Use CCleaner

CCleaner is a useful tool for cleaning out accumulated internet or file waste. When reading this it is recommended that you read it through with the tips before deleting anything.

Steps

File Cleaner

  1. Open CCleaner.
  2. Go to the Cleaner tab and you will be confronted by a very confusing lineup of checkboxes.
  3. Check off the items you'd like to clean out from your browser(s) and any suggested other programs. Under internet explorer check temporary internet files, cookies, and last download location. Most users don't really need this stuff. Keep history and bookmarks unchecked, history is a maybe, but you don't want to lose bookmarked sites. You can normally leave Windows Explorer, System, and Advanced alone.
  4. Run CCleaner and it will start deleting files.
  5. Don't try to read the complete list of cleared files, as it will be several pages long.

Registry Cleaner

  1. Know who can use the registry cleaner and what it can be used to clean. Use the Registry Cleaner after uninstalling programs, as the uninstalled programs will often leave behind incorrect registry entries. The registry cleaner is recommended for slightly more advanced users.
  2. Click the "Registry" tab on the left hand side of the program.
  3. Check off the items you'd like to help clean. Most items will make this process complete.
  4. Click the "Scan for issues" button at the bottom of the program.
  5. Give the program a few moments to run and look for all potential problems with the registry.
  6. Click the "Fix Selected issues" button.
  7. Create a backup copy(always) of the registry file. Sometimes these cleaners tend to make a complete mess of the registry, which may cause other major problems that may make your computer completely inoperable. Keep a safety copy of your unrepaired registry somewhere close-by. Chances are that you won't need it, but it doesn't hurt to make one, just in case.
  8. Click the "Fix All Selected Issues" when a dialog box displays.
  9. Click the "Close" box to clear the dialog box and return to the previous program box.



Tips

  • You might want to check the Recycle bin because CCleaner auto empties it.
  • Cnet also offers an extension to CCleaner called "CCEnhancer". This gives you more options that may better enhance the range of stuff you may be able to clear out.
  • Under Options you can determine how CCleaner cleans your files.
  • Using CCleaner to uninstall programs and then check for leftover registry entries takes less time.
  • Make sure you aren't deleting needed files, press analyze before clean and backup the registry.
  • Check the Applications tab under Clean as Firefox users might need to uncheck some of the options to prevent deleting history.
  • The Tools tab lets you uninstall programs and set startup programs. Why do you need this if Windows has all of these features? Especially with Vista Home Ed. The windows defender software explorer( startup programs) doesn't pick up some entries (however software explorer is easier to use).

Warnings

  • Be careful when deleting files, you could really screw up your computer.
  • Be careful for some of the items. Let the dialog boxes warn you, when you go to clear out stuff. Clearing these actions may end up forcing you to end up losing data or make it look worse. Clearing data points in Microsoft Security Essentials may make the restore points disappear(or whatever not). Read the dialog boxes that display and heed it's advice to the tee!
  • Vista computers may mess with compatibility, but it appears to work on Home Premium. Just make sure you don't install too many programs at once.

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