Clean your Windows!

If your computer seems really slow, it may be time for some internal spring cleaning to get it up to scratch again

BY SUNIL RANADIVE

Remember when your computer was shiny and new? Windows ran smoothly, applications opened fast and error messages were few. Over time you may have noticed some changes, though. As applications were installed, patched, upgraded and uninstalled, as data files were created or downloaded, and perhaps as the occasional virus or malware jumped in (and hopefully was promptly squashed by your protection software), your shiny new PC began to slow down. Between leftover temporary files, changes to the configuration files, and other debris often left behind by normal applications, it’s no surprise that your computer is slower, less reliable, and more prone to errors than it was when you first unboxed it. The best way to give your computer a new lease of life is to wipe all of the information and start again with a new software load, commonly known as a ‘rebuild’ or a ‘wipe & reload’.

Computer experts regularly rebuild their own computers to restore their performance, and sometimes it’s a better alternative than trying to remove a particularly nasty virus. However, before the rebuild proceeds, there are a number of things that you can do to make the process easier:

1. Know where you’ve been saving your files If you create a new document or copy some photos from your digital camera, where do you save those files? Whilst it is possible to search for common file types, it’s a much quicker process if you have your data structure well organized. This also facilitates easy backup. Apart from saved documents, photos etc, you may wish to backup emails and your browser bookmarks.

2. Know what software you use If you use any specific software packages (such as accounting, sales or customer management software), check other locations for hidden data. These types of software can store your information in locations which may not be obvious.

3. Know your account details Your computer may be set to store and ‘remember’ your login details for certain websites. This information will be lost during a rebuild and will need to be re- entered, so make sure you have a list of any usernames and passwords. You may also have username, password and mail server details in your email client that will need to be re-entered.

4. Locate your software installation files Get into the habit of storing all your software CDs in one box, to make it easy to find the original files when you need them for reinstalling. If your software was obtained via an internet download, store all downloads in one folder on your computer (eg: name ‘Source’). You also may need to provide a serial number, license number or product key, which would have been supplied when you originally purchased the software. Keep these details filed in a box or in a folder on your computer to ensure they can be easily retrieved for the rebuild.

If you own a brand name computer like HP/Compaq or Dell, you may not have the Windows CD. Instead you’ll have “Restore/ Recovery CD” or a hidden partition on your hard drive that will return your system to the state it was in when it left the factory. Many laptop manufacturers do not supply CDs with the laptop. Instead a program is provided on the laptop to create your own recovery or restore CDs or DVDs. Make sure you have created such restore or recovery CDs or DVDs.

5. Your computer’s new look If you’ve spent some time customizing icons, menus, screensaver etc, much of this will be lost as your computer returns to the default software settings. Take a photo of your menu layout before the rebuild or take the opportunity to create a new look afterwards.

Once you’ve got Windows going after the reinstall, ensure you install up to date anti-virus software before you connect to internet. When the anti-virus software is installed, connect to the internet and update this software. Browse to Windows Update and download all critical updates for your version of Windows. In fact, it is a good idea to visit the websites of the hardware used in your computer and check for any driver updates. Finally reinstall all your software and restore data. Keep in mind these software manufacturers too may have released updates or service packs. Download and install these updates. You can now customize Windows to your liking. It’s all done!