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General discussion

Spring Cleaning my 4 year old PC

Nov 9, 2006 5:03AM PST

HI,
I have a 4+ year old PC (custom built from a "mail-order" company) with Windows 2000.
It still works fine (more or less) and I have only had to replace 2 fans (or 1 fan twice???)About 2 1/2 years ago I had the first fan replaced. I believe that the service company gave it a check-up then, because it added Ad-ware, and it seemed to run better. When the fan needed replaced again, I went back to the same company, but only got the fan replaced and it was unable to delete an old copy of Acrobat Reader) from my computer (this is a different issue.) I am sure it needs some basic maintance after all this time, so any suggestions on what I should do.
I have an up-to-date copy of Norton 2006, and I keep Adware up-to-date. I use Mozilla Firefox, and Eudora for my mail. I have a private internet provider and use a phone line for the internet.
Thank you in advance.

Discussion is locked

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(NT) Top of the list: Get CCleaner to delete old junk files.
Nov 9, 2006 5:36AM PST
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In addition
Nov 9, 2006 5:54AM PST

how much do you want to do. I would do the following if its been a while: 1) Look over the add & remove programs in Control Panel to see if there is anything I no longer want or don't know what they are and uninstall same. 2) Click on taskbar/task manager and check all the processes, again looking for anything suspicious - there is a program that can be installed called quick access by uniblue systems that will help in this area. 3) Start/run/ type msconfig and check the startup tab - uncheck anything you don't want at startup, except for your antivirus and a couple of others, you can always go back and recheck an item. 4) Start/run type eventvwr.exe and check for any problems or errors. 5) Defrag 6) Scan Disc. 7) Take cover off tower and blow out area with one of those compress air cans, nothing to strong though. Cool Maybe install spyware blaster, its for free.
Good luck,
Eddie