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)
  • 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.