How to Clean and Maintain Your Computer

You clean out your closets periodically to keep it organized – cleaning and maintaining your computer can do the same thing and keep it running smoothly into the future. First off, make sure all your Windows XP and Windows Vista programs have updated versions and that all associated drivers are the latest and compatible. Click below to instantly get needed updates Specific to your system:

Cleaning the Computer

First, clean the exterior using lint-free, static-free cloths. If you need to remove stubborn stains, you can use a slightly damp cloth and a little rubbing alcohol. Clean the monitor or LCD screen, the keyboard and the case. Use canned air to blow off dust and dirt from the outside. Make sure any vents are clear of dust and debris so that air can flow freely and keep the system from overheating.

If you want to clean the inside, make sure you disconnect the power supply and watch for static either by touching the outside of the case or wearing an antistatic wrist strap. Even a little static can severely damage the components. Blow dust off of any fans you can see with compressed air and use antistatic wipes to remove any dust inside the case without touching any circuitry. Check the power cables and the CMOS battery (usually a round, watch-type battery) if it is more than five years old.

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Just as you clean up the outside, you should clean up the programs and components of the system. These are some things you can do to make sure the computer runs smoothly without slowing down:

Delete files and programs. If you have old files or programs you no longer use, delete them, and then empty the Recycle Bin (as long as you are sure you are not going to use them again).
Clean the registry. It is best to use a registry cleaning program to remove any leftover system components that can be left when adding or removing programs.
Run CHKDSK. This will scan the hard drive and check volumes for problems. Go to Start and then Run. Type in: cmd and press Enter. In the box, type in: chkdsk and press Enter.
Defrag. After a while, the hard drive can be full of fragments of files that have been broken up and are now spread over many locations in your computer. Getting those files back in order can make the system run much faster. Close all programs and make sure the power supply won’t be interrupted. Go to Start and then Programs. Find Accessories and System Tools and then Disk Defragmentation. Choose Analyze – the system will tell you if you need to go on to defrag the system. If you do run the disk defragmentation, it may take an hour or so to complete.
Run your antivirus software. This is a good time to take a look at your antimalware programs, keep them updated and let them run.
Backup. Make sure all of your files are backed up, either to an external drive or by using an online service to store your files.

Taking a few minutes every few months to clean up the computer both inside and out can keep your equipment in top shape and help you avoid a system disaster.

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