Personal computing security center

Steps to clean your PC for performance

Some simple maintenance tasks once or twice a month can make a difference in the over all performance of your computer.
Spyware, adware, and viruses need to be detected and removed frequently to maximize your computer's efficiency.
Your hard drive and personal files must be managed and stored properly to ensure that they are not corrupted over time.
Valuable data should be backed up onto a separate storage source such as a CDR or DVD+R

Use the following steps to Clean Your PC and then review the steps in the Protect Your PC section to defend against the most common computer security problems.
 

Step 1 - Undo Harmful changes using Windows System Restore

Undo harmful changes to your computer by using the Windows System Restore feature. This tool returns your computer to a date before you installed that unwanted software or began receiving those annoying pop-up advertisements.

  Microsoft: Start Windows system restore  

Step 2 - Remove malicious software

Installing Anti-Virus software and keeping the virus definition files current is the very best way to maintain the health of your computer. Test your PC's exposure to online threats and learn more about HP's recommended Anti-Virus solution at the Symantec Security Connection.

  Symantec: Security connection  

Step 3 - Manage your hard drive more effectively

Manage your hard drive more effectively by using Microsoft Windows built-in system tools.
Disk Cleanup deletes temporary files and other data that make your computer run slower.

  Microsoft: Free up hard drive space with Disk Cleanup  

Disk Defragmenter takes all of the scattered bits of program data and groups them together in the front of the drive, helping your hard drive to work faster and store more data.

  Microsoft: How to Defragment Your Disk Drive Volumes in Windows XP