How To Fix A Computer

Follow these steps in sequence, and it should clear up most problems that most people have with their computers.

0. Print this out for reference.

1. Go into Control Panel and make sure that your firewall is active.

2. Open Internet Explorer and clear out the cache, cookies, temp files, etc.

3. If you're using Mozilla Firefox, do the same thing.


4. Go into MyComputer (there should be an icon on your desktop). Right-click on your hard drive, then Properties (it's at the bottom of the list of options), then Tools, then Check Now. Check both boxes and then Start. A dialog box will pop up, telling you that you'll have to re-start your computer in order for the program to run (your computer won't re-start automatically; you'll have to re-boot). Click on Yes. Then click on OK. Close out all your programs and re-boot the machine. The hard drive will now be checked for errors, which will take a while. Go get some lunch. When the machine has finished checking and re-booting, proceed.

5. Go to Wise Cleaner and download the *FREE* versions of Wise Disk Cleaner, Wise Registry Cleaner, and Wise Care.

6. Go to AusLogics and download the *FREE* version of Disk Defrag. [1]

7. Go to QuickSys and download the *FREE* Registry Defragger.

8. Install all five of the programs you just downloaded. Now empty your Recycle Bin and re-boot your computer.

9. Run Wise Disk Cleaner, Wise Registry Cleaner, and Wise Care.

NB: The first time you run these, a few windows will pop up where you'll be asked a few questions, some of which are pretty self-explanatory (e.g. which language do you want as the default). Unless you're really masochistic enough to read the user's manual, you can skip that. Be sure to check the little box that says "Don't show this window again" unless you really want to see it every time you run the program. When running RegDefrag the first time, do answer "yes" to doing a back-up before running it, and check the box for "Create full Registry back-up".

10. Empty your Recycle Bin again.

11. Run AusLogics Disk Defrag. Near the upper left of the screen is a little button labeled "Defrag" with a small arrow on it. Click on the arrow and select "Defrag and Optimize". To the right of that is a box labeled "Turn off PC after defragmentation". Check that box.

12. Run QuickSys Reg Defrag (this will necessitate re-booting your computer; let it do that).

13. Things should run a lot better now. You should see a significant improvement in performance.

14. Another really useful program to have is SpyBot Search & Destroy (it gets rid of adware). It's available from SpyBot. [NB: You have to be on-line in order to install SpyBot S&D.]

Let me know how it turns out.

[1] An alternative is MyDefrag, which is available from their Web site.

DISCLAIMER:
Whirled rites preserved; copycats persecuted. Wait 6 years for delivery. Offer void where not prohibited. Your mileage may vary very, very much. Cash value 1/100000¢. Offer ends 29 February 1995. Price does not include taxes, title, and dealer prep. Ohne Gewähr. No waxy build-up. Patent pending. Most minor credit cards accepted. No parking between signs. Batteries not included. Some assembly required. No warranty expressed or implied or even available. Price subject to change without notice. Occupancy by more than 30,000 people unlawful. Objects in mirror are closer than they appear; unless they are farther away. Do not use after bedtime. Do not fold, spindle, or mutilate. Contains no salt, sugar, cholesterol, caffeine or flavor. Some shrinkage will occur with wear. Access denied. Any resemblance to any person living or dead is purely intentional. Don't try this at home. Unauthorized personnel only. Bill no posts. Mix with three gallons of water and drink immediately. Do not read this sign. Children over 18 require parental consent. No user-serviceable parts. Contains all unnatural ingredients. The usual ridiculous restrictions apply. For temporary use only. Towed cars will be parked. Listed in the Guinness World of Book Records. The names have been changed to protect the guilty. Some settling of contents might occur during shipping. Not responsible for fire, theft, or anything else. Passengers must stand behind the white line while vehicle is in motion. Press any key to continue; any other key to quit. Do not feed the animals. What are you reading this stuff for, anyway? Get a life. No purchase necessary to lose. You owe me big-time. Post no bills. Trespassers will be violated. Stop talking while I'm interrupting. Unavailable in stores everywhere. Parents under 18 require children's consent. Offer prohibited where void. Do not feed the animals. Sold by volume, not by weight. In case of accidental ingestion, consult a mortician.