Computer Clean Up

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[Lightening]

The kids are using my old lap-top which is old by computer standards but still a decent lap-top.  Thing is, it's getting rather slow in it's old age.

I've been trying to clean it up a bit.  Get rid of old files and programs etc.

What I'm looking for now is a program to clean up all the "junk" that accumulates over the years.  I know there are a number out there but I'm not confident enough to simply google search and then download one.

Can anyone recommend something that is safe to download and effective?  And preferably not too expensive.

Thanks for your help.

[JohnL]

Here's an article by Ray Shaw, a Brisbane computer expert who writes a column every week in The Courier-Mail.

Q: I have a four-year-old ASUS/Intel Pentium 4 computer with Windows XP Pro and Office 2003. I use it for email, internet and some photo editing. It has done well but has slowed. What should I buy?

A: In tough economic times you may better going down the path of reuse, recycle and repair. There is probably nothing really wrong with the PC and a little tune-up should get it back to speed. First step is a comlete clean install of XP to remove any of the clutter from the operating system. You need to back up all your data to another drive (you would have had to do this anyway if buying a new PC) and insert the XP CD and select a new install on C drive. Once that’s done it’s a matter of reinstalling your drivers (discs that would have come with your PC and accesories) and software. Windows will automatically update itself with all service packs and patches. You can cheaply add more memory (about $25 per GB). Simply take your existing memory to a computer shop to get the same type. I would recommend a new energy-friendly 19-22in LCD monitor (about $300-400) instead of the old toxic CRT, but dispose of it via an IT recycling system to stop toxins getting into the rubbish stream (some local computer stores can do this). A new PC to replace exactly what you have will cost close to $1500-2000 and will come with Windows Vista which takes some getting used to. Your revised PC should have a life of three to five years and the next upgrade will skip Vista for Windows 7 due out in 2009.
End.

If you don't feel confident with this, maybe a friend could help.

[OzSoapbox]

If there's nothing on there that you want, format c:/ and re-install windows.

[Lightening]

There is stuff on there I'd rather keep.  I'd prefer to clean it up rather than starting over.

[kathiemt]

I clean and reformat my computers about every 12-18 months. I do it myself and keep a complete record of all software installed, username and password details, versions of software and so on.  I actually enjoy doing this and it helps prolong the life of my computers.  Given that I work fulltime on them as well as play on them, i.e. they get used 18/7 I think I get a real lot of use out of them and know they appreciate the complete clean up too.

[scribbler]

There is nothing quite like a crisp new desktop.  I recommend backing up your files and doing a reinstall of your OS.

I read an article somewhere ages ago by an XP expert and he said you should be reinstalling xp every 12-18 months anyway.  Don't ask me for the link. I can't rememenber where I read that.

Dare I say it ... Linux may be a good option if you are willing to try it.  Some distros (versions) are designed for older computers.

[Gemisht]

Have you done anything yet Lightening????

I don't know of any software that will do the clean up by themselves. Most things will look for different types of problems (viruses, malware etc) and remove them.

The first step is to back up any files that you want to keep.

Then delete any files that you don't want and uninstall any programs you don't use.

Then run a disk clean up which is under the accessories or system tools in windows XP. This will give you the option to select from its recommendations of what you delete.

Then do a defrag (also in System Tools/Accessories).

You could also install Spybot Search and Destroy and see if that finds any malware or viruses. Delete or quarantine any files that it recommends you do.

Then do another disk clean up and if there is lots deleted again do another defrag.

This sort of thing just takes time. Find a day when you are home and doing things elsewhere in the house so that you can still be doing things and come back and check the progress as you can. If all of this makes no difference then you may need to look at re-installing Windows, which really isn't as bad as it sounds. It will help clear everything out.

Make sure when you do the backup that if there are emails that you want to keep that you also back up the email folder too. Especially if you have purchased any software online and been sent licence info by email.

[Lightening]

Backing up...yeah, I'm really bad at that!   

Gem - yeah, I've done most of your list.  I've done a couple of spyware type checks (just free program ones though).  I was reading that you can download programs that will search your computer and come up with stuff that is unnecessary and then generally, you have to purchase the full version in order to get it to deal with all the unnecessary guff.  I just don't want to do download something dodgy.

I'd rather leave a complete reformat as a last resort.  Too much to get my head around and I'm not even sure we have the windows disk.  And we're better off with a slow computer than a useless one if I stuff it up.  LOL.

[Kin]

My Dad uses Glary Utilities, which I've run on my laptop with no drama's.

It's a freebie too

[kathiemt]

Backing up...yeah, I'm really bad at that!   

Gem - yeah, I've done most of your list.  I've done a couple of spyware type checks (just free program ones though).  I was reading that you can download programs that will search your computer and come up with stuff that is unnecessary and then generally, you have to purchase the full version in order to get it to deal with all the unnecessary guff.  I just don't want to do download something dodgy.

I'd rather leave a complete reformat as a last resort.  Too much to get my head around and I'm not even sure we have the windows disk.  And we're better off with a slow computer than a useless one if I stuff it up.  LOL.

I have a program on my webhosting site that can scan your computer and let you know if you have nasties that need removing. See http://www.acs-webhosting.com - it's in the bottom right-hand side of the site.

[jono]

I've used http://www.ccleaner.com/ and it works really well, is free and reliable. Basically cleans away all the "crap" left behind by common applications - after it detects it you still have the option of picking what to remove and what to keep.

CCleaner is a freeware system optimization, privacy and cleaning tool. It removes unused files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster and freeing up valuable hard disk space. It also cleans traces of your online activities such as your Internet history. Additionally it contains a fully featured registry cleaner. But the best part is that it's fast (normally taking less than a second to run) and contains NO Spyware or Adware!

[goatlady]

In general, I think people are better off doing a fresh install than trying to clean up computers - don't forget, the cleanup utility itself is another program to install. Plus, it's good to force yourself to back up properly and take stock of what you need and what you don't.

We've been installing Windows 7 on all our notebooks and non-work machines lately - the RC version is free until next March and will be out officially before Christmas. It's faster and easier to use than Vista (and this is coming from someone who actually LIKES Vista, truly) and it's GREAT on eeePCs and old/low powered machines - it doesn't seem to need a lot of RAM.

[squadron]

I suggest you make some room then install Ubuntu as a dual-boot operating system. It will still be able to read your old MS files, but you will have a new desktop that is virus-free and fast. Apart from games, there isn't much you can't do with Ubuntu that you can do with XP/Vista.

It comes with Open Office out of the box which means you can edit all your old MS documents. It also come with Firefox, Thunderbird and a bunch of other cool stuff.

If you want to play with it, boot a livecd first and see what you think.

Here's the link: http://www.ubuntu.com/getubuntu/download

[goatlady]

The problem with installing Linux based operating systems is that you need to have some expertise if *anything* goes even slightly wrong. And people with that expertise are not as common as people with Windows or Mac expertise.