Windows Accelerator

How Often Should A Registry Cleaner Be Used?

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Using a registry cleaner tool is of great importance to maintain a healthy PC and improve its performance. A question frequently asked is “How often should I use it?”

What is the Windows Registry?

The registry is an integral component of all Windows Operating Systems, which stores all settings and configurations related to hardware, software and user preferences. Each time you make a change to anything on your PC this information is relayed to the registry which keeps a record of it. Sometimes entries which are no longer necessary do not get deleted and the build up of this data can cause poor performance by your PC and result in errors or crashes. Malware such as Trojan horses, spyware, adware and viruses can sometimes infect the registry and alter details stored there.

How Do I Clean the Registry?

As the registry is such a vital part of any computer it is imperative that it is kept well maintained therefore regular cleaning is necessary. However, manually cleaning and repairing the registry calls for expert computer knowledge to avoid deleting important data which can lead to irreversible damage.

As most computer users will not have the necessary expertise to carry this out, a tool, called a registry cleaner, has been developed to do the job automatically. The registry cleaner will perform the maintenance quickly and efficiently with no need to worry about mistakes being made.

When to Use a Registry Cleaner

How often should a registry cleaner be used? Everyone is different and the factors below may help you decide.

• The frequency with which you install software or hardware.

• How often do you install ActiveX components or other web browsing components?
• Consider running a registry cleaner whenever you remove any hardware or software from your machine. Frequently when automatically removing these items data gets left behind in the registry.
• How often do you change your browser settings or other system configurations?
• The frequency with which you install hardware should also be taken into consideration when deciding how often to run a registry cleaner.

Hopefully the above will give you some idea of how often a registry cleaner should be used. It will really all depend on how much you use your PC and how often you make changes to it.

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Scanning for Common Registry Problems

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

A principal component of any PC is the Windows registry. This integral database system holds all the configuration information for all of programs and applications which are installed on your PC. Each time you install a new program the registry records this and updates itself. It also holds data referring to user preferences and any changes which are made in the Control Panel.

The Windows operating system uses the data held in the registry to boot up and to run any applications you have installed on your computer. As you install or remove programs, large numbers of files build up in the registry, some of which are no longer needed. The accumulation of this data will cause your PC to take much longer than necessary to search for and find any information it is looking for.

Signs Your Registry Needs Cleaning

The performance of your PC will be noticeably decreased as Windows takes a prolonged period of time to search for the necessary files to operate your computer. These problems need to be rectified immediately to ensure damage is not caused to your PC.

The most common signs that your registry requires cleaning include:

• Your computer freezing
• Applications loading slowly
• System crashes
• Certain programs won’t run
• Not being able to install or uninstall applications successfully

• If you need to reboot repeatedly

If you find your computer encountering any of these symptoms, it’s possible that the Windows registry is corrupt or has a build up of redundant files. It is necessary to find which files are causing the trouble and to delete them from the registry to restore your computer back to full health.

Scanning the Windows Registry

The Windows registry will need to be scanned with a registry cleaner which will identify any obsolete entries, removal of which will free up valuable space. The registry cleaner will perform a check on all existing values and delete any unnecessary files which should rectify the poor performance of your PC.

After the registry has been scanned you may choose to manually remove the unnecessary files yourself but its vital if you are going to do this that you have sufficient computer knowledge to be able to perform the job. If you mistakenly remove an entry you run the risk of damaging your PC and leaving it unusable.

A better idea is to use a registry cleaner that will automatically scan and safely clean your PC. When choosing a registry cleaner opt for one that will remove only the obsolete values and will automatically create a back up before it makes any changes. There are many registry cleaners available on the internet and they all offer more or less the same features but be sure to choose one which is trustworthy and will clean your registry without incurring damage.

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Top 5 Tips for the Best Computer Performance

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Research has shown that over 90% of PCs worldwide are not running at their optimum performance levels. This shows most PC owners do not get the best out of their computers.

There are so many tips and software tools available to tweak your PC to its maximum performance so there should really be no reason why anyone should be suffering a slow running computer. Some tools can be downloaded for free from the internet and include anti spyware tools and anti virus applications.

Another way to resolve low performance issues with your PC is to regularly perform general housekeeping and maintenance tasks. This is an important part of owning a computer and isn’t as difficult as it may sound. Below are listed five top tips for the ultimate PC performance.

1. Update Your Software

If your PC appears to be slowing down when you use a particular program, check to see if there is an upgrade available for the software driver. Programs and applications usually come with some bugs when they are first released so it may be worthwhile checking to see if there are any patches or updates to download to iron out any problems. Software developers will usually issue such updates to their products. If you are using anti virus software check regularly for updates so that your program is kept prepared to deal with all the latest threats. If not kept up to date, your computer is at risk of serious damage.

2. Perform Regular Maintenance On Your Hard Disk

There are many system maintenance tools which are preloaded on your Windows software. If used regularly these will help keep your PC running with optimal performance. To locate these system tools click on Start – Programs – Accessories. Here you will find the various tools available. ‘Scan Disk’ will check your hard drive for any errors; ‘Disk Defrag’ will rearrange files and folders on your hard disk so they can be located more efficiently. It’s important to carry out these maintenance tasks regularly so it might be a good idea to use the Maintenance Wizard available on your system. This wizard will carry out the required maintenance tasks automatically at set regular intervals.

3. Test Your PCs RAM Performance

RAM or Random Access Memory is a crucial part of your PC hardware and it is important to check it is working correctly as it can cause your system to slow down if it begins to fail. You can visit the technical support page at Microsoft’s website where you will find a Windows Memory Diagnostic tool which is free to download and will test the memory installed on your PC. If it finds a problem with your PCs RAM you may be able to fix it by removing the memory card and re-inserting it. If this doesn’t resolve the problem you may have to replace your RAM altogether.

4. Check Your PCs Temperature

If you have ran other checks to test why your PC is not running as fast as it once did and still don’t resolve the issue, it’s possible the problem might be caused by your computer overheating. Carefully open up the casing of your computer and look to see if there is any dust gathered around the various pieces of hardware, especially around the CPU fan. If the fan is dirty or damaged it will not be sufficiently cooling your system and the resulting temperatures will damage the PC’s internal components. Experts now recommend using rounded cables on the drives rather than the typical ribbons as this will reduce the heat. It is important that your PC has sufficient ventilation. It shouldn’t be kept against a wall nor have the air holes covered as this will not allow the heat to escape.

5. Clean Your Registry

This is an important part of PC maintenance and housekeeping. Keeping the registry well maintained will remove data which has been left over from the installation and removal of the many various programs which have been on your computer. If these files are left alone they will bulk up the registry entries and inhibit fast and efficient running of your system. The easiest way to perform registry maintenance is by using a registry cleaner such as RegCure. It will clean up your registry without deleting important data and will help your PC perform to its optimal levels.

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Top 10 Tips To Free Up Hard Drive Space

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

On every computer the hard disk is the principle storage device. Everything from the Operating System to the programs and applications installed are held here. Even those applications which are loaded from other storage devices such as floppy disks or CDs, all use up space on the hard drive to store some information and for processing.

To keep as much free space as possible and to keep your PC running smoothly it’s important to keep the hard disk clean and free of unnecessary files and folders. If you have too much data stored on your hard disk such as lots of programs you never use, it will take your system longer than necessary to locate the files it is looking for. If your computer is noticeably lagging, it may be time to clean up your hard drive.

To check to see what how much free space there is on your hard drive, go to My Computer. Right click on the drive you primarily use for storage (usually the C drive) and select Properties.

If you need to free up space or just want to give your hard drive a spring clean, follow the steps outlined below – the top 10 tips to free up hard disk space.

1. Remove unnecessary data from the hard drive.

The software for doing this is provided on your Windows system. To access it go to Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Cleanup. Choose which drive you want cleaned. The program will carry out the task automatically, locating any files which can be safely removed and will prompt you for permission to delete them.

2. Rearrange data on the hard disk.

Again, the software to carry out this task is provided free of charge with your Windows Operating System. It can be located at Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – Disk Defragmenter. Select which drive you wish to defrag. This will automatically shuffle the files stored on the hard drive to make them easier for the system to access, speeding up the processing time for your PC.

3. Delete any unnecessary programs

This is one of the best ways of creating more space on your hard drive. It is essential however, that you carry this out properly to ensure complete removal of all files associated with the program. In the Control Panel, choose the option to Add or Remove Programs. A list will be generated of all programs currently installed on your PC. Highlight each one in turn that you wish to remove. Be careful with this task so as not to delete any program which may be necessary for the Operating System to function.

4. Invest in an external hard drive

This is one way of creating a lot more space for storage. It may not be practical to use it for main storage but is a good alternative for storing applications which are only used occasionally. It’s also useful for keeping back ups of your data.

5. Zip up your data

Zip files are an advanced compression technique which will reduce the data contained within them to one third of its original size. Files and folders which you rarely use but do not want to delete are ideal to store in zipped files.

6. Save files to disk

Save files which are only used occasionally to removable disks. These can be floppy disks, CDs, or DVDs. They won’t hold as much information as your hard drive but you can increase storage by zipping files before saving them.

7. Transfer music files

Music files can be huge in size and take up valuable space on your hard drive. Mp3, wma and other music file formats are best stored on other storage media or devices if hard drive space is at a premium.

8. Tidy up your desktop

If you have too many shortcut icons plastered on your desktop this can be an eyesore. Remove any unnecessary ones, access programs through All Programs instead and store any pictures or other files in their relevant folders.

9. Use Bookmarks

Use your bookmark or favorites folder to hold the URLs of your most visited websites. This saves time searching for them.

10. Keep folders neat and tidy

Keep folders such as My Documents, My Pictures and My Music neat and organized. Delete any information or files not needed and create sub folders to manage data stored within each folder.

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Save Time & Money With a Computer Registry Cleaner

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

A computer is an expensive piece of equipment and as such needs treated with care and attention. Like any other machinery it will gradually succumb to general wear and tear and this can develop into a serious problem if regular maintenance is not carried out. If your PC is not kept in good condition or is subjected to abuse, expensive repairs will be necessary to resolve the issues.

How Does a Registry Cleaner Save You Money?

Most computers will have data stored that can cause the system to become unreliable. This information can greatly interfere with the performance of your PC and can be the reason why you may be experiencing slow running times, freezes or even system crashes. These all indicate that there is a severe problem with your PC that needs to be rectified.

How can these issues be resolved? First of all it’s necessary to find out what exactly is causing the problems. The most common reasons include:

• Conflicting hardware
• Wear and tear of the internal components
• Too many background applications running
• Insufficient space on your hard disk
• Not enough memory installed
• The Windows registry becoming overloaded with information

Of these reasons, the most likely cause of your computer performing poorly is a Windows registry cluttered with out of date and unnecessary files. Obsolete and redundant files will cause overload in the registry and cause the symptoms mentioned previously.

To resolve these issues it is necessary to eliminate all the files from the registry which are no longer needed. The best way to this is by using a reliable registry cleaner. Running a registry cleaner will increase the speed of your PC and improve its stability whilst also deleting any files which may pose a threat to your computers security.

Performing regular maintenance of the Windows registry will keep it performing at optimal levels. Therefore you will avoid costly PC repairs incurred by the damage caused by system freezes and crashes.

Keeping your computer running at a fast paced level will mean you can perform tasks quickly and efficiently. You will no longer need to waste precious time whilst your PC undergoes expensive repairs with a professional repair shop. All this culminates in a more efficient and productive you!

A reliable and trustworthy registry cleaner will ensure a trouble free computing experience.

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8 Computer Maintenance Tips for a Faster PC

Posted on 18. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

Every PC owner should get into the habit of carrying out regular maintenance on their computer. PCs play such an important part in our lives these days, that it’s important to keep them working at their optimal performance levels.

General everyday use of your PC will over time lead to a decrease in its performance. Simple tasks such as browsing the Internet, word processing and playing games will all contribute to the decline in its ability to run efficiently.

If left unchecked this gradual wear and tear will eventually lead to problems with your computer such as slow performance, freezes, system crashes and the irretrievable loss of data. To avoid this happening it’s important to perform regular maintenance on your PC.

Below are listed 8 maintenance checks which should be carried out regularly.

AntiVirus Scan

Every time you use the Internet, your computer is at risk from picking up what could be a potentially serious virus. If the virus is not removed it can result in critical damage to your system, not to mention putting your security at risk. It’s important therefore to run an antivirus scan regularly to check for any malicious threats. Always remember to keep your antivirus software definitions up to date to keep abreast of current security issues.

Update Your Operating System

Check periodically for any updates or patches for your Operating System. These are designed to keep your PC running smoothly and address any security problems. If a newer version of your Operating System becomes available, download and install it.

Install a Firewall

This is important especially if you use the Internet regularly. A good firewall, kept updated, will protect your computer from any security breaches and prevent hackers getting access to your PC or your personal information.

Backup your data

Always make regular backups of any data stored on your computer which is important to you. Even with good maintenance, there’s always a small possibility your computer could crash and all your important data could be lost forever.

Defrag your hard drive

Running a regular defrag on your hard drive will increase the performance of your PC and help it run faster by moving the data around so it can be accessed by your system much more efficiently.

Keep your PC clean

Your computer generates a lot of static and because of this dust will accumulate on the exterior components. This can cause your PC to malfunction. Keep all hardware clean and dust free.

Disk Cleanup

This system tool is integrated with your Windows Operating System. Run it regularly to delete old files and temporary data stored on your PC. Freeing up your hard drive of any unnecessary data will create space and improve your computers performance.

Clean the Windows Registry

The Windows Registry can become clogged with redundant files and fragments from old software and hardware components. Running a reliable registry cleaner such as RegCure will root out these unnecessary files and delete them, resulting in a faster performing computer.

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Cleaning Up Your Windows Registry

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

If you’re experiencing poor performance from your PC – software loading slowly, programs not starting and perhaps even system crashes, your registry has probably become cluttered with unnecessary and redundant data. You need to perform some maintenance and give your registry a clean.

The Windows registry is one of the most crucial parts of any computer and without it your system would be unable to operate. The registry is a database that stores all necessary information on the settings and configuration of all the hardware and software installed on your PC. It holds data also on user profiles and particular preferences allowing each user to customize their Windows account.

Reasons the Registry Becomes Cluttered

Each time a program is installed or removed information relating to this is stored in the registry. Uninstalling applications will leave behind data fragments which are no longer necessary. Even every day use and browsing the net will add temporary internet files to an already cluttered registry. All this information will cause the system to have to work harder to find the instructions it needs and will result in a noticeable slow down of your PC.

Cleaning the Windows Registry Manually

It will be necessary to remove all this obsolete data to return your computer back to full health and perform efficiently. It is possible to remove these redundant files manually but unless you have sufficient computing skills and know-how, chances are you could cause irreparable damage to your system, rendering your PC unusable.

Using a Registry Cleaner Application

A much better choice is to use a registry cleaner which will perform a scan of your computer and alert you of any data held in the registry which is no longer needed and is causing your PC to under perform. The registry cleaner is an efficient and easy to use tool which will also delete these unnecessary files and will make a back up of the registry prior to undertaking any changes so your system can be completely restored should this be required.

For your computer to run smoothly and with optimal performance levels, the registry needs to have a well maintained and organized filing system. Regular scanning with a good registry cleaner will ensure this is the case.

Schedule checkups regularly of your Windows registry and your computer will be able to run smoothly and without glitches or crashes.

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Quick Guide to Registry Cleaners

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

The Windows Registry is one of the most important parts of your Operating System. The registry is a database where information is stored on all the various pieces of hardware and software installed on your PC. It holds not only the settings and configurations for these items but also for any user preferences which are stored.

When you purchase a new computer there is very little data held in the registry, as there are few applications installed, therefore no problems are likely to occur. However, once new programs are installed, modified or removed, lots of information will begin to clutter up the registry. Your system will need to work harder to find any data it requires and file fragments can sometimes confuse it causing errors and even crashes. Most system problems are directly related to errors within the registry.

Do I Need a Registry Cleaner?

If you frequently add or remove applications such as games, free software or other programs then you should think about using a registry cleaner to remove all traces of applications you have uninstalled or to remove redundant files relating to current software.

Many different brands of registry cleaners are available. They all perform a similar task although some may have extra features or functions. Have a look at what is available and decide which is best for you.

How Do I Use a Registry Cleaner?

Like most system tools, a registry cleaner will run automatically, needing little prompting in carrying out its task. All that is required is to install the program and run it. Below are three easy steps to using a registry cleaner.

1. Copy the registry before you begin.

The Windows registry holds much information which is absolutely crucial to the running of your Operating System and any changes made to this data could have disastrous effects, rendering your PC unusable. To avoid this happening it is wise to make a back up of the registry before any changes are made so that in the event of any mistakes, the original registry entries can be restored.

To make a back up of the registry, click on Start – Run – type regedit. Choose File – Export and enter the name of the file and a destination. Use any removable media storage device such as a floppy disk or a CD.

Before saving the file make sure it has the .reg extension as this will be needed if any mistakes are made.

2. Clean the registry.

A registry filled with redundant data will result in your computer taking much longer to boot up and the system will process information more slowly, therefore affecting the whole performance of your PC. In the past Windows Operating Systems came with an inbuilt registry cleaner however, since the release of Windows 98, Microsoft no longer include this tool with the package. Users are now required to purchase a third party registry cleaner.

3. Restore your registry.

If your computer has become infected with Malware and unsolicited changes have been made to the registry, you can restore your PC settings to a previous point in time. To do this click on Start – All Programs – Accessories – System Tools – System Restore. Choose the option which allows you to roll back your PC settings to a particular date. Click Next and choose a date from the calendar from before the unauthorized changes were made to the settings.

It’s important not only to keep your computer free of Malware but also to ensure the registry is kept clean from obsolete and unnecessary data which will only serve to clutter it up and slow down your computers performance. Use a registry cleaner regularly to keep your PC running fast and efficiently.

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Windows Error Messages Explained

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

If there is a problem with any part of your PC, you will be alerted by a Windows error message. There are more than 30 of these error codes associated with the devices connected to your computer.

To find out if your system has created a Windows error code, open up your Control Panel folder. From here choose the System folder and finally the Device Manager. You will be now be shown a list of all the devices connected to your PC, divided into categories and sub-categories.

To test to see if any Windows error codes have been generated, click on any of the devices displayed and then choose the Properties icon. Error codes will be listed in the General tab under Device Status.

The more devices you have installed on your computer the more time it will take to find the source of the error message. You will need to go through each device individually and check the status to locate where the error has originated from.

Below are listed some of the most common Windows generated error codes. There are also details of what they mean and how they can be resolved.

Code 1

This error code means that the device is configured incorrectly. It is perhaps the most frequently encountered Windows error code and simply means the device hasn’t been set up properly. The problem could also be that the wrong driver is being accessed or possibly an out of date driver. Click on the tab entitled Driver and press the Update Driver icon. If that fails, using the Device Manager, remove the device and reinstall it by choosing the Add New Hardware tab found in the Control Panel.

Code 3

This error code will be generated when the device driver has become corrupt or when the systems RAM (memory) is running low. To check on your PCs memory, go to my computer and right click the icon. Select properties followed by performance. You should always allow for more than 20% of free RAM. For optimal performance this should increase to at least 40% of the memory free. If the RAM is not causing the problem, try updating your drivers using the guidelines listed under Code 1.

Code 4

This code means a corrupt driver has caused a device to become faulty or perhaps a registry error. The device could have developed a corrupt .INF file, one example being if instead of binary it has text in a particular field. If this is the reason, you need to visit the device manufacturer’s website and download a new .INF file. You can also follow the guidelines for updating a driver listed above under Code 1 errors. If neither of remedies solve the problem, it’s possible that the Windows registry has become damaged. Go to the Start button on the left of your screen and navigate to Run. In the message box that appears type in ‘Scanregw.exe’. This will perform a scan of your registry.

Windows Registry Errors

There are various Windows error codes which are associated with a corrupt registry including:

Code 9. Indicates invalid data on the device registry.

Code 19. States ‘Your registry may be corrupt.

Code 27. The section of the registry which holds information on likely resources does not have the valid values.

If you visit the Microsoft Technical Support website you will find a complete listing of all the Windows error codes.

How To Fix Windows Errors

A Windows error code can mean a device on your PC is faulty, although many error codes can be rectified by using a registry cleaner such as RegCure.

Your registry can become cluttered with out of date or invalid entries, for example old drivers or redundant files and these can cause the system to experience all sorts of errors. Using a registry cleaner is a safe and efficient way of resolving these problems.

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5 Ways to Fix Computer Freezes

Posted on 17. Dec, 2008 by Jason Biddle, MSCE Certified Tech.

There can be many reasons as to why your PC freezes. It could be because you are running too many applications all at once or perhaps there has been a power surge.

However, today’s computers are built to withstand occurrences such as the occasional fluctuation in electricity supply and with the modern powerful machines there shouldn’t be a problem multitasking either. If you’re computer begins to experience freezes on a regular basis then something is obviously wrong.

The modern Operating Systems such as WinXP are a lot more robust and stable than previous versions. Therefore your computer should not crash completely if your PC freezes. You should simply be able to reboot and continue on with what you were doing.

If this is the first time your computer has frozen, reboot it and pay attention to what happens. If everything appears to be working fine and programs are running normally without the machine freezing, then it’s probably just a glitch.

If however, your computer continues to freeze frequently then you need to take action before permanent damage is caused to the system. It will be necessary to perform some checks to find out what is causing the problem.

Below are the 5 of the most common ways to resolve computer freezes.

1. Check for Viruses

This should be part of your regular maintenance schedule and not just carried out whenever your computer experiences a freeze up. Always remember to update your virus definitions frequently or even better, set the program to update them automatically. Running a scan with old definitions will not be any good at rooting out newer infections.

2. Perform an Anti Spyware and Adware Check

You may think you are careful to visit only reputable and trusted websites and just because you don’t get bombarded with pop-ups or advertisements, you are safe from the dangers of spyware and adware. This isn’t always the case. Even reliable websites can have malware embedded either in its pages or in adverts. It’s important to run a spyware and adware removal program regularly to remove any danger of this malicious software causing serious harm to your system or your security. There are many of these programs available to download for free from the Internet, however, take care in choosing one and read the small print carefully. A lot of free software comes embedded with even more malware.

3. Check Your Hardware

Sometimes PC freezes can be resolved by something as simple as cleaning your hardware. Check the fan in particular as this is a common area for dust and dirt to gather. Accumulation of grime will cause the cooling system to insufficiently ventilate the CPU, which in turn can cause under performance from your PC and freezes or crashes.

4. Is There Enough Free Space on Your Hard Disk?

An overloaded hard disk can also cause your PC to freeze up as there is insufficient space for processing information. It’s necessary to keep a least 20% of your hard disk free.

5. Remove Clutter from Your Windows Registry

With regular use of your computer, the Windows registry will soon become over filled with old and redundant data. File fragments left over from uninstalled programs, orphaned and replicated files, all serve no purpose and will only cause your PC to work harder to locate what it is looking for. This can cause severe lagging and freezes. To remove this obsolete data it will be necessary to run a reliable registry cleaner such as RegCure. RegCure will automatically locate and remove any such files from the registry, resulting in a faster, more efficient performance from your PC.

It is always wise to carry out the above tasks as part of a regular maintenance schedule to keep your PC in good health. Do not wait until you are experiencing freezes or other problems before taking care of your PC.

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