BestTechSecurity.com for home users and small businesses - Tune-up Your Hard Disk for a Faster PC

Tune-up Your Hard Disk for a Faster PC for FREE

If it doesn't work, get a bigger hammer. No, no, don't do it!!! Try this first.

First, Install CCleaner:

CCleaner is a FREE system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It will eliminate unused files from your system - allowing your computer to work faster. It will clear your online history which contains your website visits Additionally it contains a full featured registry cleaner (the registry controls much of what your computer does but can also slow it down). But the best part is that it's fast and contains NO Spyware or Adware!

After you install CCleaner open the application by:

Double-clicking the desktop CCleaner icon
Clicking on Start -> Programs -> CCleaner
Right-clicking on the Recycle Bin and selecting "Open CCleaner..."

But Before That, Plug the Power Leaks:

A lot of features zap power while you're trying to work. We want to eliminate those you don't need or can live without. This will work with XP or Vista.

Right-Click on My Computer.
Select Properties
- On XP, select the Advanced tab and then Settings
- On Vista, select Advanced system settings in the left pane, click Continue, then select Performance Settings.
Some things look nice if you pay attention but you don't really notice them otherwise. You can disable these and the only thing you'll notice is a faster computer.
- Animate windows when minimizing and maximizing
- Fade or slide menus into view
- Fade or slide ToolTips into view
- Fade out menu items after clicking
- Show shadows under menus
- Show shadows under mouse pointer
- Show window contents while dragging
- Slide taskbar buttons
- Smooth edges of screen fonts
- Use drop shadows for icon labels on the desktop

There may be more you can do without or maybe you really notice some of these, it's up to you. Some them you really can't tell what they do when you look. Others, I hide my desktop for a cleaner look so I don't need shadows on my desktop icon labels.

Now, Start CCleaner

Running CCleaner

Step 1 Start CCleaner and click continue in Vista. Select Cleaner to remove unused and temporary files. It will also remove traces of webpage visits and files opened. That protects your privacy. It will not remove anything you will need later. It isn't as secure but you can deselect "Autocomplete Form History" if you like but your browser can be persuaded to give that information away unless it doesn't have it. Just do not use the same user name and password on internet forms as you use to protect your personal information.

Uncheck boxes on infomation you want to keep. There is a second tab at the top labeled Applications. Go through that list also unchecking anything you want to keep. Click the Run Cleaner button. The output window will show you the results.

Step 2 Select the Tools button next because it may create more orphans for the Registry tool to remove. The Uninstall button is more convenient than Windows' version and CCleaner may include programs that Windows doesn't access. Go through the list and Run Uninstaller on anything you installed for a one-time use, anything you don't use any more, and anything you forgot you had.

In the Startup button options you will find programs that start on boot. Look for programs you recognize that don't need to start until you need them and disable them. If you see something suspicious, google it. Be careful though because I have seen experts recommend removing essential software because they didn't recognize it.

The System Restore will list all the Resore Points. Save the points you may need like a known good and/or a recent.

Step 3 Select the Registry and Scan for Issues. This step will probably gain you the most speed because now you can eliminate the clutter from the processor cycles. Once completed press the Fix Selected Issues button. You will be prompted to backup and helped throughout the process. Excellent job, pat yourself on the back!

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