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More ways to clean up Vista

Created: 02 Sep 2007 ::: Last updated: 09 Sep 2007
Applies to: _ Win95 _ Win98 _ WinMe _ Win 2000/NT _ WinXP X WinVista _ MacOS

By Cyberwalker staff

Q:To improve my Windows Vista system performance, do I really have to wipe my hard drive and reinstall? Or are there other strategies?

A: Reinstalling and reformatting is the best way to start fresh with your system and eliminate any ornery programs, spyware or viruses that might cause a slowdown or that compromise your system's security. However, before taking such time-consuming step (it can take a day to do!), you might want to try several free scanner tools to help clean up your PC. We recommend you try each one as they all address different issues.

Here's a quick guide:

Vista Repair Tool: We recommend cleaning your Windows Vista system with this registry and repair tool. Check your system with the free portion of this tool and buy it only if it looks like it'll solve lots of problems. Try it here: Registry Smart We love this freebie scanner because it reveals so much and offers a way to clean up the startup routine as well which is what can cause slow system behaviour.
Alternate System Repair Tool: You can also try repairing your system with Error Killer. It'll find and resolve issues that make your Vista computer crash or unstable. Use the free scanner to see if locates errors before you commit to a purchase and let it solve the problems. Also: It helps clean up startup routine to make your system boot faster and be more efficient with memory.
Remove Spyware, Speed Up Your System: Is your system behaving oddly? Is it much slower than it used to be? Spyware infections are the number one cause of computer slowdowns and crashes. They can also cause blue screens and weird errors and worse, they violate your privacy. See if spyware is a problem for you - do a free scan with the Vista-compliant WebRoot Spy Sweeper scanner to see if a spyware is a problem for you. It's one of the best programs on the market to clean and prevent spyware fast and easily. Learn more about the performance and security problems spyware causes in our Anti-Spyware FAQ.
Scan for bugs: Consider trying the PC Bug Doctor. It also finds errors that make your system crash and fixes them. See what state your computer is in. Linked here is a free try-before-you-buy scanner. Scan your system now with the PC Bug Doctor Scanner.

If you prefer to skip these techniques, there's a lot of advice in our Windows Reinstall and Reformat FAQ.

It has all the instructions on how to scrub your drive and start fresh afterwards.