[uzziah]

ok, so my pc has been going for awhile now on this install of xp pro and i'm wondering about simple suggestions to clean it up? it's booting slower than previously for example

run defrag i know about; i also run avg free antivirus, anything else i should try? i'm a basic pc user so just simple and free suggestions please. thanks

 

[Mindless]

format c: /q

 

[Mrvile]

Yeah backup and format that biznatch.

 

[saturnine]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mrvile /img/forum/go_quote.gif Yeah backup and format that biznatch.

QFT. Fix that Windows rot

Use recovery discs or take it to the Geek Squad

 

[Hermitt]

run spybot search & destroy. I also occasionally run CCleaner.

 

[ziplock]

1) Backup your stuff.
2) Nuke hard drive with DBAN. http://dban.sourceforge.net/
3) Install clean copy of XP.
4) Enjoy fast, clean computer.

Repeat 1-3 every 6 months so you can do 4.

~Zip

 

[AuroraProject]

Lavasoft Adaware, CCleaner, run disk cleanup, run check disk (start>run>cmd, in the command window type chkdsk c: /f, it will say the disk is locked, and will ask if you want to schedule a disk check at the next boot, type y and hit enter, reboot), run a defrag. Run the system file checker, click start, run, type sfc /scannow. If it's still slow back everything up and try booting to an XP disk and run a repair install, not the recovery console.

 

[fordgtlover]

Consider getting a utility like Ghost, Drive Copy or Drive Clone. Do a fresh install of Windows including all of your usual programs and drivers. Take a copy of your drive and save it off. Then every few months when you notice the dreaded Windows slowdown you can rebuild your PC in a matter of minutes. Problem solved.

BTW - Keep all of your user created data (documents etc) on a seperate drive (not partition). This allows a full rebuild of your PC without worrying about losing your files.

 

[Seaside]

What fordgtlover said, Get ghost.

Clean install windows --> Update, patch, install programs etc, and when you done ---> Make a ghost image.

Whenever you think you need a fresh window, backup with ghost image. You're done in few mins.

OR...

fdisk /mbr
format c: /q
Insert windows CD.

LOL.

 

[Agent Kang]

Quote:

Originally Posted by fordgtlover /img/forum/go_quote.gif Consider getting a utility like Ghost, Drive Copy or Drive Clone. Do a fresh install of Windows including all of your usual programs and drivers. Take a copy of your drive and save it off. Then every few months when you notice the dreaded Windows slowdown you can rebuild your PC in a matter of minutes. Problem solved. BTW - Keep all of your user created data (documents etc) on a seperate drive (not partition). This allows a full rebuild of your PC without worrying about losing your files.

Thanks for the cool tip. I'm going to definitely try this out. I just reinstalled my windows XP but made a mess out of this simple task by not thoroughly wiping out the previous OS.

 

[darkninja67]

Format C fixes all.

 

[arnoldsoccer4]

Quote:

Originally Posted by saturnine /img/forum/go_quote.gif QFT. Fix that Windows rot Use recovery discs or take it to the Geek Squad

Make sure you take all your pictures and other items off first before you give it to the geeks.
http://consumerist.com/consumer/inve...71963.php:eek:

 

[Edwood]

Don't forget the outside of your PC. Along with the grubby keyboard and mouse.

-Ed

 

[Mindless]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood /img/forum/go_quote.gif Don't forget the outside of your PC. Along with the grubby keyboard and mouse. -Ed

Yeah, one of the worst perpetrators is dust and hairs cought in the processor fan, well, actually everywhere in your computer.

 

[mrarroyo]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Edwood /img/forum/go_quote.gif Don't forget the outside of your PC. Along with the grubby keyboard and mouse. -Ed

It works best if used with: