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General discussion

Help me keep my Windows 7 machine running lean, clean, and mean

Feb 19, 2010 1:27AM PST
Question:

Help me keep my Windows 7 machine running lean, clean, and mean


A few years back, you published a terrific piece of
information on how to keep your Windows XP running lean,
clean, and mean. That discussion proved to be incredibly
helpful in keeping my computer in a healthy state all these
years and I'm grateful for all the advice from your members.

Well, today I have moved on to a new computer with Windows 7
and I would like revisit those good housekeeping practices.
If you can please provide me with a checklist with details of
the things necessary of keeping this new machine running
smoothly, I would really appreciate it. Thank you in advance!

--Submitted by Luis O. of San Juan, Puerto Rico

Here are some featured member answers to get you started, but please read all the advice and suggestions that our
members have contributed to this question. And if you have any additional advice or personal experience to share, please feel free to join in and post them here.

Windows 7 - Error Free??? --Submitted by charleswsheets
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3251519#3251519

Keeping your new Windows 7 PC running lean, clean and mean --Submitted by mddy
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3251754#3251754

I have always found this site useful --Submitted by WintermuteX
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3251451#3251451

Here are some tips from forum moderator John Wilkinson --Submitted by Lee
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3256565#3256565

Link only, Optimize Windows 7 for better performance --Submitted by Lee
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=3256601#3256601

Thank you to all who contributed!

If you have any additional recommedations or tips for Luis, click on the reply link and submit it. Please be as detailed as possible in your answer. Thanks!

Discussion is locked

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Keeping Your new WIndows 7 PC running lean, clean and mean
Feb 27, 2010 5:21AM PST

One point that I must disagree with is: Windows automatic update and install.
I have often been in the middle of editing important work, when SNAP the PC restarts because of updates. Set to ask first in order to save a lot of hassle.
Many thanks to all of the helpful people out there

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keeping your windows 7 clean and mean
Mar 5, 2010 2:41PM PST

hai,that is easy a good cleaning program such tune up or system mechanic 8,uniblue,1 clicx will help you to do this not only for windows 7 but all xp and vista,for normal xp ,is also free BOOTVIS,not more than 5 icons on desktop,do a map and put evrything on it keep antivirus icon,mail,my documents and my computer,never install moore than 1 antivirus or security program they are in conflict and your computer bug and is slow use a version like ultimate 7not home or premium and evrithing will be just fine

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running windows lean and mean
Feb 19, 2010 11:46PM PST

I'm still running XP. Is the article you mention for keeping XP running lean and mean still available? If yes, can someone email me where to find it. Thank you, thomas@thomashughesvideo.com

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SERVICING OR TUNING UP XP
Feb 27, 2010 2:31AM PST

Quote from XP Magic Secrets

To get XP to run fast and smooth XP depends on a number of factors:

a REG CLEANER = I use 4 = CCleaner ( do not use advanced functions ) + IOBit ASC3 ( Smart Ram may slow your computer ) + Comodo System Cleaner + PAYWARE JV16 Power Tools for adv users only.They all clean little bits that the others have missed.

b DEFRAGMENTER = IOBit Smart Defrag, do not use Auto Defrag.

c REG DEFRAGMENTER = Free registry defragmenter

d SERVICES TWEAK = Google this, it really increases speed & smoothness, but you'll need an expert to do this for you. I have made up a manual that takes 20 mins to institute, and I use it on all my on my builds with 100% success.

e TUNE XP = system optimizer, simple manual availiable, otherwise experts only.

f UNINSTALLER = Revo Uninstaller

g SYSTEM RESTORE = this is in XP > System Tools. Here you can make a backup of XP ( Restore Point ), so if you have problems,you can go back to a good configoration. Do this before installing a program that you are not familiar with, or any changes that you are unsure of.

h DISC CLEANUP = this is in XP > System tools > select the drive you want to cleanup > more options > remove all but the most recent restore point > LC cleanup > LC yes > LC OK > LC yes, now your done. This gets rid of all the unneeded, old, restore points.

i ERASE UNUSED DISC SPACE = Eraser. This is always the last thing you do after servicing, to get rid of all the old rubbish deleted files that are left in your XP C partition on your hard drive. Erasing the unused disc space makes a big difference, because it removes the cluster tips, so XP can move around easily, in its partition. Remember to immediately make a new Restore point afterwards, as Eraser removes all of these.

j DUST & FLUFF = the biggest cause of computers burning out, especially as the home user usually has their setup in the bedroom. It blocks up the cooling fins, causing overheating, also it covers the components, then picks up moisture from the air, and shorts things out. I blow my computer out with an air line every 3 months with a compressed air line, using a plastic knitting needle to stop the fans spinning. Do not use a vacuum cleaner on blow, as the air is charged with static electricity, that will kill your computer.

Regards Bill3.

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xp performance tip website
Mar 4, 2010 8:54AM PST

Beginners Guides: 99 Performance Tips for Windows XP - PCSTATS.com

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There are a gazillion tweaks to make a PC run better.
Feb 20, 2010 12:43AM PST
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(NT) the same for XP, Vista and 7
Feb 20, 2010 12:45AM PST
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Technician Job Security. I wouldnt Fibb yuh
Feb 20, 2010 5:07AM PST

It is clear that the unused, broken and missing files get left behind in the registry and clutter it up slowing down your computer and reducing performance. Sure not to touch the registry is equivalent to not driving a car you may crash, don't ride a bike you might fall, don't brush your teeth you may swallow your toothbrush. CCleaner sets a back-up and does all the work at a click of a button and shows the problems before giving you the option to delete them. The results are noticeable. Being afraid to help yourself is quiet profitable for the geek squad. They use CCleaner too. Thanks for the advise Happy

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I'm Well aware of what they do
Feb 20, 2010 5:45AM PST

used them for several years till an aggressive one screwed up my Pc. Do as you wish, in time .........

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Reply
Mar 6, 2010 10:54AM PST

Sorry but Dango517 is correct. ?Modifying the registry is generally a bad idea, and will not improve performance.? Analogies are great, but, it is important that analogies are analogous. Typically the registry is look at a long list that as such must be searched end to find an entry. If this were true, there would be some value in removing unnecessary entries. However, the registry organization is not organization for a linear searching; it is actually in some type of hash order, which is much faster than linear searching, and is much less dependent on size.
I have owned PC since DOS 1.1, and I have found that the performance of my PCs is inversely proportional the number and amount of performance improvements it have made.

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This would be the direct link that applies to Windows 7
Feb 26, 2010 3:23AM PST
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Windows 7 has problems. The routine Opts. aren't fixing it.
Feb 27, 2010 3:26PM PST

OS Windows 7 Home Premium

The connection 768 kbps, AT&T, DSL (know intermittent problems due to distance from server equipment. This PC operates on the edge of service.)

PC is:

http://h10025.www1.hp.com/ewfrf/wc/document?docname=c01861133&tmp_task=prodinfoCategory&lc=en&dlc=en&cc=us&product=4005902&lang=en

Uses: Routine website browsing (15%), with JAVA on Facebook (20%) and 3D virtual worlds (65%).

Average PC time online daily ....... 15+ hours

Three users: one heavy users, one average user, one rarely online.

General comment: This PC runs better then most, much better. This PC has been optimized about as well as it can be.

The problems:

Background updates and applications effecting real time, current activities. Hesitations slow performance, general instability, especially using the net.

Connectivity surging, packet rates low with spikes of activity with little too no packet loss. Web pages loading slowly and 3D running wonky.

Some of the fixes, so far (Well attempted fixes.):

Replace IE8 with another browser.

Use "system configure" to disable programs from working. Removing these items from the start folder does not work because they are not there. These are programs that should not be removed, can not be removed or I would rather not remove from the PC.

Updates appear to be hanging. Manually start updates when possible. Enable notifications of updates and running programs when possible. Some of this appears to be in the firewall program within the OS. We have used McAfee and Windows Firewall both with the same result.

We have replaced our modem, contacted AT&T for connectivity tweaks and installed a different Ethernet adapter, the packet surges persist. My guess is and has been that this is an OS problem.

The normal routine system utilities and procedures will not repair these problems.

Disclaimer: Use these suggestions at your own risk.

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Tweaking your Compaq
Mar 1, 2010 11:33PM PST

Dango,
One of the first things I would do is to replace IE8 with Firefox. I've been running it for years. It requires MUCH less system RAM and has an added bennefit of not being exposed to quite as many malware attacks. Also, you're going to have hardware limitations. Being on "the fringe" of a service area is going to give you some definitely squirrely connections/performance issues. You might want to replace your 10/100 NIC card. While you're running on DSL(which obviously limits your up/download speeds), more "headroom" on your NIC could possibly pull some more performance out of your connection. Another item you might consider is one of the multitude of system/connection "boosters" that are out there. Many of the settings are buried withing the OS's, making them next to impossible for the average user to find and manipulate them. Hope this helps you a bit.

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The other suggestions you have made have
Mar 2, 2010 12:42AM PST

been done.

Please explain this further:

"Another item you might consider is one of the multitude of system/connection "boosters" that are out there. Many of the settings are buried withing the OS's, making them next to impossible for the average user to find and manipulate them."

I do use the advanced setting in the Ethernet adapter.

Have tried numerous DSN services.

Enable all Windows services concerning connectivity while using professional and business versions of there software (not currently).

Have used Windows advanced (free) software provided by M$ to track and diagnose connectivity.

Understand advanced modem information.

etcetera, etc., etc..

So what do you suggest?

Note: This is the only level of DSL available to me from AT&T, though they continue to promise upgrades in the future. Cable will have to wait ($$).

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Windows 7 Action Center
Feb 20, 2010 1:30AM PST

Have a look at Start>Control Panel>Action Center. Under Maintenance there are 4 options available. The rightmost View reliability history is helpful. Under the third option, Settings, select Automatically check for solutions. Also, in the left hand panel have a look at View performance information and View archived messages. In Control Panel also have a look at Troubleshooting. The associated Help messages are worth reading.
Ernie

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Nothing
Feb 20, 2010 1:43AM PST

I have been running Windows 7 Ultimate x64 since August (RTM release) on two PCs. They both run problem free. I do nothning special to make is so. Auto update are on, and I have one Anti whatever application running, thats it. I stay out of the registry, and do not make any other improvements.

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Not to be forgotten
Feb 27, 2010 3:58AM PST

Surely someone has put this into the forum some place. I do not have time to read them all.

I take no credit but have used this gentleman's expertise often.
http://www.blackviper.com/MyStuff/AboutMe/aboutme.htm
My real name is Charles M. Sparks.

If you navigate over to his site below and implement some of the suggestions you could go a very long way to toward that 'lean mean' Windows 7 machine.

http://www.blackviper.com/Windows_7/servicecfg.htm

Be conservative and use 'Safe' if you are not sure about what you are
doing. But I have been using this site for a couple of years with
no real issues and great results.

Through XP, Vista, and now Windows 7 Ultimate.

Regards,
mx2000

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Yes use "BlackViper"
Feb 27, 2010 6:39AM PST

I concur that Chas Spark's site "blackviper" is the quintessential source for ALL WINDOZ systems.
I use Macs but since 2001 I have run W2000, Win XP. Windows7 Rc on all the Macs I have....In early days it was VirtualPC (now owned by MSFT) that hosted WIN on my Macs, now it's VMWare in place of VPC.
For EACH WIN system I relied heavily on BlackViper to keep Windoz 'clean' and non obstrusive. Actually I go beyond his "safe" settings and have enjoyed fast perferformance without any problems,

By all means use the site ... It pays off handsomely.

Jim B

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Help me keep my Windows 7 machine running lean, clean, ...
Feb 20, 2010 1:42AM PST

I'm more than ready to hear all the advise and suggestions on this matter from all who will input their knowledge. One thing I have learned that appears to be great is to run CCleaner regularly and any time computer is not acting familiar. Hope this helps.

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CCleaner and Defraggler - (Suggestion from GA Tech Engr)
Feb 26, 2010 9:09PM PST

Recuva
http://www.piriform.com/recuva

It's better and it's free.

You might also be interested in the other 2 Piriform products. CCleaner and Defraggler. CCleaner is the best performance optimizer I've ever seen for Windows. It also has a excellent registry cleaner. Defraggler takes a different approach to keeping a hard drive defragmented and it is arguably better than the old Intel algorithm that Microsoft has been using for years.

Justin (from my GA Tech IEEE Master Graduate Engineer)

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Tweak Windows 7
Feb 20, 2010 4:44PM PST

try with Windows 7 Manager by Yamicsoft

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Keeping Windows 7 Fast & Clean
Feb 22, 2010 2:03AM PST

Step 1: If you're computer savvy... Whipe your HDD & repartition it into 3 parts, one for your OS & apps, one for downloads & one for storage & backups.
Step 2: Do a clean install of Windows 7 & drivers along with your Antivirus, System mangement software(ausilogic) & Anti malware software(malware bytes)on the first partition (c:\).
Step 3: Install only the apps you know you'll use.
Step 4: Last but not least... run msconfig to cut down on the apps which would normally start with windows. (USE CAUTION)
Step 5: Routinely run all available scans weekly & defrag at least once a month.
Just one more note... simple is beautiful!!! If possible stay away from extra themes & redundant apps.
These are the 5 Steps I use for my computer & it runs like a dream.
GOOD LUCK!!!

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Keeping Windows 7 Fast & Clean continued
Feb 22, 2010 5:32AM PST

I forgot to include one very important step from the post obove... Make sure that you keep Windows, your antivirus, Antimalware & System management software upto date.

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use Ccleaner and revo uninstaller
Feb 24, 2010 6:55PM PST

hi , there are some freewares like Ccleaner and revounistaller which will keep your system clean and delete junk files and clean registry. after installing ccleaner go with analysis button and give run cleaner. in revo goto option tab> junk cleaner and give "scan" then delete....

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Free ware
Feb 27, 2010 4:06AM PST

Yes, see my link above.. use Ccleaner and revo uninstaller


FHankFreeman

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Here are some tips from our forum moderator John Wilkinson:
Feb 26, 2010 2:12AM PST

Copied and pasted from his forum post here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=2950710#2950710

Performing regular maintenance?

1.) Uninstall any unnecessary programs using Add/Remove Programs in the Control Panel.

2.) Delete any unnecessary files. CCleaner provides an easy, free way of quickly finding and deleting most of the unnecessary temporary and junk files on your computer, recovering disk space for future use.

3.) Run Disk Cleanup (press Windows + R and type in cleanmgr.exe) to remove additional files that are no longer necessary. This includes memory dumps and old System Restore points.

4.) Defragment the hard drive. Some may dispute the value of defragmentation, but I strongly recommend performing an analysis weekly and defragmenting if it is suggested. Doing so, as needed, will decrease the time needed to search for and open files on the slowest component of your computer.

5.) Perform a virus and spyware scan. Real-time protection is great, but a weekly scan of your hard drive is more or less necessary in a time when destruction of another person?s data is considered ?recreation? for some gifted, but misdirected, individuals.

6.) Backup your important files. I cannot stress this enough. The Windows Backup and Restore Center, available through the Control Panel, makes protecting your files easy, and the free Microsoft ?powertoy? SyncToy gives those looking to backup just selected directories no excuse. Accidental deletions, malware, hardware failure, and theft demand such precautionary measures.

John

A lot more Windows 7 Tips and Guides from John can be found here:
http://forums.cnet.com/5208-19411_102-0.html?messageID=2950640

Thanks John!
-Lee

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great question!
Feb 26, 2010 7:19AM PST
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Windows 7, Microsoft's latest registry mistake
Feb 26, 2010 9:21AM PST

Microsoft Windows registry is the weak point of all Microsoft O.S. No matter which version you run, including 7, they will self destruct with time unless you run a very stoic set of applications and make no changes. Even then there are hundreds or thousands of required Microsoft updates.

So just plan on backing up your important data and blowing it away in a couple of years to start over and restore a reasonable and efficient registry.

So enjoy your machine and Windows 7. You might avoid installing a lot of programs or demos you do not plan on using.

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That's dated information.
Feb 26, 2010 10:55AM PST

The proverbial "Windows rot" was a product of applications modifying the registry in the course of normal use and installing conflicting DLLs. Windows has been modified to no longer allow those situations to occur. The only modifications to the registry that should occur are due to program installs/uninstalls and changes to system or user settings. Changes to settings do not cause a buildup of orphan registry keys and utilities such as ccleaner and Revo uninstaller are effective at removing orphan registry keys from uninstalls.

The last OS wipe/reinstall in my experience was in 2003, on a Win2k machine.

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I'll add
Feb 27, 2010 4:10PM PST

Hardware memory leakage

See: "as 'leakage' causes the charge to bleed off"

http://www.sharkyextreme.com/hardware/memory_guide/3/b.shtml

In short, those one (1) change to zeros (0) and over time the OS becomes corrupt. Yes, I suppose you could call it rot. The effect is accumulative starting small then over time becoming worse. This problem effects all Computers that run chips regardless of the OS installed. Though not precisely correct I'm sure you'll get the idea. This problem has haunted computing for many years and to date there is no solution aside from turning them off.