by Crawford Computer Consulting
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Routine Maintenance on Windows Computers

Most computers running Windows 7 thru Windows 10 have a lot in common. 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. Update Adobe Flash Player for Internet Explorer in Windows 7: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer or http://fpdownload.macromedia.com/pub/flashplayer/latest/help/install_flash_player_ax.exe
  9. Update Adobe Acrobat, or Acrobat Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader or ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win
  10. Update Java browser plugin from http://java.com or http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
  11. 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
  12. Remove Apple Quicktime if it’s still installed.
  13. Check for and update unique applications on the computer, if any.
  14. Check for Office 365 updates.
  15. Check Antivirus, update if necessary, review quarantine.
  16. Check for old or unauthorized user accounts.
  17. Check E-mail store size, if applicable.
  18. Watch for any indication of malware, adware, virus, etc. Scan and remove accordingly.
  19. Check Firewall.
  20. Check RAM, CPU, Disk and Processes in taskmgr.exe.
  21. Check the backup method: Is it working? Is it backing up everything it should?
  22. Win10 only: Settings, Privacy: Turn off all privacy settings down through Feedback & Diagnostics.
  23. Win10 only: Settings, System, Notifications: Turn off all notifications.
  24. Win10 only: Settings, Network & Internet, Wi-Fi: Turn off everything under Wi-Fi services
  25. Win10 only: Settings, Personalization, Start: Turn off “Occasionally show suggestions in Start”
  26. Win10 only : Settings, Updates & Security: Check that there is no problem with updates.
  27. WIN10 only: Turn on ransomeware feature in Windows Defender Security Center and add protected folders if necessary. This is not practical if apps open data from the folder.
  28. Check for updated hardware drivers, BIOS updates.
  29. Run Windows Updates.
  30. Check remote access software, if any.
  31. Reboot.