ScanDisk is a Windows utility used to check your hard disk for errors and to correct problems that are found. These errors often occur when Windows locks up and must be restarted.
STEP:
Go to Start-->Programs-->Accessories-->System Tools--> Scandisk.
The ScanDisk options will pop up, check "Automatically fix file system errors," then click "Start."
You will get a message that ScanDisk cannot be performed, and ask you if you would like to schedule the ScanDisk when you restart your computer. Click "Yes."
2.0 DISK CLEANUP
The Disk Cleanup tool helps you free up space on your hard disk by searching your disk for files that you can safely delete. You can choose to delete some or all of the files. Use Disk Cleanup to perform any of the following tasks to free up space on your hard disk:
- Remove temporary Internet files
- Remove downloaded program files. For example, ActiveX controls and Java applets that are downloaded from the Internet.
- Empty the Recycle Bin.
- Remove Windows temporary files.
- Remove optional Windows components that you are not using.
- Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
You can start Disk Cleanup, by doing any of the following:
Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
Or
In Windows Explorer or My Computer, right-click the disk in which you want to free up space, click Properties, click the General tab, and then click Disk Cleanup.When have finished with selection, clik the OK button.
Organizes the files and programs in a logical order
STEP:1) Open My Computer, right-click Local Disk, and then click Properties.
Detects viruses and cleans the PC
To run a virus scan in safe mode, follow these steps: If your computer is on , shut it down
Power on your computer
Immediately after you power on your computer, repeatedly press the [F8] key (about once per second)
In the Windows Advanced Options Menu screen, use the arrows to select Safe Mode and presss [Enter]
Select your current operating system and press [Enter]
Select the user you would like to login under (if applicable)
When your system finishes booting, click the Start button on your task bar
Move your cursor over All Programs and navigate to your anti virus program
Click on your antiv virus program to run it and follow the anti virus program’s normal steps to run a virus scan
After the virus scan is complete, Delete all detected viruses
Close out of your anti virus software
Restart your computer (it should start in normal mode)
5.0 SPYWARE/ADWARE
Adware is software that displays advertisements on your computer. These are ads that inexplicably pop up on your display screen, even if you're not browsing the Internet. Some companies provide "free" software in exchange for advertising on your display.
Spyware is software that sends your personal information to a third party without your permission or knowledge. This can include information about Web sites you visit or something more sensitive like your user name and password. Unscrupulous companies often use this data to send you unsolicited targeted advertisements.
Protect against Spyware and Adware
Usually give permission to install adware, although you do so unwittingly because adware and spyware pushers are deceptive.Second, adware doesn't behave like a typical virus or worm. They don't usually do actual damage to your computer, other than wrecking its performance, and they don't spread themselves using your address bookMost popular antivirus products now include adware and spyware scanning. For example, the latest versions of McAfee VirusScan, Norton AntiVirus 2004, and Trend Micro PC-Cillin 2004 now scan
Prevent Unwanted Installation
Make sure the programs you install don't contain adware
Install a pop-up blocker to prevent adware and spyware pop-up windows
Don't unwittingly install adware or softwaran for some adware and spyware.
