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[TUT] Clean & Speed Up Windows

Introduction.
This tutorial is meant for beginners. With that said it also implies that you have general computer knowledge. If any of these steps cause your system to no longer perform or work properly I take no responsibly for your actions. This tutorial is provided "as is" and I give no warranty of any kind. Some of these steps may cause issues with your computer if you do not follow them carefully or if you remove or uncheck things that are necessary for your operating system. Use caution, tread lightly and search things before you uncheck them if you have any doubts. Let's get started.

Step One: Clean Your System.

[Image: cxLxHR9.png] Rkill:
BC Description: RKill is a program that was developed at BleepingComputer.com that attempts to terminate known malware processes so that your normal security software can then run and clean your computer of infections. When RKill runs it will kill malware processes and then removes incorrect executable associations and fixes policies that stop us from using certain tools. When finished it will display a log file that shows the processes that were terminated while the program was running.
1. Save and close all documents and programs running on your machine.
2. Download and run Rkill. http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download/rkill/
3. Once ran it should automatically start going through its process.
View Image (Click to View)
4. Once it has finished close the log it produces and close out of the program.

[Image: VBCYoPP.png] Msconfig:
Wiki Description: MSConfig (officially called System Configuration in Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8 or Microsoft System Configuration Utility in previous operating systems) is a system utility to troubleshoot the Microsoft Windows startup process. It can disable or re-enable software, device drivers and Windows services that run at startup, or change boot parameters.
1. Click on the start menu and type "Msconfig" then press enter or select Msconfig under "Programs." View Image (Click to View)
2. Click the "Services" tab then check the box titled "Hide all Microsoft services." View Image (Click to View)
3. Uncheck the services you don't want or need running automatically at system boot.
3. Next click on the "Startup" tab. View Image (Click to View)
4. Uncheck programs you don't want starting when the computer boots.
5. Press "Apply" and then "Ok"
6. On any dialog after closing msconfig choose the option to reboot the computer at a later time.

[Image: g4ODljg.png] CCleaner:
Wiki Description: CCleaner (formerly Crap Cleaner), developed by Piriform, is a utility program used to clean potentially unwanted files (including temporary internet files, where malicious programs and code tend to reside) and invalid Windows Registry entries from a computer.
1. Download and run CCleaner. https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
2. Under "Options" select "Monitoring" and uncheck "Enable System Monioring" as well as "Enable Active Monitoring" and press "Yes" on the dialog box that pops up.View Image (Click to View)
3. Click on "Cleaner" and then click the button "Run Cleaner" and proceed to clean your system of temp files. Clicking "Yes" on any dialog boxes.
View Image (Click to View)
NOTE: This will clear temp files and remove files from your computer. I also recommend that you DO NOT use the registry cleaner option from within the program.

[Image: fVsm6iL.png] Adwcleaner:
Author Description: AdwCleaner is a free removal tool for : Adware (ads softwares), PUP/LPI (Potentially Undesirable Program), Toolbars, Hijacker (Hijack of the browser's homepage). It works with a Search and Delete mode. It can be easily uninstalled using the mode "Uninstall".
1. Download and run Adwcleaner. https://toolslib.net/downloads/viewdownl...dwcleaner/
2. Read the terms and then click the button labeled "J'accepte" or "I Agree."
View Image (Click to View)
3. Click the button labeled "Scan"
View Image (Click to View)
4. Once the scan has finished Click the button labeled "Clean" or "Cleaning."
View Image (Click to View)
5. Select "Yes" or "OK" on dialog boxes and proceed with system reboot.

[Image: ufU6ljb.png] JRT:
BC Description: Junkware Removal Tool is a security utility that searches for and removes common adware, toolbars, and potentially unwanted programs (PUPs) from your computer. A common tactics among freeware publishers is to offer their products for free, but bundle them with PUPs in order to earn revenue. This tool will help you remove these types of programs.
1. Download and run JRT or "Junkware Removal Tool."
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/download...oval-tool/
2. Follow the prompts and press any key to run the cleaner.
View Image (Click to View)
3. Close all logs and dialog boxes produced after the scan has completed.

[Image: YmBVoOi.jpg] Task Scheduler:
Wiki Description: Task Scheduler is a component of Microsoft Windows that provides the ability to schedule the launch of programs or scripts at pre-defined times or after specified time intervals. It was first introduced in the Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95 as System Agent but was renamed to Task Scheduler in Windows 98. The Windows Event Log service must be running before the Task Scheduler starts up.
It is important to note that you shouldn't remove things like time snycs or things like that if you are performing this on a work computer. Often times work computers will sync their times over to the server or domain times to ensure consistent time stamps. You should also tread lightly if you are unsure of entries.
1. Click the start menu and type "Task Scheduler." into the "Search programs and files" box.
2. Click the program labeled "Task Scheduler" under "Programs"
View Image (Click to View)
3. From within Task Scheduler click "Task Scheduler Library," highlight any entries that you don't want, right click on the entries and select "delete."
View Image (Click to View)

Step Two: Scan your system.

[Image: O8zPgBP.png] Malwarebytes Anti-Malware
Wiki Description: Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware (MBAM) is an application for computers running under the Microsoft Windows operating system that finds and removes malware.[3] Made by Malwarebytes Corporation, it was first released in January 2008. It is available in a free version, which scans for and removes malware when started manually, and a paid version, which additionally provides scheduled scans, real-time protection and a flash memory scanner.
1. Download, install and run Malwarebytes Anti-Malware.
https://www.malwarebytes.org/mwb-download/
2. Under "Settings" in Malwarebytes navigate to "Detection and Protection" and check the box labeled "Scan for rootkits."
View Image (Click to View)
3. Proceed with the "Scan Now" option under "Dashboard."
View Image (Click to View)
4. After scanning is complete click the box to fix or delete any of the infected files and reboot the computer if necessary

[Image: mSFspue.png] Avast! Free Antivirus 2015
Author Description: Avast Free Antivirus 2015 provides the essential security you need to protect your PC from hackers and thieves. In addition to the best antivirus and anti-malware protection possible, the new Home-Network Scanner scans your network for any issues, while Browser Cleanup lets you remove annoying plugins, and SmartScan allows for one-click scanning.
(!)Ensure you remove any other antivirus software on your computer before downloading and installing Avast! Free Antivirus. If you are content with what you are currently using for AV Software then you can ignore this section of the tutorial.
1. Download, Install, and Run Avast! Free Antivirus 2015.
http://download.cnet.com/Avast-Free-Anti...tag=button
2. Click Scan and then "Scan for browser add-ons."
View Image (Click to View)
3. Remove any add-ons detected by Avast.
4. Click Scan and then "Scan for outdated software."
View Image (Click to View)
5. Update any outdated programs on your computer. i.e Flash, Reader, Etc.
6. Click Scan and then "Scan for viruses" View Image (Click to View)
7. From the dropdown menu select "Boot-time Scan" and then select "Settings"
8. From the boot-time scan parameters dialog box choose "all harddisks," "system drive," "auto start programs," and "auto start programs (all users)."
9. Set Sensitivity to High
10. Check the boxes next to "Scan for.." pups and "Unpack archive files"
11. Set the action to "Delete"
12. Press OK on the button within the box.
13. Press Scan and then yes to reboot.
View Image (Click to View)

Step 3: Additional Steps to Improve Your System Performance.
Adjust Power Settings:
1. From the start menu type "Power Options" in the "Search programs and files" box.
2. You should see an entry under "Control Panel" called "Power Options" click on that.
3. Select "High Performance" and close.

Adjust Performance settings:
1. From the start menu right click on "Computer" and select "Properties."
2. From there under "Control Panel Home" on the left of the window select "Advanced System Settings."
3. From the "System Properties" box that opens under "Performance" click on the button labeled "Settings."
4. Select the option "Adjust for Best Performance."
5. Check the boxes "Use visual styles..", "Use drop shadows..", "Smooth-scroll list boxes", and "Show thumbnails instead of icons" and press "Apply" and then "OK" and then close all windows.

This concludes the tutorial. Hopefully you've found it helpful.
[Image: lYc5kac.png]
Your tutorial has much to do with cleaning malware infections then speeding up Windows OS you have three advice that will boost performance of the Windows OS but small amount my tutorial about boosting Windows OS performance has lot more advice maybe you and other HF members who want to speed up Windows OS performance should have a look.

[BHCPU] Tweaking & Optimizing Windows -Tutorial by Freebooter
(Jun 26, 2015 07:05 PM)Freebooter Wrote:  Your tutorial has much to do with cleaning malware infections then speeding up Windows OS you have three advice that will boost performance of the Windows OS but small amount my tutorial about boosting Windows OS performance has lot more advice maybe you and other HF member who want to speed up Windows OS performance should have a look.

[BHCPU] Tweaking & Optimizing Windows -Tutorial by Freebooter

Thank you for the share. I'll check it out man. This is called "Clean and Speed Up."
[Image: lYc5kac.png]
This is a really good thread with very useful tools.
i try to uncheck my unwanted running program at "msconfig/services if i will try to hit "apply" the uncheck unwanted program it will come back to check whom i got this kind of problem......can you help? thanks my unit is win 7 ultimate,,,,thanks
(Jun 28, 2015 02:07 PM)polomolokdodge Wrote:  i try to uncheck my unwanted running program at "msconfig/services if i will try to hit "apply" the uncheck unwanted program it will come back to check whom i got this kind of problem......can you help? thanks my unit is win 7 ultimate,,,,thanks

Run all tools and scans first then do msconfig. If that doesn't work then i can assist you with removal via teamviewer. You can also click on the start button(or WINKEY + R) and type appwiz.cpl to launch "Add/Remove Programs" from there try to uninstall the program.
[Image: lYc5kac.png]
using the "appwiz.cpl" there is no program installed such "Tencent/Avast reason i cannot remove but it is running...thanks
(Jun 29, 2015 02:33 AM)polomolokdodge Wrote:  using the "appwiz.cpl" there is no program installed such "Tencent/Avast reason i cannot remove but it is running...thanks

Avast is your antivirus you can't just uncheck it you have to uninstall or use a removal tool to remove it. Tencent QQ(I'm assuming?) is a pretty nasty toolbar virus. It can be removed fairly easy and I believe hijackthis has the ablity to remove it. If you cannot get this solved send me a site PM and I will teamviewer in and remove if for you. Or you could always head over to the white hat section here and have someone assist you with the removal process.
[Image: lYc5kac.png]
Dear god this is horrible lol...

1. No manual tips on how to clean up (Which improves %100 better) then most softwares

2. For example "Start > Run > "%tmp%" > Empty > Bam computer speeds up by %3

3. Avast? Did you really just suggest Avast? LOL dude if you want a real antivirus use kaspersky

4. Malwarebytes actually puts more of a strain/impact on your computer "Mainly BT & SUT" but it isn't something you want on 24/7

5. ASC is way better than half the software recommended here. And that's not cause I use it for 3 years but because I have used it on 100+ more of my clients computers and they say they can see the difference.

6. I'm going to just stop there..
(Jun 29, 2015 09:28 AM)MechWarrior67 Wrote:  Dear god this is horrible lol...

1. No manual tips on how to clean up (Which improves %100 better) then most softwares

2. For example "Start > Run > "%tmp%" > Empty > Bam computer speeds up by %3

3. Avast? Did you really just suggest Avast? LOL dude if you want a real antivirus use kaspersky

4. Malwarebytes actually puts more of a strain/impact on your computer "Mainly BT & SUT" but it isn't something you want on 24/7

5. ASC is way better than half the software recommended here. And that's not cause I use it for 3 years but because I have used it on 100+ more of my clients computers and they say they cane see the difference.

6. I'm going to just stop there..

Wow. Go troll and flame somewhere else you dipshit. All the software listed here are top notch.

1. This is meant for beginners.

2. There are manual tips for using msconfig and task scheduler. No I didn't list finding temp files with a search. Ccleaner gets that shit.

3. I did suggest avast because it's free and it has a software update feature and a browser clean up feature. Not to mention its boot time scan is great. Your opinion on avast being junk is that of a 3 year old. Sure Kaspersky is #1. But avast is the #1 FREE.

4. Malwarebytes is a great tool. And no we just used it for a scan using the free version. Not intended to have it run 24/7.

5. Advanced System Care? You've gotta be shitting me. I hope your clients change tech support soon because you sir are an idiot.

6. Get lost. Every thread you post on these forums is a LQ question asking bs thread and you wanna come to my high quality thread and call it horrible. Shiiittttt.
[Image: lYc5kac.png]
(Jun 29, 2015 09:43 AM)Judicious⭐️ Wrote:  Wow. Go troll and flame somewhere else you dipshit. All the software listed here are top notch.

1. This is meant for beginners.

2. There are manual tips for using msconfig and task scheduler. No I didn't list finding temp files with a search. Ccleaner gets that shit.

3. I did suggest avast because it's free and it has a software update feature and a browser clean up feature. Not to mention its boot time scan is great. Your opinion on avast being junk is that of a 3 year old. Sure Kaspersky is #1. But avast is the #1 FREE.

4. Malwarebytes is a great tool. And no we just used it for a scan using the free version. Not intended to have it run 24/7.

5. Advanced System Care? You've gotta be shitting me. I hope your clients change tech support soon because you sir are an idiot.

6. Get lost. Every thread you post on these forums is a LQ question asking bs thread and you wanna come to my high quality thread and call it horrible. Shiiittttt.

Please show me where someone on this thread has stated "Thanks this guide has improved my computer so much!!"

I don't see anywhere that your guide is so much "better" than the advice or solutions that I have used or posted.
(Jun 29, 2015 11:29 PM)MechWarrior67 Wrote:  Please show me where someone on this thread has stated "Thanks this guide has improved my computer so much!!"

I don't see anywhere that your guide is so much "better" than the advice or solutions that I have used or posted.

Your suggestions? More like ramblings. You're making a fool of yourself. Advanced System Care. Please...Move on, away from my thread. It was cancer free before you showed up. 😑

Also I'd like to elaborate so that other people who stumble upon your mindless suggestions have the proper knowledge:

1. Kaspersky is the best anti virus in my opinion. However, for a free antivirus you cannot go wrong with Avast! Free Antivirus 2015.
And here's why:
-User and Professional reviews don't lie. It's rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by over 27,000 people, has been downloaded over 364 million times and is ranked #1 in Anti Virus software on CNET alone. Not to mention it's in the top 5 on all the notable review sites out there.
-It has a built in browser add-on removal tool and a built in software updater feature, both of which come stock in the free version. Which makes it great for people who don't want to dig through various tools to do normal updates to their flash, java, and other applications. Both of these aren't perfect tools by any means but the fact that they come bundled for free is enough to note.
-It has realtime scanning capabilities which reaches out to email, web browsers, files and more. These real time scanning features can easily be disabled by right clicking on the task icon, going to avast shield control and clicking disable until computer is restarted.
-The boot time scan. This is the scan that can be done before windows has fully loaded. Which has great potential in removing virus threats that might otherwise slip through various other anti virus software.

2. Advanced System Care is in part a registry cleaning program. Any Tech that has notable knowledge in actual pc repair would tell you that ASC is a junk consumer program/application.
And here is why(compliments of bleepingcomputer):
-Registry cleaners are extremely powerful applications that can damage the registry by using aggressive cleaning routines and cause your computer to become unbootable. The Windows registry is a central repository (database) for storing configuration data, user settings and machine-dependent settings, and options for the operating system. It contains information and settings for all hardware, software, users, and preferences. Whenever a user makes changes to settings, file associations, system policies, or installed software, the changes are reflected and stored in this repository. The registry is a crucial component because it is where Windows "remembers" all this information, how it works together, how Windows boots the system and what files it uses when it does. The registry is also a vulnerable subsystem, in that relatively small changes done incorrectly can render the system inoperable.
-The usefulness of cleaning the registry is highly overrated and can be dangerous. In most cases, using a cleaner to remove obsolete, invalid, and erroneous entries does not affect system performance but it can result in "unpredictable results".
-Improperly removing registry entries can hamper malware disinfection and make the removal process more difficult if your computer becomes infected. For example, removing malware related registry entries before the infection is properly identified can contribute to system instability and even make the malware undetectable to removal tools.
-IOBit is a Chinese Antivirus Vendor and Malwarebytes has accused them of stealing their database and intellectual property in the past. It's not a big secret that they've stolen definitions and removal strategy from several other companies.
-Their toolbar is made using Spigot, which is known as an adware, PUP, browser hijacker, etc.

3. The tools listed on this thread are all free and they all have a specific job. These tools are top notch like I've already mentioned.
-CCleaner is by far the best in temp file cleaning software. Navigating to a temp location and deleting the folder via search doesn't make you fast. CCleaner cleaning up a bunch of different predetermined locations does. If you don't like having to install something then you should check out TFC. However, just as I have stated. Stay away from the registry cleaning section though......
-Adwcleaner is probably the most notable adware/pup removal program used by techs. It needs no justification.
-JRT is probably the second most notable adware/pup/bloatware removal program used by techs. It was just acquired by Malwarebytes so it must be doing something right?
-Malwarebytes Anti-Malware - The most consumer used scan software available. It can remove almost everything virus and PUP related.
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