Best way to clean up computer

Aside from your statement that you can't defrag, WHY would you think your computer is "a mess"?...   If you don't have "major" problems, it may be wisest to leave most things alone:   if it aint broke, don't fix it!

if you have a minor problem [or two], you can try to address those specifically, rather than going for a major overhaul.

by the way, unless your system is a total disaster, the  actual/realized  gains from defragmenting tend to be very minimal [if even noticeable at all].   i ran a winME system for several years, before I finally decided to run defrag on it for the first time... and even then, it was not out of necessity, but finally yielding to "curiosity" about what it would do... and I really can't say I noticed any difference.   So if that's your only [or main] concern, i wouldn't be overly worried about it.

defrag can often be interrupted by other programs [including screen savers] trying to run simultaneously.

you also wrote:  "I have not run any spyware or adware programs".   Without giving you a long list [overkill], I would simply suggest you download, check for updates, and run a COMPLETE scan with SuperAntiSpyware [Free Edition for Home Users]:   www.superantispyware.com

the one other simple thing I would suggest is to empty your temporary internet files and recycle bin, assuming you haven't done so recently.

Message Edited by ky331 on 12-02-2007 04:46 PM

The reason I was thinking of paying is that a) I don't have alot of time to work on this and b) I'm afraid I will do something & then won't be able to use by computer at all If I create a restore point - if things get messed up - will I be able to go back to how the system was the day I create the restore point? Thank you.

It depends on WHAT gets "messed up". If you are careful, everything should be okay.

To create a Restore Point before you start cleaning:
1. Click Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools> System Restore.
2. Select the Create A Restore Point radio button. Then click Next.
3. Enter a descriptive name for your new restore point. For example, "Clean system". Then click Next.
4. A new restore point will now be created (This could take a minute or two.)
5. Then the "Confirm New Restore Point" window will appear showing the date and name of your brand new restore point. Click OK.

If you don't want to take time to run DiskCleanup, let a tool do it for you.
Download and scan each user profile with CCleaner:
http://www.ccleaner.com/download/builds
** Select to download the SLIM version.
1. Before first use, select Options > Advanced and UNCHECK
" Only delete files in Windows Temp folder older than 48 hours"
2. Then select the items you wish to clean up.
In the Windows Tab:
• Clean all entries in the "Internet Explorer" section except Cookies (if you want to keep those).
• Clean all the entries in the "Windows Explorer" section.
• Clean all entries in the "System" section.
• Clean all entries in the "Advanced" section.
• Clean any others that you choose.
In the Applications Tab:
• Clean all except cookies (if you want to keep those) in the Firefox/Mozilla section if you use it.
• Clean all in the Opera section if you use it.
• Clean Sun Java in the Internet Section.
• Clean any others that you choose.
3. Click the " Run Cleaner" button.
4. A pop up box will appear advising this process will permanently delete files from your system.
5. Click " OK" and it will scan and clean your system.
6. Click " exit" when done.
REBOOT.

Download and scan with SUPERAntiSpyware Free for Home Users

• Double-click SUPERAntiSpyware.exe and use the default settings for installation.
• An icon will be created on your desktop. Double-click that icon to launch the program.
• If asked to update the program definitions, click "Yes". If not, update the definitions before scanning by selecting "Check for Updates". (If you encounter any problems while downloading the updates, manually download and unzip them from here.)
  
  
• Under "Configuration and Preferences", click the Preferences button.
• Click the Scanning Control tab.
• Under Scanner Options make sure the following are checked (leave all others unchecked):
  • Close browsers before scanning.
  • Scan for tracking cookies.
  • Terminate memory threats before quarantining.
• Click the "Close" button to leave the control center screen.
• Back on the main screen, under "Scan for Harmful Software" click Scan your computer.
• On the left, make sure you check C:\Fixed Drive.
• On the right, under "Complete Scan", choose Perform Complete Scan.
• Click "Next" to start the scan. Please be patient while it scans your computer.
• After the scan is complete, a Scan Summary box will appear with potentially harmful items that were detected. Click "OK".
• Make sure everything has a checkmark next to it and click "Next".
• A notification will appear that "Quarantine and Removal is Complete". Click "OK" and then click the "Finish" button to return to the main menu.
• If asked if you want to reboot, click "Yes".
  
  I suggest running DiskDefrag in SAFEMODE so your anti-virus does not interfere.
  
  See how things are running after that. You might be surprised at how much has been cleaned out.
  
  If you ever have to take your computer to a shop, I would avoid the "big box" stores.