Temporary Files:

Explanation: Over time Windows accumulates temporary files used by certain programs and the operating system. Once the program has closed, these files serve no further purpose. Removing these will free-up disk space and cause an increase in system performance.

Recommendation: An excellent program designed for this is CCleaner, a freeware system cleanup and optimization tool.

NOTE: I highly recommend CCleaner as it is easy to use and does a very thorough job, but if you would rather not install another program to do this you can use Windows Disk Cleanup utility.

Frequency: It’s a good practice to clean these out at least monthly. Weekly would be better.

* Startup Programs

Explanation: An exceptionally common computer problem occurs when Windows automatically loads too many programs at startup. This causes the computer to set aside RAM and virtual memory for programs which you may never use. The effect – especially on systems with minimal RAM – is a significant slowdown at startup, and during use.

Only a few of these programs need to be started with the system – such as antivirus or firewall – almost all others can be started and stopped as needed. For more information on specific startup items look here, and here.

Recommendation: A tool included in Windows used to control these programs is the System Configuration Utility or Msconfig.

NOTE:Â If you are comfortable editing the Windows Registry simply delete the entree from the place specified in msconfig under Location. Otherwise, continue.

To use this tool go to Start > Run, type msconfig > click OK > Navigate to the Startup tab and uncheck any programs you wish to disable > click OK.

After you reboot you may receive a message saying “you have used the System Configuration Utility to make changes to your system….”. When you get this message check the box Do not show me this message again > click OK.

Also, remove any unneeded items from C:\Documents and Settings\All Users\Start Menu\Programs\Startup and C:\Documents and Settings\Current User\Start Menu\Programs\Startup.

Frequency: Again I would recommend cleaning these out at least monthly.

* Installed Programs

Uninstall any programs you no longer use. Go to Start > Control Panel > Add or Remove Programs, select the unwanted program and click Uninstall.

Frequency: Monthly.