How to get a free PC Safety Scan
Windows Live OneCare safety scanner is a free service designed to help maintain the health of your PC. The scan will perform the following on Windows XP, Windows 7 and Vista while running from software online rather downloading a big cumbersome program.
• Check for and remove viruses
• Get rid of junk on your hard disk
• Improve your PC's performance
Note: Windows Live OneCare is no longer a purchase program from Microsoft.
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Instructions
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Open your Windows Explorer browser. Use the link in the Resources below to open Windows OneCare depending on whether you have Windows XP, Windows 7 or Vista. Windows OneCare works best using Microsoft's Windows Explorer browser. Other browsers may work, but for fewer problems, use the latest version of MS Explorer.
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Click the "Full Service Scan" button to begin.
Note that it may take a few hours to complete the scan but it does not require constant monitoring so close all unrelated open programs and windows and let it run. -
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Click the Accept button agreeing to Microsoft's boiler plate.
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Click the Next button
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Check back occasionally to view progress.
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When the scan is complete, a menu will ask you what to do with what it found. Check off what you want removed, and make sure software you installed is not checked. Click Next.
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The last step is to use Windows Update to make sure your Windows systems are up to date and secure. Use the link in the resources below to run. Depending on how many updates are needed, this may take a while to run but often you can use the computer while this runs. Access Windows Update from your Start Menu or click Tools in the Explorer menu and select Windows Update.
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Restart your computer. It is now safe and tuned up for your use. I find running this scan at least once a month keeps my computer running smoother and more trouble free.
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If you are in need of a good virus program and like the price of free, consider switching to Microsoft Security Essentials or Grisofts free version of AVG. I also use the free basic version of ZoneAlarm to take advantage of better Firewall features since most Purchased copies of Anti-virus software come with a Firewall; ZoneAlarm completes the package that either of the two free anti-virus software offer. Be sure to uninstall your current anti-virus program before installing a replacement. It is only necessary to run one anti-virus program. Two would actually slow your computer down and not provide better protection.
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Tips & Warnings
Windows Live OneCare is no longer a purchase program from Microsoft.
Note that it may take a few hours to complete the scan but it does not require constant monitoring so close all unrelated open programs and windows and let it run.
It might be best to run the tuneup at a time when the computer is not needed. The tuneup may slow down the computer until it is finished.
