Computer Cleanup

1
Computer Cleanup

• Windows XP Professional
• ONLY

defrag
scandisk
Viruses
Windows Updates
cookies
Spyware
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2
Overview

• There are three conditions that affect how
  difficult it will be to clean-up your computer
• You periodically check the computer for problems,
  you dont download and install all the latest
  file sharing programs should clean up easy
• Your system is simply running slow from a lack of
  TLC, you have installed a few pieces of shareware
  going to involve some work
• Your system has a mind of its own - virus
  infected, or spyware infestation, you download
  and install anything that looks good can be
  quite involved, may require professional help

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3
Overview II

• Why should you clean-up your computer?
• Free up computer memory hard drive resources
• To allow your computer to run faster and safer
• Enable your network connections to function
  smoother

• What needs to be done to clean-up your computer?
• Update operating system to plug security holes
• Install, upgrade, update virus software to
  prevent virus attacks on your system
• Delete old files on your system
• Remove programs you no longer use
• Remove programs installed by other programs
• Remove programs installed secretly by web
  hijackers
• Stop programs you dont need running from
  launching at startup

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4
Using Computer Clean-Up

• Follow each step listed in the Main Menu slide
• installing, updating and repairing your system
  components
• Problems that occur in each step need to be fixed
• updates wont install virus that wont delete,
  web pages go wherever they want
• After fixing problems rerun each step
• Verify the problem is gone
• Some of these options may be beyond individual
  abilities
• Identification of bad files requires some
  research
• If done incorrectly, you can damage your
  operating system
• Error on the side of caution
• You should be able to complete all the steps
  without errors.
• Once you clean your computer Keep it clean

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5
WinXP Pro Clean-Up - Main Menu
DISCLAIMER - We provide no guarantee or warranty
to the suggested cleanup process. Improper
choices combined with individual situations can
be harmful to your computer. We cannot control
the current condition of your computer.
NOTE To update, install, or remove software,
you must be logged on as an administrator of the
computer. Never leave an administrator level
account without a logon password.

• Clean-Up Process
• Please follow these hyperlinks to learn more
  about each step
• Windows Updates
• Virus Software
• Internet FireWall
• File Clean-Up
• Program Clean-Up
• Spyware Clean-Up
• System Clean-Up

• IMPORTANT- Many program names listed in the areas
  to be cleaned you may not recognize as either
  good or bad programs. You dont want to
  unintentionally delete software you need to keep
• REVIEW EACH PROGRAM NAME BEFORE DELETING THEM
• Program References Links to sites with
  definitions of program names.
• http//www.sysinfo.org/startuplist.php

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1. Windows Updates
Your Windows operating system must be kept
up-to-date

• Windows system errors are used by hackers to
  access, and damage your computer
• You need to configure your PCs Windows Update
  connection
• Updates may fail if you have an illegal operating
  system

• There are three categories of updates
• Critical Updates and Service Packs - Security
  related updates necessary for safe operation on a
  network
• Windows - Enhancements or improvements to the
  Windows operating system
• Drivers - Changes or additional drivers for
  improved operation of installed devices
• -- Critical Updates are required for Windows on
  the Mercyhurst network --

Manual Updates Auto Updates
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Manual Update Windows Updates
MANUAL DOWNLOAD and INSTALL WINDOWS UPDATES
6. Select Review and Install Updates option
You must be part of the system administrator
group on your PC to run Windows updates
1. Double-click Internet Explorer icon
7. Select the Install Now button
2. Select Tools on the menu bar, in drop down
menu, select Windows Update
3. Connection to the Microsoft Windows Update
site
If there are No Critical Updates to install Your
system is up to date

• IMPORTANT NOTE
• Some updates cannot be installed in combination
  with other updates.
• These require you to install them separately.
• Rerun Windows Updates until
• No Critical Updates to install

4. Microsoft checks systems latest updates.
Opens Welcome to Windows Update window with
option Scan for Updates NOTE If software is
outdated, you get a download Security Warning
window to install the latest Windows
installer. Select Yes button to install. 5.
Select Scan for Updates to check your system
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Auto Updates Windows Updates

• Three options control how updates are downloaded
  and installed on your system
• 1. Notify me before downloading any updates and
  notify me again before installing them on my
  computer
• 2. Download the updates automatically and notify
  me when they are ready to be installed
• 3. Automatically download the updates and install
  them on the schedule that I specify

AUTO DOWNLOAD and INSTALL WINDOWS UPDATES
You must be part of the system administrator
group on your PC to run Windows updates
1. Right-Click the My Computer icon or select
Start and then right-click the My Computer
listing 2. Select Properties from the menu

• Recommend select No. 2 option
• Download the updates automatically and notify me
  when they are ready to be installed
• Windows finds updates that apply to your computer
  and downloads these updates in the background
  (you are not notified or interrupted during this
  process)
• After downloading is complete, an icon appears in
  the notification area with a balloon message
  saying that updates for your computer are ready
  to be installed
• To view and install the available updates, click
  the icon or the message. You can then select the
  specific updates that you want installed on your
  computer
• Most updates require that your computer be
  restarted for them to take affect

3. Select the Automatic Updates tab in the System
Properties window
For current update help select from the System
Properties window
4. Check the box next to the Keep My Computer Up
To Date setting
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2. Virus Software

• Need Virus software installed on computer
• Verify software is current not expired
• Run update process
• Download and install latest updates
• Run virus scan on the computer
• Configure software to schedule daily updates and
  scans

Quick Fixes Virus Tips
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Quick Fixes - Virus Software

• Virus software companies provide quick fixes for
  specific virus problems.
• Check each software site for the latest available
  fixes

• www.sophos.com - You need to search individual
  virus issues to see if they have a Resolve tool
  to fix it
• www.symantec.com - From their download page you
  can select from their list of Virus Removal
  Tools
• www.mcafee.com - From their download page you can
  select from their list of Virus Removal Tools
• http//free.avg.com/ - From their download page
  you can select from their list of Virus Removal
  Tools

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Virus Tips - Virus Software

• Virus Detection and Prevention Tips
• Run Windows Updates on your computer Set up to
  auto download latest updates
• Install Anti-Virus software on your computer
• Update your anti-virus software regularly. Over
  500 viruses are discovered each month
• Schedule daily virus scans of your computer
  system
• Do not open
• any files attached to an email from an unknown,
  suspicious or untrustworthy source.
• any files attached to an email unless you know
  what it is, even if it appears to come from a
  dear friend or someone you know. Some viruses can
  replicate themselves and spread through email.
  Better be safe than sorry and confirm that they
  really sent it.
• any files attached to an email if the subject
  line is questionable or unexpected. If the need
  to do so is there always save the file to your
  hard drive before doing so.
• Delete chain emails and junk email. Do not
  forward or reply to any to them. These types of
  email are considered spam, which is unsolicited,
  intrusive mail that clogs up the network.
• Do not download
• Files from strangers downloads are the primary
  source of spyware infestations.
• Exercise caution when downloading files from the
  Internet. Ensure that the source is a legitimate
  and reputable one. Verify that an anti-virus
  program checks the files on the download site. If
  you're uncertain, don't download the file at all
  or download the file to a floppy and test it with
  your own anti-virus software.
• Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus
  destroys your files, at least you can replace
  them with your back-up copy. You should store
  your backup copy in a separate location from your
  work files, one that is preferably not on your
  computer.
• When in doubt, always err on the side of caution
  and do not open, download, or execute any files
  or email attachments. Not executing is the more
  important of these caveats. Check with your
  product vendors for updates which include those
  for your operating system web browser, and email.

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3. Internet FireWall

• An Internet Firewall is used to provide the
  computer with a wall to keep out computer
  intruders hackers, programs, viruses, worms, or
  dangerous web sites.
• Firewalls require active participation by the
  user to configure what web content will be
  allowed and what will be prevented from accessing
  the computer
• Third-party firewalls are also available
• McAfee Personal Firewall Plus
  http//www.mcafee.com
• Symnatec Norton Personal Firewall
  http//www.symantec.com
• ZoneAlarm Firewall Protection -
  http//www.zonealarm.com
• Install and configure an Internet firewall - Many
  of the latest Internet worms could have been
  stopped simply by having an Internet firewall

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Configure WinXP SP1 Internet FireWall
Windows XP Internet Connection Firewall
Select Start Click Control Panel
Select Network and Internet Connections Selec
t Network Connections
Select the Advanced tab Checkmark the Protect my
computer and network by limiting or preventing
access to this computer from the Internet
Select the Local Area Connection you want to
protect Click Change settings of this connection
The firewall will block many tasks that use also
use everyday. The firewall will need to be
configured to allow these tasks to occur. For
more specific information select Learn more
about Internet Connection Firewall for additional
help
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4. File Clean-Up

• PreFetch Folder - Delete all files in
  c\windows\prefetch folder
• Windows XP can "prefetch" frequently used files,
  processes appear to load faster. The prefetch
  folder becomes overloaded with files no longer
  used, slowing system performance. The entire
  contents are safe to delete.
• When you restart your PC, it may initially boot a
  little slower, as prefetch reloads frequently
  used programs

• Temp Folder - Delete all files in the
  c\windows\temp folder
• Do Not Delete - System folders (Cookies,
  Temporary Internet, History, Sophos)
• The Temp folder is a holding area for files that
  are used by various software. WinXP has added
  Temporary Internet, Cookies, and History folders
  you should not delete those folders, or virus
  software folders.
• Unless you have directed software to use the Temp
  folder as a storage, you should be able to delete
  all other folders and files in the Temp folder.

• Internet Explorer 7.0 - Temporary Internet Files
  Cookies
• Delete Temporary Internet Files and Cookies
  (Clear Cache)
• Open Internet Explorer
• Select Tools from menu, select Internet Options
  from drop down menu
• In the Internet Options window, select General
  tab
• Select Delete Files button to remove your
  Temporary Internet files, select OK button on
  Delete Files window
• Select the Delete Cookies button to remove your
  stored cookies, select OK button on Delete
  Cookies window
• Select OK button on Internet Options to close
  window
• When you access web pages, the files that make up
  those pages and related cookie files are
  downloaded to your computer. It is from these
  files that the browser loads the pages you view.
  These files can usually be deleted without
  issues. Deleting cookies can cause some sites to
  load differently.

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• Empty the Recycle Bin

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5. Program Clean-Up
Use the following programs with extreme care

• Windows Startup Folder
• Shortcuts to start programs automatically when
  you start your computer. They execute quickly,
  but depletes your system resources.
• Add or Remove Programs Tool
• List of properly installed programs written for
  windows.
• SFC
• System File Checker (sfc.exe) is a command-line
  utility, which gives an administrator the ability
  to scan all protected files to verify their
  versions. it retrieves the correct version of the
  file from the cache folder or the Windows
  installation source files, and then replaces the
  incorrect file.
• Regedit
• regedit.exe is the configuration editor for
  Windows XP. This editor allows you to view or
  modify the Windows registry. On the leftside,
  there are folders that represent registry keys.
  On the right side,there are the values associated
  with the selected registry key. Regedit is a
  powerful tool. You must use extreme caution when
  you use it to change registry values. Missing or
  incorrect values in the registry can make the
  Windows installation unusable.

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Windows Startup Folder

• Windows Startup Folder Select - Start All
  Programs Startup
• How do programs get in the startup folder?
• New software may install a shortcut to their
  program in the Startup folder. The program will
  start automatically when you start your computer.
  They execute more quickly, but depletes your
  system resources, causing your computer to boot
  up slower and have less resources available for
  other programs.
• To check your Startup folder
• Click on the Start button
• Choose All Programs
• Select Startup from the program list.
• Program shortcuts launched during startup process
• How do you clean up the Startup folder?
• The Startup folder contains shortcuts to the
  programs. Deleting the shortcuts will not remove
  the programs, only their ability to be launched
  automatically
• Verify what a program does before you arbitrarily
  delete it from the startup folder
• Some items need to be started to protect your
  system (Virus updates), or to provide services
  you have chosen to open.
• A common unnecessary item is the Fast Find
  service that Microsoft Office puts in the
  startup. It can safely be deleted.
• If you have unrecognizable items
• Use a Google search to find out what the program
  runs http//www.google.com/
• Determine if you want that program to run

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Add or Remove Programs Tool

• Add or Remove Programs Select - Start Control
  Panel Add or Remove Programs
• CAUTION Removing a program in Add or Remove
  Program window should completely uninstall the
  program from your computer. If a program is
  removed accidentally, use original source media
  (floppy, CD) to reinstall the program .
• How to remove an installed program
• Click Start
• Click Control Panel
• Double-click Add or Remove Programs
• In the Currently installed programs box
• Click the program that you want to remove
• Click Change (or Change/Remove) button
• If you are prompted to confirm the removal of the
  program, click Yes
• Some programs may require you to restart your
  computer to complete the removal process
• Troubleshooting
• Be sure program you click in Add or Remove
  Programs tool is the program you want to remove
  from your computer.

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SFC Program
SFC Program Select - Start Run type sfc
/scannow, Select OK System File Checker
(sfc.exe) is a command-line utility used to scan
protected files to verify their versions. If
System File Checker discovers that a protected
file has been overwritten, it retrieves the
correct version of the file from the cache
folder, or the Windows installation source files
(CDs), and then replaces the incorrect
file. System File Checker also checks and
repopulates the cache folder. \ If the cache
folder becomes damaged or unusable you can use
sfc /scannow, sfc /scanonce, or sfc /scanboot
commands to repair its contents You must log on
as an administrator or a member of the
Administrators group to use the Start the System
File Checker utility click Start click
Run type sfc /scannow in the Run box click
OK. The program will check your cache
folder The program may ask for your WinXP CD if
your cache folder is corrupted.
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Regedit Program
Regedit Program Select - Start Run type
regedit, Select OK

• The Registry Editor window has a list of HKEY
  main folders.
• HKCU HKEY_CURRENT_USER
• HKLM HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
• Note - some keys may not exist
• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKCU\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\Run
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\RunServices
  
• HKLM\Software\Microsoft\CurrentVersion\RunServices
  Once
• The various Run keys contain files to launch
  programs at startup.
• Leftside folders represent registry keys
• Right side values associate with the selected
  registry key.
• To Remove program files from starting

WARNING If you use Registry Editor incorrectly,
you may cause serious problems that may require
you to reinstall your operating system. Use
Registry Editor at your own risk.
Start the regedit utility click Start click
Run type regedit in Run box click OK You
want to remove unwanted programs from being
launched automatically at startup.. Regedit gives
you access to the keys and subkeys that start the
programs. These can then be manually
removed. IMPORTANT! Read twice delete once These
keys do not remove the items from your computer,
it disables their capability to be autoloaded at
startup. Of course you will need to understand
what program each file name represents. This
requires research. If you have unrecognizable
program files Use Google to find out
information about the program http//www.google.co
m/
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6. Spyware Clean-Up

• Three useful tools for cleaning out spyware
  tracking programs and web browser hijackers
• Each program needs
• Install on your computer
• Download current Updates
• Scan and repair your system

IMPORTANT - Some software that uses spy or adware
include in their license agreement, a general
prohibition against modifying the software, or
the prohibition against usage of the software
without those 'bots'. Please read your license
agreements first!

• We recommend to install and run
• AdAware
• SpyBot

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AdAware
Lavasoft Inc.
Ad-aware Standard is free for individual use only
Download Sites - latest AdAware
version http//www.lavasoft.de/ http//www.downlo
ad.com/ http//majorgeeks.com/
Ad-aware can scan and clean your system for known
data-mining, advertising, and tracking components

• Install AdAware software - Double click the
  install icon
• Select Next button (install)
• Select Next button (license)
• Select Next button (destination folder)
• Select Next button (check mark on user manual
  only)
• Next (Start Install)
• Finish

Run AdAware software - Double click Ad-aware
icon Check for updates (Select update
icon) Select Connect button in update window If
update available, select OK button in
download-install window Select Finish button when
update-download complete Start AdAware scan Start
Next buttons to begin default scan When scan
complete Review all items selected Right-click
item for menu Select Select all objects Next
button, xxx objects will be removed Select OK
button Select Finish button, then X to close
program
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• Install from here
• click exe icon

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SpyBot
Spybot-SD http//www.spybot.info/
Spybot - Search Destroy can detect and remove
spyware from your computer. A premier ad and
spyware killer, SpyBot removes tracking cookies,
keyloggers, adware and spyware files. Spybot-SD
is free
Download Sites - latest SpyBot version
http//www.spybot.info/

• Install SpyBot
• Download file, double click the Install icon
• Select English in language window Next button
• Select Next in Wizard window
• Check accept license, select Next
• In components window main files only Next
• Start folder Next
• Tasks window create desktop icon Next
• Install window Install
• Select Finish button when complete

Run SpyBot Double click the SpyBot icon First Run
Wizard - Options to change configuration Check
for Updates - Select Search for updates, then
download latest changes Start SpyBot Scan -
Select Check for problems - Review results -
Select Fix selected problems
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Install from here click exe icon
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7. System Clean-Up

• Empty the Recycle Bin
• Right-click icon, select Empty Recycle Bin
• Scan the hard drive
• Defragment the hard drive

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Scan Hard Drive

• Open My Computer, right-click c drive icon
• Select Properties, select Tools tab
• Select Check Now in Error Checking option

• In Check Disk window
• Check mark Auto fix file errors
• Check mark scan / recover bad sectors
• Select Start button

• In pop up window
• Select Yes button to run scan disk on restart
• Scan disk option will run when computer
  restarted.

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Defragment Hard Drive

• Restart computer in Safe Mode
• Open My Computer, right-click c drive icon
• Select Properties, select Tools tab
• Select Defragment Now in Defragmentation option

• In Disk Defragment window
• Select Defragment button
• When done defragmenting,
• Close defrag window and restart computer

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