tuning up yr computer

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Member Since: Jan 18, 2003

i think i started a thread on this once before, but it had a narrow focus. my music computer is really messed up. i haven't recorded in about six months. i want to fix it up.

when you work on getting your computer running smoothly, what are some of the things you do? i'll defragment as soon as i lose some files. virus scans have been done (but i doubt the results). haven't checked for spyware and adware (nor do i know what to use for that: only thing i won't use is the one where you post your scan result online and get feedback from real people on what to do). aside from this, what else should i do? my computer is running slowly.

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Administrator
Since: Apr 03, 2002


Oct 05, 2007 08:18 pm

update drivers and OS

spyware, adware, malware and virus scan

uninstall unused apps, watching the registry for deletion there too...

get a registry cleaner

delete cache, cookie and temp folders

defrag

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Oct 05, 2007 08:22 pm

Db covered almost everything, don't forget to replace you're divots and rotate you're tyres!


Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Oct 05, 2007 08:57 pm

mind if i bookmark this and come back later for help? i have registry questions. i don't think i should be messing with that. can you recommend a registry cleaner that's automatic?

Eat Spam before it eats YOU!!!
Member
Since: May 11, 2002


Oct 05, 2007 09:29 pm

Install UbuntuStudio


...


and thats about it... :)

Member
Since: Sep 30, 2007


Oct 05, 2007 10:13 pm

For spy/malware, Lavasoft and Spybot offer decent free apps. A registry cleaner...I don't about what is free. I use "registry cleaner", by Rose City I think.

I find it best to set my page file size so that the minimum and maximum sizes are equal, 1.5 to 3 times the amount of RAM of I have. Also, set it (the advanced settings of system properties to optimize for programs. Especially if you have 2GB and plus of RAM.

I could be wrong.

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Oct 05, 2007 11:03 pm

I use Registry Mechanic. IT will go as deep or shallow as you want it to.

Prince CZAR-ming
Member
Since: Apr 08, 2004


Oct 05, 2007 11:07 pm

uninstall gonzo the gorilla, or bonzo, or whatever his name was =).

seriously, the things mentioned are mostly what I do. HP printers have a habit of loading things that run in memory forever if you let them. Remove printer drivers you're not using, and look in task manager to see if they're still running in memory.

That may take a registry hack to get them to stop loading, but it's not too bad. Usually most things loading into memory are in the same area of the registry.

Actually, just removing the driver usually takes care of them.

Get used to your task manager, and the programs running in memory. That screen can tell you a lot of what's going on in your PC.

Check those icons in the systray too, there may be things running that don't need to be. (though they will show up in the task manager, so you can kill them there).

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Oct 05, 2007 11:23 pm

ok i am a real idiot with the deep layers of computers. this is all overwhelming. i need a one shot simple solution if possible for registry stuff and for all the other stuff. programs that will just do the job. drivers i'll figure out on my own. i can handle that. i also know how to check which programs are running and to tweak that.

The Eternal Student
Member
Since: Oct 08, 2005


Oct 06, 2007 01:32 pm

what OS are you using? You can disable startup "junk" pretty easily in XP pro doing:

Go Start/run, type "msconfig", click the STARTUP tab.

Uncheck the stuff you don't want to run on startup. (many programs cannot be disabled for startup other than using this method). iTunes crap has to be disabled this way.

I've never done a registry cleaner. I know if done right, it can help a lot, if done incorrectly, you can seriously screw your system up. I think if you set a system restore point before modifying your registry, you should be able to revert to your previous settings: Start/programs/accessories/system tools/system restore in XP pro

Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Oct 06, 2007 04:05 pm

right, i know about msconfig and have set a restore point. will just need to learn about reg cleaners now.

Ne'er ate 'er
Member
Since: Apr 05, 2006


Oct 06, 2007 06:14 pm

Did you install RegSeeker? I gave you the link for it in another thread. It's a good app.

A small pie will soon be eaten
Member
Since: Aug 26, 2004


Oct 06, 2007 09:37 pm

This is the best one i've ever seen

www.registryfix.com/?hop=pccleaner2


Member
Since: Jan 18, 2003


Oct 06, 2007 09:46 pm

ok i will buy a regfixer this week. i don't see any free ones.

right now i'm more interested in fixing my thumbnail problem. i've been exploring the issue all day.

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