CleanUp/SpeedUp and Computer Finalization CheckList
[Editors Note: This was written for Windows 7, 8 and 8.1 systems.]
The following is
- Online scan Eset (http://go.eset.com/us/online-scanner) I only use this when I’m certain all the other scanners have been done on unit if it came in for Virus Clean up. If it came in for Virus, I run the other programs listed in the Virus Checker section of the Library.
- Add Remove Programs (Junk/toolbars and broken software)
- If you can’t get a specific one to remove have a look at Revo Uninstaller
- Boot to Safe Mode
- Use HiJack This (http://www.filehippo.com/download_hijackthis)
[Note: TrendMicro owns this but I prefer other downloaders as they are using CNET who is notorious for adding Bloatware Wrappers to downloads]- Remove All programs in the “R”
- Check BHO remove all excess (LEAVE Java, Flash)
- Delete Toolbars, Delete all 15 and 16
- Fix Checks
- Remove all 8 and 9
- Fix Checks
- Remove HiJack This and back up from System.
- Reboot System into Normal Mode
- Delete all files waiting to be burned if it comes up.
- Use Autoruns (http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb963902)
- Delete any “missing files” or “File not founds”
- Check and remove unneeded services
- Use services.msc from command prompt
- Look for HP-Cue & ATI Hotkey poler, if present set HP Cue to manual and disable ATI poler these are 2 BAD resource HOGS.
- Download and Run JavaRa (http://singularlabs.com/software/javara/javara-download/) [Note: This is NO LONGER used as the JAVA INSTALLER removes OLDER and INSECURE Versions.]
- Check for Java Updates
- Remove all OLDER versions of Java, this step may not be needed as JAVA appears to be doing a better
job of this as of late.
- Open Internet Explorer.
- Google Test Java (http://java.com/en/download/testjava.jsp)
- Run test, if missing get latest version and try again.
- Google Test Shockwave (http://www.adobe.com/shockwave/welcome/)
- Run test, if missing get latest version and try again.
- Click the Link to Test Flash Player (http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/) This link is also located on the Test Shockwave page.
- Run test, is missing get latest version and try again.
- Open any other browsers (Chrome, Firefox) and check for issues with Java, Shockwave and Flash player.
- Get CCleaner (http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner/download)
- Run CCleaner
- Select Cleaner
- Don’t bother with Analyze Run Cleaner
- Select Registry
- Scan for issues > Fix selected (Don’t bother backing up) Continue running until you get less than 10
- Select Tools make sure everything is OK there. If not uninstall issue program.
- Windows Log Clear both Application and System [Computer > Manage > Event Viewer > Windows Logs]
- Reboot and check Logs a 2nd time for errors if NONE your done system should be clean and running faster than before.
Changes:
11.17.2011 – Changed the active link and info for JavaRa. Was broken due to purchase of program by another software company. Link is active and good download.
09.09.2014 – Corrected a few parts of grammar, added a couple steps, checked and verified links are still valid and working.