cleaning programs

andrewtjb · 11 May 2012

I'm just looking for some advice on keeping windows running smoothly I've been using XP for years (usually on low hardware) and I've always used TuneUp utilities to tweak things and just keep things running tidy and always seemed to work great apart the newer versions with the live optimization thing wich always messed things up but I'm now using 7 (again on low hardware) but I've heard that using this kinda program on 7 can just cause more problems and slow everything down is this true? As I was thinking of instaling TuneUp on 7 or is this a bad idea?

seavixen32 · 11 May 2012

Don't do it.

Windows 7 is far removed from Windows XP and does a great job of keeping your system running smoothly.

This forum is full of threads from computer users who have used driver sweepers, registry cleaners, tune-up utilities, and then found their system is screwed up.

You might want to check this tutorial for some good advice on keeping your system ticking over.

Optimize Windows 7

richc46 · 11 May 2012

You will note that this advice takes into account the excellent recommendations above.

As soon as you get home with your computer:

Dont install the antivirus software that pops up with instuctions to install.
Should be done at the end and this software, although probably free for a while,
will cost money down the road and is probably not the best.

Windows updates should be done immediately as you are vulnerable to problems
until updated; be sure to include office updates.

Adobe reader should be updated, the most recent version is a sandbox version which
reduces virus vulnerablity to your PDF files.

This is also the opportunity to download Adobe Flash Player

Download an alertative browser; ie FF or Chrome etc. In the event of problems with IE.

Remove any unwanted program bloat. They will slow up your computer and probably
cost money in the future.

Download your antivirus; Microsoft Security Essentials is suggested.

Make your recovery disc.

Now enjoy the internet.

To maintain your computer

10 Tips on How to Properly Maintain Your Computer

Steps that I did not notice on the guide include:

Running a scan disc before doing a defrag

Using Microsoft Security Essentials and Malwarebytes.

Making System Restore points, at least once a week

Makaing a system Image once a month (varies by user)

Not relying on your A/V common sense, should prevail. You know of many sites can cause a problem.

Do not use any reg cleaning or optimizing software.

Download and use Ccleaner about once every two months. Untick any registry entries.
http://www.piriform.com/

Download and use PSI, to to be sure that all of your software is up to date
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

If you follow these instructions, you will be trouble free for a long time to come.

Be sure to back up your hard drive about once a month (varies by user) and to keeep system restore points up to date.

Optimize Windows 7

karlsnooks · 12 May 2012

Win 7 automatically creates a system restore point every 7 days.

Rich has given you some very sound advice.

The only "cleaner" programs that I use are:
Win 7's CleanMgr.exe
and
CCleaner (link in my signature).

I do use the Registry cleaner portion of CCleaner. Ccleaner is also on the Microsoft list of compatible programs.

Avoid all of those super-duper, speedup your computer programs.

If you have any questions, be sure to ask here first before leaping. Avoiding problems is easier than fixing problems.

kado897 · 12 May 2012

richc46 said:

Download and use PSI, to to be sure that all of your software is up to date
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

I've not seen this one before. Looks good. Thanks

richc46 · 12 May 2012

kado897 said:

richc46 said:

Download and use PSI, to to be sure that all of your software is up to date
http://secunia.com/vulnerability_scanning/personal/

I've not seen this one before. Looks good. Thanks

It is very good. I have used it for quite a while.

karlsnooks · 12 May 2012

kado,
Try it out. Program is good at letting you know which programs need to be updated and which MS updates you are missing.

I always use RevoUninstall Pro after running to clean up all of the stuff PSI leaves behind. Plus, then I use Auslogics Registry Cleaner to clean up still more registry entries that PSI leaves behind that RevoUninstaller missed.

I like the program, but I don't like programs what leave stuff behind.

karlsnooks · 12 May 2012

More on PSI:
Using Autoruns, then under the Drivers tab, I find:

and that is after uninstall by RevoUninstallerPro.

kado897 · 12 May 2012

Thanks guys. I have installed it and it found a few things that needed updating/removal.

JMH · 12 May 2012

* Some people optimize and compact the registry.

* Current accepted wisdom with Win 7 is to NOT use a cleaner.

* If you ever think your Registry needs to be cleaned, repaired, boosted, tuned-up, cured, tweaked, fixed, or optimized it shouldn't.

In other words, injudicious use of "Registry cleaners" CAN cause problems.

* 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

Temporary Files Removal
How to Delete the Contents of the Temporary Internet Files Folder

* IE.- Safety - Delete Browsing History.
Check for unwanted plug ins.

* If necessary > Open IE
* tools
* internet options
* advanced
* reset

* Make sure your windows Update is running.
All programs SHOULD be updated regularly.

* 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

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