Windows 8 System Mechanics

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Oblivian

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#1030704 24-Apr-2014 16:38

xpd: You're going to buy a new PC ? Wow.... just do what I suggested above and youll probably find your PC runs fine - unless you need a faster CPU etc......

Seems that way. Would appear backup and fresh install (vs presumably given the hardware age and software change reluctance is a XP-W7-W8 upgraded box) although just as similar to new PC and transfer stuff over, is deemed harder.

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blackjack17

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#1030739 24-Apr-2014 17:30

also go through your program list and uninstall any unneeded programs

and you could try turning off auto startup of any programs that you don't use all the time in msconfig (things like skype, google updater, evernote etc)

hit the start button, type msconfig go to startup unclick unneeded programs

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Batman

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#1030758 24-Apr-2014 18:23

There is another software, it's called Windows 8

eme

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#1030813 24-Apr-2014 21:08

blackjack17: also go through your program list and uninstall any unneeded programs

and you could try turning off auto startup of any programs that you don't use all the time in msconfig (things like skype, google updater, evernote etc)

hit the start button, type msconfig go to startup unclick unneeded programs

Thanks blackjack17 i have done the uninstall and startup bit.

eme

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#1030815 24-Apr-2014 21:10

Thanks to all, I will also install and run ccleaner and malwarebytes on my aging PC.

nunz

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#1032547 28-Apr-2014 13:37

eme: Thanks to all, I will also install and run ccleaner and malwarebytes on my aging PC.

I run a Pc fixing / repair company. Here is what works for us.

CCleaner - use it to
   A) remove temp files
   B) Get rid of crappy registry settings
   C) Manage start ups.

Get it from filehippo.com (i dont work for them but they are a great repository of the best freeware apps and tools around. No spyware or crapware there).

2 - The suggestion to run Malwarebytes is a good one - dont set it up for auto running, run it manually. often spyware and adware, tool bars etc are the wors offenders at slowing things down

3 - If using WinXP goto mydefrag.com, download and run it. Better than the Ms defragger. However dont run it until all other clean up is finished.

4 - Make sure you have plenty of RAM, your harddrives are less than 75% full and there are no errors showing in the error logs.

5 - turn off un-needed services. Try http://www.blackviper.com/ there is a list of un-needed services to turn off there.

6 - Goto Advanced properties and turn off un-needed animations, windows tranparency etc.

7 - antivirus - AVG and Avast are both really good at slowing your PC down. bitdefender free is excellent, light and effective. You can get bitdefender free via filehippo.com but my suggesdtion, splashout the $29.00 to buy a full version - support them - they are worth it. We just removed avast from the kids pc and put on BD. Startup times reduced from 3 - 5 minutes to under 2.

8 - Kick windows defender into touch. Dont run more than one antivirus. Dont use MS antivirus asit has been killing Pcs on a regular basis recently.

9 - Remove Dropbox, Skype, iTunes etc from auto startups - unless you like slow startups. run them as and when needed.

HTH
Shane

Running Windows XP - in 70MB of ram, less than 60 second startup from cold boot on a 8 year old PC. Just wait until I tune it to make it really hum.

eme

103 posts

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#1032997 29-Apr-2014 09:28

nunz, thanks for your excellent summary to keep a pc optimal.

Since my last post I have used Ccleaner and Malewarebytes and actioned all recommendations.
I also spend a bit of time to clean up start-up and unused apps.

Result: My pc is back to normal performance.

Thanks again to all.

xpd

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#1033019 29-Apr-2014 10:21

Ive got an "old" PC as well, and it runs perfectly fine for what I want, just keep on top of maintenance and itll last you :)

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