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When you get a new pc it will be fast and responsive. But over time it will begin to slow down as you add and remove programs, neglecting to remove temporary internet files and an endless assult of spam emails.

To get an idea of the state of your hard drive, it's worth downloading SpaceMonger from Werkema.com This is a tiny program that gives a very good graphical representation of your hard disk so you can see where all the junk is concentrated.

If you have programs installed onto your computer that you never use or wont miss, then why not remove them. Assuming that you have original discs they came with, you can always reinstall them later.

Go to Start, Control Panel and select Add/Remove Programs. Windows will bring up a list of programs that you can uninstall. Wait for the list to be populated (it might take a while) Then go through and blitz any unwanted programs.

Unfortunately, the window unistaller isn't perfect and sometimes leaves behind some files on your hard disk

Thankfully there are third party uninstaller programs that can do the task.

ZSoft Uninstaller from Zsoft Software

QuikUninstall from Crazy Pug

Getting rid of unwanted programs is just part of the process. A full data clear-out is what is needed. Go to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools and then click on Disk Cleanup.

Disk Cleanup purges your drive of temporary internet files,temporary windows files and downloaded program components (such as ActiveX controls). It can also empty your recycle bin, uninstall unwanted programs and remove windows components you dont use. It even has the option of deleting all but the most recent System Restore points.

For a really comprehensive spring clean it's worth downloading and installing a program such a CCleaner . This removes the same unwanted files as Disk Cleanup does, but also devoures left-over debris from various other third party programs, and can fix Registary problems too.

Also try:
Advanced Disk Cleaner from Innovative Solutions

HDCleaner from ZData Software

Once you've cleaned out as much junk as possible reload SpaceMonger to see the results of your efforts.

No matter how security conscious you are, it is likely that at some time you will pick some Viruses, Trojans, Worms or Spyware. Purge you PC of these and get it working better and faster than before.

There is no shortage of virus checkers available and it is vital that you have a reliable one installed.

AVG Free Anti-Virus by Grisoft

Avast 4 Home Edition by Avast

Spyware busters

By far the best program we've come accross is Ewido Anti-maleware. It can almost be guaranteed to find problem software or rouge cookies on your system the first time you run it.
The trial version never expires but some of the more powerful features are only available for the first 14 days of use. There is also a very effective online scanner.

Also try installing and running one of these:

AdAware

Microsoft Windows Defender

Spybot - Search & Destroy

SpywareBlaster

SpyCatcher Express

Having cleaned out the clutter and cleansed your system of toxins it's time to get everything toned up.

When you start up your computer various programs are loaded along with windows. These probably include your anti-virus, printer monitoring software and MSN Messenger. Some you will want loaded, others you wont. To specify which programs should start with windows go to Start, then click Run and type msconfig in the box and click OK. Click on the startup tab. Untick the programs you dont want to run automatically, click on

Apply and restart your computer. If you are not sure what something is or what it does, it's safest just to leave it alone. Or you could just download Autoruns which does the same job as MSConfig but provides a description of what each program is, who publised it and where it is installed.

Over time your hard disk can develop problems or become corrupt. It's worth running the Error-Checking tool Chkdsk on it from time to time. To run this select My Computer, right click on your C drive and select Properties. On the Tools tab click the Check Now button and in the following box put a tick next to both Automatically Fix File System Errors and Scan For and Attempt Recovery of Bad Sectors.

Scanning your hard disk can take some time and you wont be able to stop it once it's started, so be prepared to wait.

Windows comes with a built-in defragmentation utility, which you can use by clicking Start, selecting Programs. Accessories and choosing System Tools. Depending on the state of your hard disk, defragging can be a lengthy process and you shouldn't use your computer while it's in action.

You could try:

SpeedDefrag

Power Defragmenter GUI

To give your computer a little extra oomph you can customise the way windows starts and acts.
You could try a program such as:

FreshUI

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