Is there any way to "clean" a computer up?

[milk]

I was wondering if there was any way to clean a computer up, so that it resembles what it was like when first purchased? Can you clean away all the internet files, cookies, downloaded files, games and other programs? Is there anyway to completely reset your computer to get rid of everything? Or is it that once you have "de-virginized" your comp, its dirty forever?

[jpm]

You can return your computer to the state it was when you bought it if you have all the software available which was installed when you first had it.
To 'clean' a PC there are several levels.

FORMAT: Deletes everything on your hard drive including the operating system. Only suggest if you have a real problem or want to change your operating system. This is rather drastic and only do it if you know how to put your OS back.
Disk defrag: This tidies rather than cleans. All those files on your HD will be scattered all over the place. This program sorts them all out and speed up your system.
Clean up (its not called this: I'm working on a Mac). This gives you an option of removing files downloaded, empty your recycle bin, delete programs you don't want.
There are pleny more but these are the ones that come to mind.
Again let me stress FORMAT is a big program which will turn that slight curious computer into a crap box of electronics that does nothing. Look up how to use FORMAT before using it. I didn't and it took a while to get a computer back.

[darm]

I agree with jpm, as long as you have an Operating System (ie. Windoze 98,ME or 2000) to install I would just format the Hard Disc and re-install windoze.
Regards http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

[geebee76]

Hi Milk,
I wouldn't advise you to format and re-instal Windows at this stage unless you are having real problems.

Yes! you can clear out those old files and programs and I would practise this before going any further.

Firstly go to Run in the Start Menu and type Regedit and click OK.
Next click Registry and Export Registry file. Save this file somewhere like My Docs and name it something like Goodreg. If something goes wrong when you clean out your computer you can restore the registry again.

Try to remove programs using their own un-install feature or in add/remove programs in the Control Panel.
If you are unsure whether to remove a file or not, leave it in the Recycle bin for a few days before emtying it. You can then restore it if your computer is unhappy.
Go to Internet Options in Control Panel to clear out your Internet files and Cookies. You can also set the size of your Internet Cache here.

Check through this Forum for links to small programs that will help you to keep your machine clean.

Hope this helps http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by geebee76 (edited 07-20-2001).]

[kayofcircles]

Two articles on operating system decay and instructions for rebuilding puter to its original sparkle: ZDNet (http://www.zdnet.com/zdhelp/stories/main/0,5594,2531288,00.html)
MaxPC (http://www.maximumpc.com/reprint/clean_start/index.html)

I know someone who has done the last procedure, and I am hoping he will post his experiences and results as soon as he recovers from a badly sprained right wrist and can type again. I am thinking of doing the same, but haven't acquired all the software yet.

[ranchdog]

De-Virginized my computer....Let me write that down. http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/biggrin.gif

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......Indecision may or may not be my problem......

[jpm]

kayofcircles: I do that your friend didn't hurt his wrist from de-viginising his computer. If it he has I don't know where he is going to post his experience!
http://www.PCGuide.com/ubb/wink.gif