Fix your Windows PC

When I tell friends I've started a business that involves computers and the Internet, inevitably they say "My PC is really slow. I think I may have a virus. What do you recommend?" Instead of scribbling URLs on scraps of paper or bar napkins, I've created this page for them and for you. It lists products I use, or ones that are the most highly rated in their category. Everything here is either low-cost or free for family use only. I tell business users to hire me ;-)

1. BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING

Make sure you have a good backup of your data. For most users, this means burning the "My Documents" folder and sub folders to CD-R. From IE (Internet Explorer), export your favorites to the backup. From your mail program, export your old e-mail and address book. If you've got an extra $100 dollars, go down to your local PC store and pick up a portable USB hard drive. It's much easier to use for backing up gigabytes of .MP3 songs and digital images. Note that if you don't back up iTunes songs, you cannot re-download the songs for free even though you paid for them.
Make sure you have the original program CDs handy in case something goes terribly wrong.
Write down all your user settings, login names and passwords, especially for your Internet connection and e-mail.
If you just installed a new piece of hardware when the problem started, it may be a device driver problem and not a virus. XP users can fix this problem using the driver rollback feature.
Try installing all the latest updates and security patches from Microsoft. Windows Vista and XP should be upgraded to SP2 (service pack #2), Windows 2000 to SP4.

2. ANTI-VIRUS

If you think you have a virus you need to remove it instantly. Two highly rated - and free - virus killers that run on line (you don't download them) are Housecall and Panda.

Any anti-virus program will protect your PC if it's updated, actively monitoring e-mails and the Internet, and you run full scans weekly. If you've been ignoring those nagging reminders to upgrade Norton or McAfee because you didn't want to send them $49 dollars, uninstall their software completely, reboot, then install Avast Free Anti-Virus (don't ever run two AV programs at the same time). This is the one I use daily, and I can guarantee it works.

3. SPYWARE

If it wasn't a virus, chances are spyware or some other malicious program has infected your PC. If you already have spyware you need to remove it, start with the free program Spybot Search & Destroy . When you run this program, it scans your hard drive and registry, then reports any spyware it has found and offers to remove it.

Because not every spyware cleaner can find every kind of spyware, experts recommend running 2 or 3 anti-spyware programs regularly to clean a PC. LavaSoft's Ad-aware is a free download and highly recommended. Like Spybot above, you run this program to clean spyware that has already infected your PC.

Once you've cleaned your PC of spyware, you'll need a program that shields it from further infections. Spyware Blaster is a free program that runs in the background while you're surfing the internet and prevents further spyware and adware infections.

Windows XP users can also install the free Windows Defender anti-spyware from Microsoft. While it isn't as highly rated as the above programs, it is free for XP and Vista users.

4. FIREWALLS

Assuming you fixed the problem, you'll want to avoid similar problems in the future. A firewall is an additional layer of defense between your PC and malicious software.

A broadband router between your PC and Internet connection is the best, fastest and simplest firewall, and can be purchased for under $50 dollars. If you have a box that

If you don't want to purchase a firewall router, a slower alternative is the free firewall for Windows XP users included in SP2 or in Vista. Windows 98 or 2000 users should use the free ZoneAlarm Personal Firewall software.

5. IF NOTHING WORKED

1. Reformat your hard drive and re-install Windows - use the CDs that came with your PC.
2. Connect to the Internet
3. Install the latest service packs and security updates IMMEDIATELY.
4. Install an anti-virus program (see ANTI-VIRUS above).
5. Install a firewall (see FIREWALL above).
6. Install an anti-spyware program (see SPYWARE above).
7. Install your application software (MS Office, etc.).
8. Copy your data back to "My Documents" (images, songs, docs, etc. No applications)
9. Import your favorites back into Internet Explorer
10. Import your old e-mail and address book (optional).
11. XP Users - Run a System Restore so you'll have a known good point to restore your PC to in case you have problems in the future.
12. Read the TIPS below for additional security options.

6. TIPS

Change browsers and mail clients - Opera replaces IE and Outlook/Outlook Express, and blocks 99% of the vulnerabilities you read about with Microsoft products. Free to try, $29 to buy.

If you're using an on line mail reader (AOL, Gmail, Yahoo, NetZero, etc.) change your browser to Firefox. It is faster, blocks pop-ups, has better security than IE, and it's free.

XP/2000 Users - Create 2 accounts - one with administrator privileges, one "limited". Only use the limited account for day-to-day surfing, e-mail, etc. Log on as administrator only to install new software. This is especially important if you have kids using the PC.

When checking e-mail, don't automatically open attachments or click hot links - especially from people you don't know. If something even looks suspicious, delete it. If someone wants to send you a photo, they can safely attach it to an email in .JPG format.

Over time a PC slows down as you add and remove software. To get rid of all the crap that accumulates you need CrapCleaner (what else would you call it?). It's fast, easy to use, and it will search out and eliminate hundreds or even thousands of files and registry entries you no longer need. Free to try, and highly rated.

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