Most computers running Windows 7 and Windows 8 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:
- Review file structure and delete GUID folders. Check OS Drive space.
- Clean up temporary disk files by running cleanmgr.exe (remove System Files as well).
- Delete the temporary files in %SYSTEMROOT%\TEMP and %TEMP%.
- Review Programs and Features: appwiz.cpl.
- 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 - Review the contents of the Startup Groups:
%AppData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup
%ProgramData%\Microsoft\Windows\Start Menu\Programs\Startup - Clear Browser Cache, check browser plugins, toolbars, search-providers.
- 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
- Update Adobe Acrobat, or Acrobat Reader: http://get.adobe.com/reader or ftp://ftp.adobe.com/pub/adobe/reader/win
- Update Java browser plugin from http://java.com or http://java.com/en/download/manual.jsp
- Remove Apple Quicktime if it’s still installed.
- Check for and update unique applications on the computer, if any.
- Check for updated hardware drivers, BIOS updates.
- Check Antivirus, update if necessary, review quarantine.
- Check for unauthorized user accounts.
- Check E-mail store size, if applicable.
- Watch for any indication of malware, adware, virus, etc. Scan and remove accordingly.
- Check Firewall.
- Check RAM, CPU, and Processes in taskmgr.exe.
- Check System Restore, rstrui.exe.
- Check the backup method: Is it working? Is it backing up everything it should?
- Run Windows Updates.
- Run Disk Defragmentation, if not SSD.
