Keep Your Computer Running Like New ... - Technology Toolkit

Windows comes with several programs you can use to clean the hard drive and maintain your PC\?s software. The steps below will show you ways to keep your computer running smoothly, and best of all, how to run Windows\?s in-built cleaner on auto-pilot.

*1 Defrag*?

Your PC stores files in different parts of your hard drive, as programs are extended and new files created over deleted ones. This process is called file fragmentation. An easy way to make your PC run faster is to make it easier for your hard drive to find the files it needs, speeding up direct read times. To run your Defragmenter, go to Start -> Control Panel -> System and Maintenance -> click \?Rearrange items on your hard disk to make programs run faster\?.

*2 Disk Cleanup*?

Disk Cleanup is a Windows application that will clear out old and unused files, saving your disk space for the programs you use routinely. Without realizing it, you may have documents that were relevant several months ago but their use has passed. You may have downloaded a lot of images attached to emails, such as a signature file. These have no use to you, but they take up room on your computer. To clear your old and unnecessary files, go to Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Cleanup and select the files you want to remove.

*3 Check For Viruses*

It\?s possible a slow PC is the victim of a malicious program or virus, sometimes called \?malware\? or \?spyware\?. Spyware keeps tabs on the information on your computer and may transmit it to thieves to use your credit card data or similar personal information. Check now if your firewall is turned on. Follow Start -> Control Panel -> Network and Internet Connections -> Windows Firewall.

Spyware will slow your PC down significantly and if you\?ve got it, you should get rid of it immediately with an antivirus program. Click here for recommendations.

*4 Automate*

The best part is, you can automate everything above! Windows has a built-in feature to run the programs on auto-pilot. Follow the steps below and get your operating system to check and update itself regularly.

First, we need to create a Batch File. A Batch File contains a set of instructions you can define, for your computer to follow.

Second, we show you how to edit your Batch File.

*5 Create a Batch File*

Open notepad by clicking Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> Notepad.

You have a blank page. You will enter the text that appears below, but first, we need to save the notepad so your computer knows it\?s a Batch File to automate your Defrag, Disk Cleanup and virus checker.

Save the file in a location where you can easily access it, like your desktop. Select File -> Save As from the Notepad menu. You can see three boxes at the bottom of the Save As popup box. In \?File Name:\? enter an easy name that you will remember, and make sure enter .bat as the file extension. For example, you might call the file \?cleanup.bat\? or \?maintenance.bat\?. The .bat after the name you choose is the file extension.

In \?Save as type:\? select All Files from the dropdown menu.

Now you\?ve created your Batch File, you need to give it the instructions to clean your computer.

*Auto Defrag*

To automatically defrag your hard drive, enter the following line into your Batch File:

\?defrag:c\?

*6 Auto Disk Cleanup*

We have to tell the Disk Cleanup program what parts of the disk to fix when the automated program comes around. Here\?s how:

* Click Start -> Run

* Type \?cleanmgr /sagerun:1\?

* Click OK

The Disk Cleanup Settings window will appear. Select the items you\?d like to scrub as we did in step 2 above.

Next, to automatically have Windows cleanup your disk, enter the following line into your Batch File\?

\?cleanmgr /sagerun:1\?

*7 Auto Virus Check*

Scheduling virus checks depends on the virus program you have. You\?re best to look at the support section of the website for the anti-virus company you use, or contact their support staff for instructions on how to automate the virus checker into your Batch File.

Fix A DLL Error Fast!

Fix A DLL Error Fast!

Are you getting a DLL error when you go to open a program? Or a warning that says your files are missing or corrupted? These warnings are routine for Windows users, and are easy to fix. A DLL error stands for Dynamic Link Library, and the error refers to missing or incomplete programs.

*What Causes DLL Errors?*

DLL errors can be caused by uninstalled programs you thought you\?d removed. When you use the Windows Uninstall feature (Start -> Control Panel -> Add Or Remove Programs), occasionally the uninstall process will remove a file that other programs use to function normally. Also, a bad installation can cause files to be corrupted before you even use the program.

These are common causes for DLL Errors that can be fixed by a free and recommended hard drive scan.

It\?s possible to replace the missing files that Windows mistakenly deleted. The easiest way to do this, is to reinstall the deleted program, then uninstall it again ? and select \?no to all\? when you see the dialogue box that asks to delete the files associated with your operating system or other programs. This should restore the missing and repair the DLL error.

If you get a DLL error when you install a *new* application, this means the program has been updated by the developer / manufacturer. The easiest way to fix this is to go to the program\?s website, and look for a software update or new version of the program to download.

*Troubleshooting DLL Errors*

If these steps don\?t work, you can restore your operating system files to an earlier date using System Restore. Go to Start -> Accessories -> System Properties -> System Restore, and follow the prompts in the box to complete the job.

*Spyware and Viruses*

Spyware is a cookie designed to invade your hard drive and send personal information or browsing history to a third party, without you knowing. If you have DLL errors, it\?s possible this is a symptom of Spyware or a virus that is removing parts of programs. If this is the case, the best option is to download a recommended hard disk scan and check for free if you have been targeted by Spyware.

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