[Removing unwanted files]

Hello Temerc,

Believe it or not, I am malware, spyware and virus free (I think) and really just want to clean up my computer. I would like to remove any files that are no longer needed, remove left over **** from downloading games etc, and reduce the startup stuff to a minimum. Question is how do I know what is good, not good ...? I use Cleanup, CCleaner but with my very restricted knowledge, I don't even know if these are doing me any good.

Can you help or send me in the right direction?

Thanks
Dana

 

Hello Dana,

I have moved your post to the XP section since this is not a malware question.

And have adjusted your title to make it clear what you're asking.


This post should help in controlling startups: http://www.windowsbbs.com/showthread.php?t=39425

Regards - Charles

 

I myself use a program called "StartupCop" for that purpose.

http://www.pcmag.com/article2/0,1895,1830389,00.asp?kc=PCGL10310KTX2B2200331

BillyBob

 

Hi Charles. Thanks very much for the help. I now have a computer that starts up really quickly and runs very well. Thanks again.

Is there a way to now just clean out the old **** that may be hanging around such as old non-usable files etc?

Thanks

Dana

 

Hi Dana,

Many use CCleaner and has a good reputation - don't use personally. http://www.ccleaner.com/

Follow these rules:

Understand the program - make use of the Help files.

Create a manual System Restore point before use.

A good idea, at least in the beginning, would be to backup any non system files to removable media before allowing CCleaner to delete.

Clean a little at a time - it's going to have to be your judgement as to what a little at a time means. That way a greater chance of recovery in case of "mistakes" by the software, that's always a possibilty even with the best software.

Regards - Charles

 

Hi Charles.

Thank you very much for your help, system is running much better. Once again, windows bbs has come through! You may close this thread, I think we have accomplished solving todays issues (for now) I am probably my own worst enemy so hang in there "I'll be back ".

Thanks again! Enjoy the nicer weather!

Regards

Dana

 

To free up more space and if your PC is behaving properly you can remove the Windows hotfix backup files and their corresponding entries in Add/Remove Programs.

Download, extract and run this little script http://www.dougknox.com/xp/utils/xp_hotfix_backup.htm Create a system restore point first (WinXP) just in case anything goes wrong during the registry updating.

Alternatively, copy them to a CD, manually delete them from the \Windows folder but leave the now orphaned Add/Remove Programs entries intact. Do not delete the $hf_mig$ folder, only the $NTUninstallKB….. folders.