How to Clean a Computer Hard Disk
Sometimes you need to clean your computer's hard disk to keep things running smoothly. Adware, Spyware, viruses and clutter can make your hard drive run sluggish and unstable. If you are experiencing slow down or lagging programs, there are a few ways to clean your computer's hard disk to make it run smoothly once again. In a few simple steps, you will learn how to have your computer running like brand new.
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Instructions
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Remove unwanted installed programs. Click on the "Start" menu. Then go to "Control Panel." A window will pop up with about 30 tabs. Click on the "Add or Remove Programs" tab. A list will populate with all of your installed programs. Remove the ones that you no longer use. If you do not know what a program is, you may not want to remove it. It could be a system file that is needed to run your computer.
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Delete downloaded programs on your computer's hard disk. Go through your personal files and delete the ones you wish to get rid of. This will free up space on your hard drive and help it run more smoothly. If you do not use the programs any longer, burn them to CD or just delete them completely.
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Click on "My Computer". Go to the "Windows" folder. There are two folders in the "Windows" folder that you need to take care of. Open the "Temp" folder. Click on edit on the top of that page. "Select All" should be chosen. Then click on "File" up at the top and choose delete. Repeat this process for the "Windows" folders, "Downloaded Program File."
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Delete your cookies. In Mozilla Firefox, click on the "Tools" tab. Then the "Options" tab. A small window will pop up. Click on the "Privacy" tab, then "Show Cookies." Another window will pop up; click "Remove All Cookies." In Internet Explorer, click on "Tools" on the top, then "Internet Options." A window will appear. The "Delete Cookies" and the "Delete Files" tabs will need to be clicked.
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Download Ad-Aware and Spybot. Both are free programs that assist you in getting rid of any malicious files on your computer's hard disk. Install them, update the programs and follow the directions.
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Run your anti-virus program. This will ensure that you do not have any harmful files or programs installed. If you do not have a virus program. AVG is a free anti-virus program that is installed on your computer. You could also use Trend Micro HouseCall. This is a free anti-virus program that can be run from your browser.
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Defragment your hard drive. Click on the "Start" menu. Go to "All Programs." Locate "Accessories" then "System Tools." Run the Defragmenter.
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Format. This should be the last step. If your computer's hard disk is still running sluggish after all of the previous steps, formatting may be the only solution left. Before you take this measure, back up any files you do not want to lose and have your Windows CD ready with the installation code.
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Tips & Warnings
Remember that most websites add cookies to your hard drive. If you browse the Internet often, delete these at least every other day.
Formatting should always be the last solution. It could be annoying to install all the drivers again for your computer to run properly.
