Steps for Cleaning Up a Windows 7 Computer

Please read our Disclaimer before proceding with the following procedures.

Note: Programs listed can be downloaded safely from Download.com, a website that is a part of CNET corporation. All programs are free but paid versions of the software are available too.

The greater than symbol ">" means to left click with your mouse. Right clicking with the mouse will usually bring up a menu for you to select items.

"Orb" is the start button at the lower left corner of the screen.

 

1. First create a system repair disc if you don't already have one: This makes it so you can always start you computer even if it will not start normally. It safer to have this disc before you start cleaning up your computer. To make one of these, click on the Start Orb and then type "system" in the search window. One of the search results will be "Create a System Repair Disc." Just click on that item and follow the instructions. A blank CD will work fine. For more help go to: http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Create-a-system-repair-disc
2. Install and run Belarc Advisor 8.2. This will create a computer profile summary listing all the hardware and software on your system. Save the file. You might want to print it out too. You should also keep a record of software purchased and downloaded via the Internet. Belarc Advisor doesn't list all this info. Downloaded programs should go in a folder called "My Software" or something like that after your have installed the programs.
3. Make a Backup of your files.Type in "backup" in the search window. Click on "Backup and Restore." Click on "Turn on schedule." It's in the same window as the Backup and Restore window on the left side. Backup to a second internal hard drive or to an external hard drive. Don't make a Backup to your primary (C:) hard drive. A second drive (D:) either an external or internal will work. Periodically check that the backups are actually taking place and the files are not corrupt. Keep a least three backups at all times.
4. Install Microsoft Security Essentials (MSE) and Malwarebytes if you are not using an anti- virus program or a malware program. MSE will do update automatically but Malwarebytes you will have to manually download the updates unless you get the paid version.
5. Type in Search window "system". Click on the item "System." It should say "Service Pack 1" if not check your updates for Windows 7 in Step 5. (Updates are also in computer profile summary of Belarc Advisor.)
6. Install all updates for Windows 7. Search for "updates" and click on "Check for updates."
7. Install all updates for Java, Adobe Flash, Adobe Reader, Microsoft Security Essentials, Malwarebytes, IE, and Firefox. It is important to have the latest versions of software to protect you from viruses and malware. Adobe Reader, MSE, Malwarebytes, Internet Explore, and Firefox can be updated by starting the program and clicking "Help" or "Updates."
8. Install all updates for Java, and Adobe Flash. Google both programs to find the latest updates and download them to your computer.
9. Check update history for Window 7 Updates. Orb>Search>"windows updates"> Windows Updates>Check for Updates>View update history. Look for any failures. Start at the bottom of the list and work up when doing updates. You want to do the earliest first and do only a few at a time. If you have persistent update failures go to: http://support.microsoft.com/ph/6527 for more information on what to do.
   
   Did you know you can get free help from Microsoft via email? day.https://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?gprid=6527&st=1&wfxredirect=1 &sd=gn Click on Continue and you will be taken to a page where you can describe the problem in detail. A Microsoft Tech Support Engineer will respond via email within 1 day.
10. Important: Create a Restore Point Before you delete any files or make changes your registry you should create a restore point(s). Orb>Search>Backup and Restore Center>Create a restore point or change settings>System Protection>Create>name the restore> Create> OK after the point is created. You can create as many as you like but Windows will remove the older points as you create more. Restart your computer.
11. Uninstall any programs you don't use anymore. Control Panel>Programs>Uninstall a program>pick out the programs. If you don't know what the program is do not delete it. Restart your computer.
12. Delete any Desktop Shortcut Icons you don't need. If they are shortcuts you can safely delete them. (Shortcuts have a small box with an arrow pointing to the top right.)
13. Make sure you make a Restore Point (see Step 10) before doing the following: Install and run CCleaner. Windows tab> Run Cleaner>OK>Analyze after running - should say 0 bytes to be removed. Run again if not 0 bytes. Click on Applications tab. should say 0 bytes. Click on Registry>Scan for issues. Click on Fix selected issues... Click on Yes to make a backup changes to the registry. Click on Save. Click on Fix All Selected Issues. Click Close. Click on Scan for Issues. Click on Yes. Keep doing this until it says "No issues were found."
14. Restart your computer.
15. Search for "defrag." Click on Disk Defragmenter>Configure schedule>Yes>setup your schedule from here.
16. I recommend you run a full scan for both MSE and Malwarebytes every week if you spend a lot time on the Internet or get a lot forward email from people. Try to limit the spam by filtering or clicking on the "Spam" button at the top of your email program. Once a day for a quick scan. Always, do a full scan if you think you have virus or malware on your system. Make sure you get the regular updates for the anti-virus and malware programs before you run the scans.