Cleaning up a computer

silas · Jan 24, 2009

I have a computer that I dont have the disk to reformat it. And there's a few program's Id want to keep. But I was wondering if there was programs I could clean up my computer. Or thing's I can do to try to clear it and make it faster. I also got like 12 things on destop isnt that bad? Any ideas, and hints I can do to clean up my computer.

TimW · Jan 24, 2009

Welcome to MG's.

I have moved your thread to the software section. You will have to be more specific as to what you want to remove and you should also give some info one your system.

usafveteran · Jan 24, 2009

silas said: ↑

I also got like 12 things on destop isnt that bad?
Click to expand...

No, that, in itself, is not bad. The question is, are those things you frequently use? If not, you could remove them.

Be sure to follow the link MarkTrent posted.

silas · Jan 25, 2009

Truthfully I dont use all those items. I download this and that from download.com to clean my computer virus, spyware, and registry(which I now know isnt good to do by reading). Anyways there just files and I dont know what they "nessisary are" and if its safe to delete. Also most ain't on the add/remove list. And I got some old games on this computer (which I went into the safe mode) and deleted and tried to uninstalled some stuff and nothing happen.. cause some sort of bad files/errors always says something.

But Iam looking to clean/fix any errors that may be in this computer that I dont know of. All I know is avg and spybot destroy. Thats it... And Iam pretty dummy to the computer world. But I want to clean it get rid of stuff and keep some stuff on my computer at the same time... I also have a windows XP Dell (I dont know what kind of dell) Its older tho atleast 3 years Id say.

plodr · Jan 25, 2009

Download CCleaner slim http://majorgeeks.com/download4191.html
if you only use English on your computer.
If you need other languages as well, download the full version
http://www.majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_d5125.html

First time through just do two things to clean your computer:
1. Cleaner button on left (windows tab) Make sure Internet Explorer and items under it are checked, Windows Explorer and items under are checked and System and items under it are checked. Ignore Advanced. Then click the Analyze button and give it time to work. You will get a readout of what files will be removed and how many MBs you will gain. Then click the Run Cleaner and it will sweep up.
2. Next click on the Registry icon on the left and make sure everything in registry integrity is checked. Click scan for Issues; it will do the same thing only this time it will be looking at all the leftovers in the registry. After it is done, click the Fix selected Issues button. It will always offer to save the changes. Always select YES. It will place the backup somewhere. Write down the location so you can find it, if needed. Then let it continue. You will get a few boxes saying are you sure? Just keep clicking Yes or I'm sure.

Now your computer will be cleaner.

Moving to the next part of your problem,

most ain't on the add/remove list.
Click to expand...

CCleaner may have removed files when it sees the orphans; leftovers from a bad removal.

If you try and remove something, use the add/remove icon first. If you get an error, please write it down and post what you saw so we can help.

usafveteran · Jan 25, 2009

Also, when running CCleaner's Registry scan, repeat that scan. It may find additonal items upon repeat scan. And then, if it does, repeat again, until it finds no new items.

silas · Jan 25, 2009

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?p=1276252#post1276252

Here's a thread about my add/remove list. Also says that "games and other things" on the add/remove that I cant remove.. I also added what it says when I try to remove them! Remember I tried in safe mode already. So far thank you for all your advice and you can also put your imput in my other thread too thanks!

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Cleaning up a computer

silas MajorGeek

TimW MajorGeeks Administrator - Jedi Malware Expert Staff Member

usafveteran MajorGeek

silas MajorGeek

plodr MajorGeek Super Extraordinaire Moderator Staff Member

usafveteran MajorGeek

silas MajorGeek