Need some help with slow computer

I moved and let one of my friends use my computer for about 6 months... big mistake because he downloaded a bunch of useless stuff on it and now it is super slow. I am looking for some help on what I need to do and what processes I can stop and get rid of. Thanks for the help!

 

Hi,
Download and install Ccleaner...

http://majorgeeks.com/CCleaner_Slim_d4191.html

DO NOT CHANGE ANY OF ITS DEFAULT ACTIONS.

1.)Cleaner.. in the cleaner section click *Run Ceaner* this will clean out all the old junk files/cookies and history.

2.)Tools.. Uninstall.. highlight the program(s) that you don't want on your system by clicking on them, then hit *Run Uninstaller*(be sure that you do not uninstall any of your systems drivers). When finished with this step go on to the next.

3.)Tools.. Startup.. in the startup menu you will see a list of programs that begin when windows loads, these can slow your boot time,( i will upload screen shot of mine to give you an idea of what should be left running).As in the Tools menu this uses the same method except do not delete any of them yet,JUST DISABLE THEM for now,only disable the ones that are not system related.

4.)Registry.. click the *Registry button.. on this screen click *Scan for Issues* this will then scan your Registry for corrupt /obsoulite keys and give you the option to fix them, when this is finished running it will give you an option to save the files before removing/fixing, IT IS IMPORTANT THAT YOU DO SO!!(if you remove an important file this can be reversed with the file that you have saved), I would run this process untill it says there is No Issues or Errors found. After a week or so using your system and programs that you have left and do not encounter any issues with them, you can delete the back-up saved files from the location (I personally save them in the documents folder in their own folder named *CLEANER).
Your system should run a lot quicker after following these simple steps.

iain.t :major

 

This link is a good start. Basic Computer Maintenance everyone should do: http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=106650

 

I highly recommend these free apps:

Revo Uninstaller
Revo Uninstaller goes beyond the normal uninstall process.

• It finds leftover unneeded entries in the system Registry and Removes them.
• It will also delete leftover files related to the uninstalled program.

This is done AFTER running the uninstaller that is normally provided with the program that is being removed.
Revo will run the programs' uninstaller for you.

Just use the default settings.
Has worked great for me.

Startup Control Panel Standalone Version
This very easy to use program will show you what programs are started / loaded when the computer is started,
and enable you to Deactivate the load / startup. By using this program, those changes will be
made in the proper manner.

AFTER removing the unwanted programs and startups, use CCleaner Slim to clean up more unneeded files and use the Registry Cleaner tool (in CCleaner ONLY).

There is a good tutorial video for CCleaner done by Major Attitude on the download page.

Please take a close look at which items are Checked to be cleaned before you click Run Cleaner.
Click Analyze first to see what Will Be Cleaned.