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02/19/2006 09:26:39 PM · #1 |
OK folks, I'm pretty good with computers, just basically asking for some advice here or if I'm headed down the right path...
My sister and brother in law's computer has been going 'slow' lately -- their systray is littered with tons of stuff, and lately, he told me that when he goes to shut it down, it just sits there and doesn't do anything...so here's what I was thinking...
Run regedit, get rid of all the crap that's starting like HPthis and HPupdate, MSN, AIM, Quick Time, basically just clean all that out so it's not going to be running...
Then, I'm thinking I'm going to uninstall their Norton Antivirus (as they updated and installed this when the shutting down problem seemed to first happen), then install McAfee antivirus, firewall, and internet security.
Then install Microsoft Anti Spyware, and check for updates like windows SP2 and so on, because who knows whether they installed any of that stuff.
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Any other tips on what to do or anything are greatly appreciated.
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02/19/2006 09:28:39 PM · #2 |
| I assume you already know this but make a backup of the registry before you go regedit happy. :) |
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02/19/2006 09:29:57 PM · #3 |
| Dont forget to clear out the .tmp files and run defrag! |
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02/19/2006 09:30:00 PM · #4 |
I like Startup Control. Little program that sits in the control panel and makes it easy to decide what runs and what doesn't.
I also use Adaware and sometimes Spybot.
I'd suggest doing all the basic things like disk defrag, etc. I've always used Norton on all my computers with no problems but I know some people odn't like it. Also I'd check how much hard drive space is left and how much RAM they have. |
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02/19/2006 09:32:20 PM · #5 |
ahh nice link mk...I'm going to have to write that one down and get it over there.
I'm pretty sure their computer is only like 4 months old, I can't see them being anywhere near the limit of the HD or not enough RAM.
so ok clean out temps and defrag when it's all said and done..good tips
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02/19/2006 09:33:20 PM · #6 |
You don't even have to really mess with the registry, you can run msconfig and go to the startup tab and disable stuff so that it doesn't start up. with MSN and AIM, you can do disable auto start up in the program options itself. I would also suggest getting Spybot Search and Destroy and Spyware Blaster. They are both available free off of download.com and do a great job of keeping spyware away. Make sure you update both of them on a regular basis though as they do not do it automatically. As far as anti-virus goes, I use Grisoft's AVG Free anti-virus and it does a great job (not to mention it's free). I would recommend that to anyone looking for good anti-virus.
Edit: Try cleaning out the internet cache and cookies and all that garbage too.
Message edited by author 2006-02-19 21:34:20.
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02/19/2006 09:37:01 PM · #7 |
| Rather than edit the registry it is safer and easier to go to Start/Run/MSconfig and edit the startup files there. |
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02/19/2006 09:40:37 PM · #8 |
You don't need to edit the registry. Run "msconfig" and click the start up tab, that controls what starts and what doesn't. For virus google "avg free" this will give you a free virus scanner you have to google it like I said you can't get to the free version from the main website. The MS spyware tool is a good idea. also trying removing programs that they no longer use. Lastly clear the cache and all cookies from the system. After time these files can build up a a considerable amount. Any questions please free to email me. I do part systems admin for several companies.
Kevin |
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02/19/2006 10:00:38 PM · #9 |
We use this program at work for cleaning the startup most of the time:
Starter
Also, removing Norton is probably a good plan but I'm not sure that I'd put McAfee on in it's place.. both are pretty bloated, and pretty retarded. I use 'Avast' home edition, and I'm pretty pleased with it so far. Doesn't seem to use too much resources.
The shutdown issue, make sure you take off WeatherBug if it's on there. That might not be it, but I remember one system we had where the lady kept installing that damn thing, and then wondered why her system was screwing up again.
MS AntiSpyware is pretty good, I'd recommend running Ad-Aware and Spybot as well though. And HijackThis.. since you mentioned editing the registry I'd guess you won't screw it up with that.
And make sure they know to defrag pretty regularly. |
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