Clean up

[Cool_Hand]

I was looking back through these forums and found the link to PCPITSTOP and thought I'd give it another go since I've bought a new computer since I was last there.

Following all of the options, it turns out that there are quite a few things I can do to optimise my computer (software wise). I don't want to pay $30 for the software and figured there must be a lot of freeware system clean up utilities out there.
Can anyone recommend any, suggest somewhere I can find some? i.e. registry clean up, memory optimiser, interent optimiser and anything else that may be worthwhile.

Thanks in advance.

The changes in hardware are a different issue

[maxell]

Try a google for ccleaner that will clean the comp and old reg files
also FreeRamxp which will monitor Ram usage

[Phoenix09]

CCleaner

CCleaner is a very nice freeware utility that will effectively clean unwanted files from your system. It also has a useful Registry Cleaner.
I use it all the time and prefer it over other cleaners that I have paid for such as Window Washer and Tracks Eraser Pro.
It can be found here. http://www.ccleaner.com/

[Background Noise]

I get most of my freeware programs from here - I use ccleaner and ieprivacy keeper to prevent huge build ups of temp files etc.
freeware

[Tarq57]

CCleaner is excellent, current version incorporates a secure file shredder that almost seems too fast. I use http://www.winaso.com/ for registry optimising. Seems to work pretty well; can undo last optimise. Not true freeware, the trial version is limited to 10 repairs, so the first one might take a few goes. It also has general internet/browsing speed up tools. TZ connection booster (google finds it) is a standalone lightweight connection optimiser that works as well as most. On the pistop utility, which is a non-functional optimiser, you can see the junk registry entries and delete them in regedit if you're feeling brave. Uncharted waters, this! Winpatrol is an excellent security tool, that also can be easily configured to disable those nasty, annoying registration reminders that some trial programs use, as well as preventing the the alteration of system settings by many types of spyware. http://www.winpatrol.com/

[frostbite]

CCleaner is good, but make sure you understand what is going to be removed before you click 'yes'.

The default includes some things which you might prefer to keep, so be careful to select only what you don't want kept.

[Hobgoblin]

If you want to get your computer running in tip top shape I suggest you read Koroush Ghazi's Tweaking Companion. You'll find it on www.tweakguides.com. It's a 2Mb or so Adobe file that you can download for free and will teach you everything you wanted to know about Windows XP but were too embarrased to ask.

I still use it on a regular basis and cannot recommend it highly enough. All you want to know about cleaning and optimising and then a dash extra. Also, he actually recommends Freeware utilities to optimise your system and directs you to where they can be found. (All from reputable sources such as MajorGeeks and the like.)

Let us know if you find it helpful.

[Cool_Hand]

Thanks all,

I've been through the ccleaner, and have now got the tweakguide, so I'll see what that can do.

Thanks again.