Maintenance To do Lists [Maintain XP]
Computer Maintenance
* Remove old data – Disk Cleanup
* Remove Temp Internet Explorer Files
* Remove unwanted desktop icons
* Remove unwanted programs
* Update Anti-virus Software & check for virus
* Update Operating System
* Install or update anti-spy-ware software
* Disable Start-up files
* Defragment Hard Drive – Via Disk Defragmenter – This is the last maintenance step you will do
Peripherals Maintenance
*Reboot Router if any
*Reboot Printer
*Reboot ISP DSL or Cable Modem
Procedures
Windows XP – Removing old data
- Start
- Accessories
- System Tools
- Disk Cleanup – Check all the boxes but not the last 2 boxes
Windows Vista – Removing old data
- Start
- Type in the search box (Disk Cleanup) – Check all the boxes but not the last box
![diskcleanup 249x300 Enhance your PC life with preventive maintenance [Maintain XP]](http://jrpcrepair.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/diskcleanup.png "diskcleanup")
To remove unwanted start-up files click start, run, and write “MSCONFIG” – Windows XP and Vista
Once the system configuration box is opened click on the tab “Start-up” and select the files you are familiar and don’t want to start automatically.
Note: You must know the file name of the program in order to disable it, if you choose the wrong one “let say the anti-virus software” your computer will be vulnerable to virus attacks.
Make sure you disable programs that load in the task-bar – the icons near the clock
After selecting the files you don’t want to start up when the operating system starts click ok and reboot your computer.
A dialog will pop up after rebooting your computer, check the small box and click on “don’t show again” and viola!
To reboot router disconnect the power cable from the router and plug it back again
To reboot the printer disconnect the power cable and plug it again
To reboot the DSL or Cable Modem disconnect the power cable and plug it again
Once you had all these maintenance tasks your computer should be running at least 10% percent more faster
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I recently gave my drives a spring cleanup with CCleaner and the new edition of Diskeeper which is simply awesome. There is a massive improvement in performance. Got rid of tons of junk as my drive was almost out of free space. Diskeeper defrags great even with as less as 5% free space. Going to upgrade and set it to defrag automatically.
Its definitely wiser to be proactive about maintenance than try and do damage control.
@Literfold: Continous maintenance prevents computers from getting slower and slower overtime, especially when the computer has not been cleaned for a long time. I provide maintenance to my computer at least every week, but clean temp files, internet explorer files, trash, etc… everyday to keep my computer running smoothly.
CCleaner is a very good tool to remove unwanted junks from the computer also diskeeper is another good tool to keep computer files running smoothly.