, if
> they don't, Google is free and available for your perusal.
>
>  SpamBayes (Free!)
>  http://spambayes.sourceforge.net/
>
>  Spamihilator (Free!)
>  http://www.spamihilator.com/
>
> As I said, those are not your only options, but are reliable ones I have
> seen function for hundreds+ people.
>
>
> Tip (13):
> ADVANCED TIP!  Only do this once you are comfortable under the hood of
your
> computer!
>
> There are lots of services on your PC that are probably turned on by
default
> you don't use.  Why have them on?  Check out these web pages to see what
all
> of the services you might find on your computer are and set them according
> to
> your personal needs.  Be CAREFUL what you set to manual, and take heed and
> write down as you change things!  Also, don't expect a large performance
> increase or anything - especially on today's 2+ GHz machines, however - I
> look
> at each service you set to manual as one less service you have to worry
> about
> someone exploiting.  A year ago, I would have thought the Windows
Messenger
> service to be pretty safe, now I recommend (with addition of a firewall)
> that most home users disable it!  Yeah - this is another one you have to
> work for, but your computer may speed up and/or be more secure because you
> took the time.  And if you document what you do as you do it, next time,
it
> goes MUCH faster! (or if you have to go back and re-enable things..)
>
>  Task List Programs
>  http://www.answersthatwork.com/Tasklist_pages/tasklist.htm
>
>  Black Viper's Service List and Opinions (XP)
>  http://www.blackviper.com/WinXP/servicecfg.htm
>
>  Processes in Windows NT/2000/XP
>  http://www.reger24.de/prozesse/
>
> There are also applications that AREN'T services that startup when you
start
> up the computer/logon.  One of the better description on how to handle
these
> I have found here:
>
>  Startups
>  http://www.pacs-portal.co.uk/startup_content.php
>
>
> If you follow the advice laid out above (and do some of your own research
as
> well, so you understand what you are doing) - your computer will stay
fairly
> stable and secure and you will have a more trouble-free system.
>
> -- 
> <- Shenan ->
> -- 
> The information is provided "as is", it is suggested you research for
> yourself before you take any advice - you are the one ultimately
> responsible for your actions/problems/solutions.   Know what you are
> getting into before you jump in with both feet.
>
>