This computer of mine (HP) is a couple of years old and is running very poorly. I've probably made it sick by looking at, well, you know, questionable stuff. Anyway, is there a way to help it get better without spending a bunch of money? I don't mind spending a few bucks, but want to know which 'clean-up' programs are the best, and if there is anything I can do first without buying a program.

 

back up everything you want to save...format the drive and reinstall everything...

save a copy of your registry....important info stored there!

I try to do it once a year...

 

Some of the utility programs that claim to clean out junk sometimes cause more problems..

I would do as Mark stated... Backup your files and reformat and reinstall everything..

YOu should have a built in recovery with the HP that will put it back to original configuration...

 

Marks got it dead on, and hes got the avatar to boot


After a format and reinstall, it will be like a new machine!

 

Is there a "format the drive and reinstall evrything for idiots" book? Otherwise, it's all greek to me! But at least I have a place to start. Thank you, all!

 

in the start menu, you should have a program called recovery manager

click on it and follow the directions

if you have paid for any programs on your puter, make sure you save the registration info and any passwords

probably wouldnt hurt to save all your cookies...as they may save you some trouble when you are finished reinstalling windows

 

Been there done that. I use only freeware. Avast anti-virus, spywareblaster, spy-bot search and destroy, and Ad-aware.
First I would start the PC in "safe mode", restart the PC and keep pressing F8 key as the PC boots up, u will get a basic menu in black and white. Select start windows in safe mode without networking. This will give you a safe desktop environment to clean up and delete stuff.
I usually clean out my temporary internet files after every session, I like to keep the temp file short and sweet..anotherwards, I don't want to store the cookies from the 600 unknown sites I have been browsing for the last month.
Right click on the "desktop" internet explorer icon, select "properties" under the "general tab, select delete browsing history, at the next page select "delete" under Temporary internet files, and confirm yes to delete.
Next delete "history", select "delete history" (it is the third block on that page).
DO NOT DELETE COOKIES! Do not use the second function "delete cookies" u will lose all stored passwords . Delete the cookies manually, like this....
Go back to the first page I mentioned, it should be the Internet properties box" under the "general tab" and see the browsing history box. Select "settings" to the right of the "delete button" , then select "view files" u will see all the cookies stored. If there are a 1000 cookies u might want to delete all cookies, but remember u will lose all passwords to ur favorite websites. If u don't have the passwords written on paper, it is better to manually selct each unwanted cookie and hit the delete key on the keyboard. Then confirm yes to delete. It is a long process, but it gives u a good look at where u have been and a possible clue to what website infected ur PC.
After u clean the temp files, close up, and run any anti-virus/anti-spyware programs now.
If u need to download some free stuff go to "majorgeeks.com" and pick up the free antivirus. Majorgeeks also has a detailed antivirus forum, and has all the links to free stuff.
Go thru your "C:" files or main drive to look for mysterious programs that shouldn't be there, sometimes u get lucky. Make sure there aren't any "extra" icons on the desktop, some attacks include new unwanted icons.

I would work in safe mode as long as possible. If u need to get on the internet, select F8 at start-up and find the safe mode with networking option, this will allow u to get on the net, with a cleaner leaner desktop.
Good luck.

 

system mechanic 8. I got 5 years ago, upgraded to 6, resisted the urge to upgrade to 7 for $30, now they are offering 8 for $15, I might do that, if it works like 6 its worth it. It blows away norton. I have it running on an HP that has been buring electrons for almost 7 years

 

Thanks for all the advice. I now have a computer that is moving at a reasonable pace again. I printed out 924x2150's advice and shut the computer down and started from scratch. majorgeeks.com has a bunch of helpful stuff and I'll be going back there often!

 

I have found the easiest way to not get infected. Don't go to "those places"

Like the others said, the best way is to reformat and install from scratch. I just had to do this with my son's computer. AGAIN. It had gone on too long, and the darn adware downloaded more and more of the stuff and there were HUNDREDS of these things running on it.