This section is dedicated to tuning up your computer and keeping it clean.

Keeping your computer clean and running good - Windows XP

Keeping your computer clean of junk files and defragged is an important aspect  to keeping your computer running good.  You will notice a nice improvement after you've done this.  This may seem like a lot, but once you've done it 2 or 3 times, it will seem much easier and isn't it worth a few extra minutes to keep your computer clean and running good?

As before, this is my easy way of doing this so that anyone can do it, which also happens to work great.

NOTE: This is for Windows XP....

Here's what you want to do in this order:
1. Run a virus scan on your C drive (just to be sure there are no viruses)
2. Check & clean for spyware (see my spyware section)
3. Run cleaning programs (CCleaner)
4. Run Registry cleaner (CCleaner)
5. Run Registry defrag (NTREGOPT...then reboot)
6. Run Disk Defragmenter (in your system tools)

I've tried a lot of free programs and found these to be the best....click the link to go to their download page.
CCleaner - file cleaner & registry cleaner
NTREGOPT - registry defragmenter

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CCleaner....
When running this program....
Click the "Run Cleaner" button on the bottom left

Then click the "Registry" button on the left menu

Click the "Scan for Issues" button
After the scan has completed, click the "Fix selected issues..." button

Click "Yes" when asked to backup changes to the registry" and click "Save" when the "Save As" window opens.

Then click the "Fix All Selected Issues" button

Then click the "OK" button when the confirmation window opens

Click the "Close" button when done

Then click the red X in the upper right corner to close the program.

Reboot your computer to save the changes you've just made by cleaning the registry

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NTREGOPT....registry optimizer
1. Click "OK" when the program opens
2. Click "Yes" when the reboot window opens (after programs finishes)

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Disk Defragmenter....
Now, go to Start....Programs....Accessories....System Tools....click on Disk Defragmenter.
Select your C drive and click Defragment button.

NOTE: You can also create a desktop shortcut to Disk defragmenter by...when your in the System Tools menu....right click on Disk Defragmenter and go to....Send To....and left click Desktop (create shortcut).
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If you don't already do this....you will see an improvement in your computer.
The more you surf the net and use your computer....the more you will need to clean it up.

I recommend doing this cleanup....at least once a week as a minimum. I usually do this every 2 to 3 days.