by Crawford Computer Consulting
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Routine Maintenance on Windows Computers

I believe in running periodic preventive maintenance on them. Here is a basic check-list for the maintenance of these computers:

  1. Review file structure and delete GUID folders. Check OS Drive space.
  2. Clean up temporary disk files by running cleanmgr.exe (remove System Files as well).
  3. Delete the temporary files in %SYSTEMROOT%\TEMP and %TEMP%.
  4. Check System Restore, rstrui.exe.
  5. Review Programs and Features: appwiz.cpl.
  6. Review the contents of the Startup Groups:
    %AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
    %ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
  7. Clear Browser Cache, check browser plugins, toolbars, search-providers.
  8. Review registry entries in the following registry keys, regedit.exe: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Wow6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
  9. Remove Apple Quicktime if it’s still installed.
  10. Check for and update unique applications on the computer, if any.
  11. Check for Office 365 updates.
  12. Check Antivirus, update if necessary, review quarantine.
  13. Check for old or unauthorized user accounts.
  14. Check E-mail store size, if applicable.
  15. Make a backup copy of any Outlook .pst files, usually here: %homepath%\appdata\local\microsoft\outlook
  16. Watch for any indication of malware, adware, virus, etc. Scan and remove accordingly.
  17. Check Firewall status
  18. Check RAM, CPU, Disk and Processes in taskmgr.exe.
  19. Check the backup method: Is it working? Is it backing up everything it should?
  20. Check for updated hardware drivers, BIOS updates.
  21. Win10 only: Check privacy settings & notifications
  22. Win10 only: Settings: Privacy: System, Notifications: Turn off all notifications.
  23. Win10 only: Settings, Network & Internet, Wi-Fi: Turn off everything under Wi-Fi services
  24. Win10 only: Settings, Personalization, Start: Turn off “Occasionally show suggestions in Start”
  25. Win10 only : Settings, Updates & Security: Check that there is no problem with updates.
  26. Run Windows Updates.
  27. Check remote access software, if any.
  28. Reboot.