What's New: Automatic System Cleaner

CCleaner (Crap Cleaner) is a freeware system optimization tool that removes unused and temporary files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster, more efficiently and giving you more hard disk space. The best part is that it's fast! (normally taking less that a second to run) and Free! Get it here.

Frequency: Daily

• Empty the Recycle Bin.
• Reboot your PC.

Frequency: Weekly

• Close all running applications, then delete all files in the Windows Temp folder
  C:\WINDOWS\TEMP or C:\WINNT\TEMP
  (Don't forget to then empty the Recycle Bin).
• (Win 2K, XP) Delete all the files in the User temp file folder(s) - to find this folder, enter this in the explorer address bar:
  %temp%
  This should take you to C:\Documents and Settings\<user name>\Local Settings\Temp. Delete all the files there.
  
  
• Use SCANDISK to check the integrity of your file system on Drive C: -
  (Win 9x) Start | Programs | Accessories | System Tools | ScanDisk
  
  Run ScanDisk with the "Standard" Type of Test. Use the "Thorough" option twice a year.
  
  (Win NT, 2K, XP) Start | Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Defragmenter
  
  
• Update your anti-virus definition files.
• Check your system for viruses - do a full scan of your hard drive.
• Update your spyware definition files.
• Check your system for spyware.
• Backup your data files.

(Tip: You can use the Windows Task Scheduler in Windows 98 to automate ScanDisk and your full system virus scan).

(Tip: Replace your Windows 95/98 disk defrag program (DEFRAG.EXE) with the version included with Windows Me. It is much faster and may not restart as often. Download it here and place in your C:\WINDOWS folder. [209KB, 06-08-2000]

Frequency: Monthly

• Clear out all temporary internet cache files -
  
  If you are using Internet Explorer, on the program's menu bar, go to:
  Tools | Internet Options... | [General]
  and then under: Temporary Internet files; click the Delete Files... button.
  
  If you are using Netscape 7.x or Mozilla 1.x, on the programs menu bar, go to:
  Edit | Preferences... | Advanced | Cache
  
  and then click the Clear Disk Cache button.
  
  
• Optimize file storage on your hard drive for better performance -
  Start | Programs | Accessories | System Tools | Disk Defragmenter
  
  Before running the Disk Defragmenter, close all programs and disable your screen saver. You may also need to temporarily suspend tasks in the System Tray if you find the program is constantly re-starting. As a last resort, you can boot to Safe Mode before running it.
  
  (Tip: see How to Setup the Windows 9x Startup Menu to make it easier to boot to Safe Mode).
  
  (Tip: Windows 95 is notorious for displaying an erroneous message that your disk does not need to be defragged. Ignore the warning and do it anyway)!
  
  (Tip: You can also use the Windows Task Scheduler in Windows 98 to automate the Disk Defragmenter).
  
  (Tip: The Microsoft Disk Defragmenter is very slow and not very efficient. We like using the Vopt product from Golden Bow Systems. It runs 10x - 20x faster then Microsoft's.)
  
  
• Remove any .CHK files in the root directory of your C: drive.
• Clean up your e-mail databases -
  If you are using Outlook Express, on the programs menu bar, go to:
  Edit | Empty 'Deleted Items' Folder and then:
  File | Folder | Compact All Folders
• Remove any unused applications -
  Start | Settings | Control Panel | Add/Remove Programs
• Review the latest Microsoft Critical Updates and Security Patches by running Windows Update.
  (Requires Internet Explorer 5 or higher web browser).

Frequency: Yearly

Run a personal audit on your PC and save the printed report with your other system documentation. This can be invaluable should a disaster occur and you need to know what programs you had installed and what their serial numbers were!

The best software for this purpose is the free Belarc Advisor:
http://www.belarc.com/free_download.html.

Frequency: As Needed

• Clean your keyboard (dirt, crumbs, finger prints, etc.) -
  With your PC shutdown and keyboard disconnected, turn it upside down and shake, clean out with compressed air. Windex works good for cleaning the surface. If you decide to pop off the keycaps for a more thorough cleaning, make a photocopy of the keyboard first to aid you in getting them back to the right place! Remember, keyboards are relatively cheap, it might be easier to just replace it rather than clean it.
• Clean your mouse - specifically the ball and rollers it rides on. (Or get an optical mouse, they never need internal cleaning).
• Clean any dust and dirt from the cooling fans.
• Clean the floppy drive and CD-ROM drive with compressed air. Insert a floppy and CD disk to exercise the drives. Drives may fail from not being used regularly.
• Clean the CRT with a good glass cleaner. (Follow your manufacturers procedure for cleaning flat panel displays).
• If you are using an inkjet type printer, perform the manufactures recommend maintenance procedures for cleaning the cartridges, etc.
• Have your system professionally cleaned internally at least annually or as needed. (There are internal cooling fans that accumulate dirt, typically on the processor, video cards, etc.).