PC performance optimizer

[Meatwad]

Im looking for software to optimize an PC. Each one claims their the best and was wondering what others used and how well it works

[eagl]

The only performance optimizer I've ever found  that works is a complete re-install.

That said, I have been very happy with windows 7 compared to windows XP.

I did use CCleaner on winXP to fix a few specific registry errors, and it never caused any harm.  It fixed one or two problems I had and probably cleaned up a number of hidden problems, but it certainly didn't make the computer act as if it was a new installation.

[Delirium]

I agree with Eagl... I'd recommend 1 or 2 different programs like CCLeaner and Spybot at one time. One generally finds the 1 or 2 things the other did not.

I still recommend a complete format every year, regardless of how clean the machine is.

[uptown]

What all is involved in a reformat? Is reformatting basically clearing the hard drive of everything and reinstalling your OS?

I'm sure my AH computer could use a reformat, but I don't want to screw anything up. I do have a XP disc, but will I have to take it that far?

[Spikes]

Glary Utilities is good too.

[Hap]

Uptown, you stick your Windows disk in and boot from it: reformat and reinstall windows.  Also, there's the re-installation of all your other software and games.

[Spikes]

What all is involved in a reformat? Is reformatting basically clearing the hard drive of everything and reinstalling your OS?

I'm sure my AH computer could use a reformat, but I don't want to screw anything up. I do have a XP disc, but will I have to take it that far?

You just need the disk and a valid windows Cd key. Yes it wipes the hard drive and is a fresh install of windows, makes it much faster again.

[uptown]

Do you have to uninstall the OS first though?

[Megalodon]

Do you have to uninstall the OS first though?

No....But you might have to direct your computer to boot off the CD in the Bios and if your mother board needs 3rd party software drivers for sata lan, vid   etc... you may also need the drivers for that at install.

[SIM]

Doing a re-install of the operating system is pretty simple, but it IS time consuming.

If you are serious about "wiping the drive" and doing a complete reinstall of the OS and software, you need to follow a couple of steps.

1. Identify the manufacturer of your harddrive.
2. Visit their website and see if they offer diagnostic software for their drives. If so download the version for your drive.
3. Follow their instructions for creating a bootable CD to use on your machine.
4. Run the manufactures software and write 0's(zeros) to the drive.
5. Insert your Windows CD/DVD and begin the reinstall.

Writing zeros to the drive will get rid of EVERYTHING on the drive. Doing a standard format on deletes the first and last parts of the drive.

This will ensure a clean install of all windows and software files. It almost promises that things will go smoothly the first time.

If you go this route, your looking at 3-4 hours depending on the size of your harddrive.
Do it smart....

Identify all the hardware in your system and download the appropriate drivers before anything else!. Burn those drivers to a CD and keep it readily available until the reinstall is completed.

[Spikes]

Do you have to uninstall the OS first though?

No in the windows install manager it wipes it when you do a fresh install...just gotta back stuff up.

[68Wooley]

For goodness sake - if you're doing a clean install for the first time, remember to back everything up to another machine or external drive before you start.

Your wife / significant other will not be impressed if you lose 10 years of digital photographs trying to make AH2 10 FPS faster.

[uptown]

  thanks for the advice Wooley. I already have that covered 

[Ghosth]

Once a year complete  wipe,  reformat, reinstall OS, drivers, software.
With practice, and backups you can do it in 4 - 5 hours.

In between Glary Utilities.
Simple enough for anyone to understand, yet full featured enough for the power user.

[AApache]

BEST WAY TO OPTIMIZE YOUR PC !!!!