How to Scan, Repair & Optimize a PC
- 1). Download and install a virus and spyware scanner if you haven't yet (see Resources). Open the software and choose to run a "Full Scan." By regularly running virus and spyware scans, you can find and, more importantly, remove these nuisances before they destroy your computer.
- 2). Defragment your hard drive. Open the "Start" menu and navigate to "System Tools" within the "Accessories" sub-menu. Choose "Disk Defragmenter" and follow the prompts.
- 3). Inventory the programs you have installed on your computer to make sure you're using all of them. Open the "Start" menu and navigate the "Control Panel," where you can prune any programs you no longer want or need from the "Add and Remove Programs" function.
- 4). Limit the number of programs you have running at any given time. Get in the habit of closing any programs you don't plan to use within a few minutes--you can find and open them when you do.
- 5). Set Windows to automatically update if you have not already done so. Select "Automatic Updates" from the "Control Panel" and enable your computer to receive automatic updates from Microsoft.