Windows 7: Useful tools to help protect/keep my pc clean

Lately my pc's started running really slowly, ive emptied the bin, deleted some stuff, uninstalled some programs, ran defrag/cleanup and its still going slow.



What good tools (ideally free) are there out there to help with things like virus/spyware/malware protection and to keep my registry. The only thing i have atm is avast.

If you are using Avast you should add Malwarebytes (free) for it will catch things Avast wont.

Neither should speed up (or slow down) your computer.

You can use the built in defragger, and I dont recommend reg cleaners ( in inexperienced hands) it can cause more harm than good.


Usually computer slow down from Installs/un-installs, the general increase in the size of registry, and other user related things.

The fastest way to get it back where it was in the beginning is a clean install. It is a PITA, because you will have to re-install all the apps, etc.

It is after a clean install that your machine is at its fastest.

Okay ill get malawarebytes , thanks.

Is it possible for me to clean my registry? Or is that just a bad idea all together :P?

The slowest part is after log in, the screen stays blank quite a while, then the start bar shows up but nohing else, then about 10-15 seconds after the background loads, then about 15 seconds after that the desktop icons load, any idea what could be causing this?

* Your Avast AV would work well with Malwarebytes or SuperAntiSpyware.{ both have free versions}

Spywareblaster is also a nifty unobtrusive program.
The inbuilt Windows Firewall is adequate.

All programs MUST be updated regularly.

* Make sure you do your computer housework on a regular basis.

If you do everything should be ok.
Eg
Check Disk.
Defragment
Disk Clean Up

* Make sure your windows Update is running.

* If overclocking stop.

* On a regular basis check in Task Manager/ Processes/ All Users to see what is running there.

* Check in Event Viewer for errors frequently.
Note any with a red mark in Application

* Monitor regularly >Perfmon - {Task manager - resource monitor - CPU, Memory etc}

*Remove any software you have evaluated and decided you don't want to keep.

* If necessary >Run: SFC /scannow (from a command prompt) - and let it check/repair/verify your system files

*Some people optimize and compact the registry.
This makes me VERY nervous and consequently I don't.

*Re Registry Cleaners -

Registry Cleaners are often considered to be helpful.
Note - IMO - there is no reliable way for a third party program to know whether any particular key is invalid, redundant or neither.
Some registry cleaners may not know for sure whether a key is still being used by Windows or what detrimental effects removing it may have.
This has led to examples of registry cleaners causing loss of functionality and/or system instability.

FYI
Increase PC speed: Optimize your computer, help your PC run faster

Would help a ton if we had your system specs. My crystal ball is in the shop being repaired.

What would be best way for me to find my spec for you, dxdiag?

By filling in your System specs it better enables us to assist you in a faster manner.
TIA.

Attachment 186795

This is mine.

Attachment 186796

Okay, ive updated mine, ill put the rest on when i get the proper details about them.

Noted.
Thank you!