Cleaning up my computer
August 23 2006 at 4:11 PM Maxine (Premier Login MaxineS)
Forum Owner
StaceyK is here and has been working on my computer off and on all day to make it run faster. I am going to tell you what she did, and in some cases how to do it, so that you can do the same if you wish.

DISK CLEANUP--The first thing she did was clean up the disk. This made an immediate difference. From the Start menu, go to Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, then Disk Cleanup. This first allows you to calculate how much space you can free up on the C drive, and then gives you the opportunity to do it.

DEFRAGGING--The next thing she did was defrag my hard drive. If you have not done this in a long time, it can literally take hours. Follow the map above, but when you get to System Tools, click on Defragging. This rearranges your files into an orderly sequence that allows the computer to read them easier (think: faster).

DELETED NORTON'S--Not as easy as it sounds! This actually took a couple of hours, since Norton's is insidious and works its way into places you'd never expect. If you decide to do this, take your problems to www.symantec.com.

AVG, a free anti-virus program (and very good) had already been installed (by me). Download it at www.grisoft.com. Note: I used this program on a previous computer and it is EXCELLENT.

INSTALLED KERIO, which is a free firewall that operates well with AVG. Find it at http://www.sunbelt-software.com/dl.cfm?id=2006082313353148915.

CLEANED UP THE START MENU, so that I don't open 10 programs every time I start the computer. All of these programs are still available through the Start menu; they just don't automatically launch. My toolbar at the bottom of the page now shows only AVG, Kerio and (in my case) an external hard drive.

INSTALLED FIREFOX, another freebie, in place of Internet Explorer. Explorer is still on the computer, but Firefox is quicker, more secure and eliminates spyware. Find it at www.firefox.com.

Now...she didn't do this, because I already had, but there are a couple of other tasks you might need. If you need to clean your cookies, from Internet Explorer click on Tools, then Internet Options, and you will be able to clean cookies and temp files and clear your history. On Firefox, go to Tools, then Options, and go from there.

Stacey says I won't need a spyware program if I use Firefox...but I sure did when I was using Internet Explorer. Lately, I've used the one that came with the computer, but a good free one is www.spybot.com.

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RR =: )
(Login RR-KS)
The Frugalista Files
ok, how do you ...
August 23 2006, 6:17 PM

"clean up the start menu" so so many programs don't automatically launch themselves?

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StaceyK
(Premier Login MaxineS)
Forum Owner
Re: ok, how do you ...
August 23 2006, 7:19 PM

Well, one of two ways...

1) Check the task bar and see what programs are running in the background. Then, open each program and get into the preferences and look for an option for starting on bootup, and uncheck it.

2) go to Start, Run, and type in MSConfig. Click on the startup tab, and you'll see a whole list of programs and services that start when you boot the computer. You can uncheck just about everything... Leave stuff you can't identify alone, as well as your virus and firewall systems. All the rest, like AIM, Messenger, Adobe, etc can go.

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Beverly
(Login BeverlySue)
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Thanks for all this info and a ?
August 23 2006, 7:39 PM

When I click control-alt-delete and click on processes there is a bajillion of them. How many should be running?? How do I delete them? I am not always sure about what they are so I am afraid to delete.

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StaceyK
(Premier Login MaxineS)
Forum Owner
Re: Thanks for all this info and a ?
August 23 2006, 8:45 PM

Unless you really know what you are doing, don't mess with the processes - you can create odd problems with programs by doing that. Stick to the add/remove programs, or if you think a specific program is running, try to get into it and find an option to stop it from starting by itself.

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Sandy in MI
(Login SandyinMI)
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compressed files
August 24 2006, 7:51 AM

In the disk cleanup, if I compress old files can they still be accessed?

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RR =: )
(Login RR-KS)
The Frugalista Files
yes
August 24 2006, 8:18 AM

n/t

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Viv
(Login TexasViv)
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Re: Cleaning up my computer
August 24 2006, 2:28 PM

Thanks, as a non computer person I need all the held I can get. I printed this out and will try each, one at at time. I already do the disk cleanup and defragging routinely. I too have AVG and also have Adaware - I think Maxine told me about both when I first got my computer. I have Spybot but it seldom seems to be able to load all the updates - ?. I keep my cookies and temp files deleted and AVG and Ad-Aware updated regularly.

I really want to delete all virsus. I ran AVG a couple of weeks ago and had a "worm" which I deleted of course. I went to www.symantec.com and reviewed the removal tools - long list - and will have to go back to that one.

I will look at Kerio and Firefox and install them since I trust Max.

I looked at the start menu and lots of things show but the task bar at the bottom of my screen only shows the things I know are running. Since I am not computer smart about the behind the scenes workings - am I missing something? I was afraid to uncheck the items listed in the start menu since, as I said, I am not computer smart about things like that.

Viv

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StaceyK
(Login Stacey_K)
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Startup items
August 25 2006, 11:34 AM

I wish there was a way to cut and paste these items... but... The Command column will give you a hint to what the items are.

On my computer, I left checked the following.
(these first three are drivers)
atiptaxx
cli
NVMixer
(this and the next are AVG virus stuff)
avgcc
avgemc
(more drivers)
ATICatalyst
SATARRaid
(these two don't really need to be here, but I like them)
LifeDriveManager
Hotsync Manager

These are the ones I unchecked...
(printer stuff)
hpmcmgr
HpWuSchd2
HP digital imaging
HP image zone
(other misc)
JuSchd (java)
RealSchd (real player)
Adobe Reader
Microsoft Office

Just to start, I'd uncheck anything you can identify like printer software, adobe ( a big memory hog), realplayer or windows media, messenger, and office. They will still be accessible - they just won't be 'prelaunched'. Really does speed up your computer if you can get rid of some of that.

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Beverly
(Login BeverlySue)
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I cannot figure out how to get Yahoo Messenger or
August 25 2006, 12:25 PM

Quicktime off my start-up. I have looked at options and can't find what I need. Where do you go to get the list of start-ups?

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StaceyK
(Login Stacey_K)
The Frugalista Files
Re: I cannot figure out how to get Yahoo Messenger or
August 25 2006, 1:23 PM

From the start menu, click on the Run command (usually lower right of the meun), then type in msconfig. From the resulting menu, click on the furthest right tab which should be 'startup' and look for anything relating to yahoo msgr or quicken and uncheck the boxes. The computer will display a message upon reboot, making sure you know you are doing a 'selective' startup. Just click that you don't wan't to see the message again, and okay it.

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Beverly
(Login BeverlySue)
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I tried that but when I type in msconfig
August 25 2006, 1:56 PM

It says it cannot find msconfig or its components.

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StaceyK
(Login Stacey_K)
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that's weird
August 25 2006, 4:52 PM

I guess you could just delete Yahoo messenger completely.

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Sandy in MI
(Login SandyinMI)
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about Spybot
August 25 2006, 4:42 PM

I've had trouble getting all the updates to load too. Ive been successful when I check only one box at a time, let it load, and then do the next one. I don't know why this makes a difference or if it's only coincidence, but it has been working so far.

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Maxine
(Premier Login MaxineS)
Forum Owner
Viv, only StaceyK knows how stupid I am with computers...
August 27 2006, 4:31 PM

...but thank you for the compliments.

You can set AVG to come on automatically at a certain time and update daily. I have it set for 1 or 2 a.m., and since I'm rarely on at that hour, it comes on the first time I turn on the computer for the day. I might have to do some thinkin' to remember how to do this, but it was really easy (just finding the right screen and checking the right box).

Listen to Stacey--she really does know! (and if she doesn't, she asks her brothers).

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Maxine
(Premier Login MaxineS)
Forum Owner
Here is how to schedule automatic updates for AVG
August 27 2006, 9:10 PM

Click on the AVG icon on your desktop.

Click on Scheduler.

Click on Edit Schedule. A dialog box will come up.

Check both boxes and select a time from the pull-down. Note that if you check both boxes, and your computer is not on at the scheduled time, that it will update when you next turn on the computer.

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TX2
(Login TX2)
The Frugalista Files
a defrag queston
August 25 2006, 12:39 PM

I have defragged monthly for a long time, but for the past couple of months my computer will NOT degrag. I start it and leave it running all night and when I check in the morning..it shows 0% complete. No error message,nothing, just like it's trying to do it; it just can't. Any ideas? TIA.

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StaceyK
(Login Stacey_K)
The Frugalista Files
you might try..
August 25 2006, 1:20 PM

I had that problem with mine, and found that I have to disable the screen saver, and edit the power options so that the computer will not sleep, hibernate, or shut-down by itself after a predetermined period of time. Also make sure you are using an Administator account, not a guest or limited account.

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richinny
(Login richinny)
The Frugalista Files
also check
August 25 2006, 5:53 PM

your antivirus and any program that is times to do anything, in fact close all the running programs you can. when programs start up running to do things, the drfrag restarts. that can go on forever!

Tnetter (Login TxNet)
The Frugalista Files
I was just going over Maxine's thread from Aug. 06 when StaceyK was working on Maxine's computer. My dd's Norton expired & she never thought to tell me, and has been complaining about tons of popups. I thought for now she should download the free anti-virus at AVG, and uninstall Norton. However, when she tried to uninstall, it asked her for her uninstall password. She doesn't have an uninstall password. Is there a way around that? And how do we find all the places Norton has infiltrated from the Symantec website? I told her to put the word "uninstall" in their search box & all it came up with were the regular directions of go to start, control panel, blah, blah, blah.


Maxine
(Premier Login MaxineS)
Forum Owner
Stacey knows this one!
February 28 2007, 6:16 PM

But I've forgotten. We had this problem, too, and spent forever getting through to technical support. I think Stacey might be working, but I'll try to give her a call and find out. I remember it's one of those things you say "Duh!" about when you find out..... Stay tuned.


Tnetter
(Login TxNet)
The Frugalista Files
Could you also ask her
February 28 2007, 6:18 PM

If there is a free popup blocker? Or is that part of spyware blocker? I am going to have dd download firefox since she goes to MySpace so much.


Stacey_K
(Login Stacey_K)
The Frugalista Files
I think (post contains step-by-step instructions)
February 28 2007, 6:30 PM

it might be something stupid like, password, or symantec. if not you'll have to do what Maxine did and spend a hour or so on the phone to talk to them. the only true way to get completely rid of norton is to format the computer. Deleting it using the password and uninstall on Maxines, along with the below, was sufficient to get it to lie dormant.

1. Click on Start | Settings | Control Panel
2. In the control panel double-click on Add / Remove Programs
3. Look through the list of installed programs for any item that says either "Norton" or "Symantec" or "LiveUpdate". (for example "Symantec AntiVirus Corporate Edition" or "Norton AntiVirus 2000")
4. For each "Norton", "Symantec", or "LiveUpdate" item, select the item and click Add / Remove. Follow the instructions, and click Yes or Yes to all when prompted.
When you are done there should be no items in the list that say "Norton", "Symantec", or "LiveUpdate".
5. Click OK to close the Add / Remove Programs window.
6. Reboot your computer if it hasn't already automatically rebooted.
7. Delete the c:\Program Files\Symantec AntiVirus (or c:\Program Files\Norton) folder.
8. Delete the c:\Program Files\Symantec folder.
9. Delete the c:\Program Files\Common Files\Symantec Shared folder.

as for pop-up blockers, most browsers now (if you've updated them) have them already. IE and Firefox both have effective pop-up blockers, free.

and use AVG grisoft for your new virus protection. http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1>;


Stacey_K
(Login Stacey_K)
The Frugalista Files
registry files
February 28 2007, 6:38 PM

the problem with norton is it gets into your registry files. there are ways to remove it from the registry, but I would not recommend for the average PC user. In Maxines case, we did not touch the registry, and the computer ran just fine. If however you find the computer locking up, or having problems with the new antivirus, it could be a registry conflict. If so, you can try messing with the registry, or do a format and reinstall Windows. Course if you are looking at that option, I guess you'd have nothing to lose by playing with the registry first.

edit to add from Microsoft: WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.


Maxine
(Premier Login MaxineS)
Forum Owner
Tnetter, when you get the password right...
February 28 2007, 9:44 PM

Be sure to post it. When this thread plays out, I will add it to the thread that is already in the archives.

I think you're really going to enjoy having AVG on your computer. I've never had a virus and it is so easy! Be sure to set it up so that it automatically updates once a day.


Tnetter
(Login TxNet)
The Frugalista Files
The Symantec people post contains password
March 1 2007, 8:43 AM

said if you use the Symantec Removal Tool http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/nsw.nsf/docid/2001090708472107?OpenDocument&seg=en&lg=en&ct=us, you don't need a password.

It didn't work for us, just kept sending us back to the Control Panel Add/Remove. They said it was because we had a corporate version.

I did find on one of my searches of their website, that the password is symantec.


Tnetter
(Login TxNet)
The Frugalista Files
I couldn't get Symantec off her computer
March 1 2007, 8:40 AM

Even talked with them via live chat twice. Seems it is a corporate edition, which means the guy who built her computer put it on. They said I need to talk to another department. I think at this point it will be easier to take it to a computer friend of ours. Dh has something on his computer that needs to be fixed too.

I did download the AVG for her, but she's still getting a ton of popups. It found & eliminated 3 things. I'm surprised it wasn't 300.


Barb
(Login BarbVT)
The Frugalista Files
Here's the link at Symantec
February 28 2007, 7:24 PM

It will remove all of Norton from your system, even from the files it has attached itself to. Someone posted this last fall and it was the only way I could get it off my computer. The ADD/REMOVE program on my computer wouldn't do it. Hope it works for you. It's from the company that makes Norton and they assume you want to reinstall it after you have removed it. You just don't do that.

http://service1.symantec.com/SUPPORT/tsgeninfo.nsf/docid/2005033108162039

The following is from Tnetter--I was trying to download AVG & Kerio today & these links were on the archive link but didn't work for me:

AVG direct link to free version: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/1>; It's in the collection of replies under the main post in a reply by Stacey about 3/4 down the page.

This is the link I found: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-spyware/us/frt/0

Subelt software Kerio firewall: http://free.grisoft.com/doc/download-free-anti-spyware/us/frt/0 It's in the main post close to the top.

This is the link I found: http://www.sunbelt-software.com/Home-Home-Office/Sunbelt-Personal-Firewall/Download/

Tnetter
What is a good, safe website to download Java?

I keep getting an error message telling me my java needs to be updated & then the page freezes before I can click on their update link.


Stacey
Sun Microsystems
July 1 2008, 9:00 AM

I think there are different flavors of Java, like different browsers.

Here's the one I use. After seeing your post I just checked mine and my last update was 11/07, so I just ran the update process without any problems. I'd suggest going into your add/remove programs, completely remove your current version of Java, and start over if you are getting errors.

http://www.java.com/en/download/index.jsp

And to confuse you even more, Sun has three flavors of java themselves...
Sun Microsystems (SUNW) is refashioning its Java technology to reflect the fact that all computers are not created equal.

At its JavaOne developer conference next week, the company's JavaSoft division will announce three new "flavors" of Java called Personal, Embedded, and Card, according to industry sources.