Degunking Windows 7

IntroductionCHAPTER 1 Why Is My Computer All Gunked Up?You Are Here! (But, Why?)What the Experts KnowUnderstand How You Got So Gunked UpFiles Are Stored EverywhereTemporary Files Aren't So TemporarySpam, Spam, Eggs, Bacon, and Spam!Unwanted Software and TrialwareThe Menu System Is OverrunLow Hard Drive SpaceUnorganized Data FilesUnorganized Web FavoritesSpyware, Adware, and VirusesConfigured Service Packs and UpdatesToo Much Music, Photos, Media, and TVToo Many Connected DevicesAre You Gunked Up?Ready for Degunking?Summing UpCHAPTER 2 The Degunking 12-Step ProgramThe Strategy Behind DegunkingImportant Questions to Ask YourselfThe Hard Disk and Default FoldersPrograms and ServicesE-MailUpdatesSecurityBackupsRecovery ToolsThe Degunking 12-Step ProgramSumming UpCHAPTER 3 Remove Unwanted Data and ProgramsClean Up the Default Folders and LibrariesA Note About Saving FilesPrecautionsDelete DocumentsDelete Media FilesUse Public and Shared FoldersClean Up and Organize Your Hard DriveDelete Files from the Root Directory (C:)Move Files Out of the Root DirectoryDelete Unused Files in Other LocationsGet Rid of Unwanted ProgramsUse Control Panel to Remove ProgramsUse a Program's Uninstall CommandBe Persistent and Use PrecautionTurn Off Extraneous Windows ComponentsClean the Nooks and CranniesUse Disk CleanupEmpty the Recycle BinRemove Unwanted User AccountsSumming UpCHAPTER 4 Organize Your File SystemManage Data in FoldersCreate Personalized SubfoldersPictures, Videos, Music, and MoreRename, Cut, Copy, Paste, and Delete FoldersOrganize Additional Drives or PartitionsIncorporate LibrariesAdd a Folder to a Default LibraryCreate a New LibraryShare a LibraryUse Public Folders to Your AdvantageConfigure Public Folder SharingPoint Programs to the Public FoldersShare a Personal Folder You CreateFinalize the Organizational ProcessDisk DefragmenterStay DegunkedSumming UpCHAPTER 5 Clean Up Your Desktop, Start Menu, and TaskbarThe DesktopGet Rid of Unwanted Desktop IconsCreate Desktop Icons You'll UseRemove FoldersChange the Wallpaper and Screen SaverThe Start MenuExplore Start Menu OptionsPin Items to the Start MenuThe TaskbarPin Items to the TaskbarConfigure Taskbar SettingsManage the Taskbar's Notification AreaSumming UpCHAPTER 6 Optimize Your Hard DriveNTFS and FATGet Rid of Unsigned DriversUse File Signature VerificationSet Driver Signing PropertiesEnhance PerformanceRun Check DiskRun Performance TestsTweak Features and Use Advanced Tools to Enhance System PerformanceSchedule Disk CleanupClean Up the RegistryInside the RegistryExplore the Registry with RegeditKnow Why You Should Clean the RegistryChoose Registry Cleaning SoftwareSumming UpCHAPTER 7 Clean Up and Secure Internet Explorer 8Improve PerformanceUse Compatibility ViewRemove or Disable Toolbars and Add-onsImprove SecurityReview Privacy and Security SettingsDelete Cookies, Temporary Internet Files, and AutoFill DataExplore InPrivate BrowsingOrganize FavoritesExplore Alternative BrowsersSumming UpCHAPTER 8 Clean Up Your E-MailManage Your InboxKeep, Hold, or Pitch?Create Folders and Subfolders and Move E-MailManage AttachmentsExplore Filtering OptionsReduce SpamKnow How Spam WorksUse Multiple E-Mail AddressesProtect Your Primary E-Mail AccountTake Matters into Your Own HandsAvoid Triggering Other People's Spam FiltersKnow How to Back Up E-Mail DataSumming UpCHAPTER 9 Secure Your ComputerUse, er, User AccountsCreate User Accounts (or Apply a Password to Yours)Use a Guest AccountProtect Your Computer with Built-In Windows 7 FeaturesApply a Screen Saver PasswordUse the Action Center to Resolve Known Security IssuesConfigure Automatic Updates for Windows 7Perform a Scan with Windows Defender and Enable Windows FirewallProtect Against Viruses, Malware, and AdwareConsider Free Security Software from MicrosoftSumming UpCHAPTER 10 Clean Up and Secure Your NetworkVerify Your Network Is SecureSecure Your RouterMake Sure Your Network Is "Private"Verify Sharing Is Configured CorrectlyRe-create Your Network and/or Create a HomegroupIntro to HomegroupsLocate an Existing Homegroup or Create a New OneTweak the HomegroupKeep Your Network DegunkedResolve Network ProblemsRemove Unwanted Wireless NetworksSumming UpCHAPTER 11 Fix Problems with MediaGeneral Media DegunkingGet Updates for All of Your Media PlayersGet Rid of Media Players You Don't UseReview and Clean Up Your PlaylistsWork with and Troubleshoot Media Licenses and/or MediaAuthorize or Deauthorize Computers to Play MediaTroubleshoot Play ToDegunk Windows Media CenterSumming UpCHAPTER 12 Optimize SyncingExplore Device StageSet Up a Sync Partnership in Device StageTroubleshoot PartnershipsExplore Windows Media PlayerTake Inventory of Third-Party Hardware and SoftwareDump Unwanted Hardware, Software, and MediaTweak Settings in Third-Party Media Sync ApplicationsSumming UpCHAPTER 13 Resolve Lingering Software and Hardware IssuesFinalize Software DegunkingUpdate Software You UseDeal with Unwanted Update NotificationsCheck the Action Center RegularlyUse Program Compatibility ModeMake Multimedia Games and Software Run BetterFinalize Hardware DegunkingTroubleshoot Device DriversReplace Incompatible Devices with Compatible OnesUpgrade Hardware When You CanAdd MemoryAdd a Second MonitorAdd a Backup DeviceTweak System Restore SettingsRepair a Problem Using the Windows 7 Installation DVDPhysically Clean the MachineKeyboardMouseComputer CaseMonitorDegunk Inside the CaseSumming UpCHAPTER 14 Back Up Precious FilesMake Sure Safeguards Are in PlaceLearn What to Back Up and How OftenWhat and How to Back UpHow Often to Back UpWhere to Store BackupsUse the Windows 7 Backup and Restore ApplicationCreate a Complete BackupCreate a System Image and Repair DiscDrag and Drop Files to a USB Flash DriveUnderstand How to Restore Your ComputerSumming UpAPPENDIX Buy and Degunk a New PCHow, When, and Why to Buy a New PCPrepare and Degunk a New PCWhat to Do Now if You Installed Windows 7 CleanWhat to Do Now if You Want to Degunk Your New PC ManuallyOptions for Transferring Your Personal DataSumming UpIndex Degunking Windows 7 is the fast, affordable way to keep your computer running quickly and efficiently. Over time, Windows PCs can become slow because of the accumulation of unneeded and unwanted programs, files, errors, and other gunk. This book shows you how to take the necessary steps to clean up your Windows PC and restore the speed, responsiveness, reliability, and error-free operation that it had when it was brand new. The proven Degunking 12-Step Program teaches you how to organize your hard disk, load and run only the programs and processes that matter, and clear out the cobwebs hiding in the corners so your computer runs the best it possibly can. After your PC is cleaned and optimized, youll learn to manage the desktop, organize data in folders, keep email free of spam and harmful programs, create useful and reliable backups, and maintain a good security system for the long term. Unhelpful error messages are explained, and youll find out how to resolve them. Good maintenance and management practices for media files are detailed, as well as methods for making sure devices are always synchronized and up-to-date. This book puts the practical information the expert PC technicians know directly into your hands! Degunking Windows 7

Restore your Windows 7 PC to peak performance!

Degunking Windows 7 is the fast, affordable way to keep your computer running quickly and efficiently. Over time, Windows PCs can slow down due to unnecessary programs, files, errors, and other "gunk." This book's proven Degunking 12-Step Program shows you how to organize your hard disk, load and run only the programs and processes you need, and restore the speed, responsiveness, and reliability your PC had when it was brand new. This do-it-yourself guide puts the practical information the expert PC technicians know directly into your hands, saving you lots of time and money!

Degunking Windows 7 shows you how to:

• Remove unwanted data and programs
• Organize your file system
• Unclutter your desktop, start menu, and taskbar
• Optimize your hard drive
• Tune up and secure Internet Explorer
• Organize your email
• Secure your computer
• Clean up and secure your network
• Fix problems with media
• Optimize syncing
• Resolve lingering software and hardware issues
• Back up precious files