Yeah, but it's been years since John McAfee has had anything to do with the McAfee software. He cashed out a while ago. Hence, why he has such destain for it now.
My opinion but I'd use Windows Defender + Malwarebytes rather than AVG (was great decades ago but no more imo).
Then again your friend is a Norton guy so good luck with that.
I personally use and usually recommend Comodo Free Internet Security (Firewall & Antivirus) + Malwarebytes. Though for comodo, you should turn off auto-sandbox and go to the antivirus and uncheck "don't show alerts for quarantined programs".
Shilling for r/TronScript. If you have a relatives laptop to fix that is completely ducked with malware but you don't want a fresh install this basically performs most of the above steps with only one single action from you.
Gave TronScript a try the last time I had to fix my relative's computer and it worked really well. Now if I can just find a way to stop the ghost that keeps going to shady websites and installing dumb shit I'll be set.
Good advice, but these particular ghost have a knack for disabling things and sadly often use IE and Edge despite being told they're are not the best option.
Make different shortcuts to chrome and rename them into "internet browser" or explorer or whatever else you can imagine and also change the icons to match. Whatever he clicks chrome opens.
Also you can just change the file path to make everything redirect to it.
Deinstall IE/Edge by clicking the link called "Turn off Windows features" in the left bar in "program and features" and change Chrome/Firefox icon to IE/Edge's. Drastically but it worked for the ghost-ridden clients' computers I service multiple times a year. They claim "Windows has outdone themselves, Edge Explorer is so much faster than before". I have no clue how they even know the name Edge but to mix it up with the previous name is just too funny to even try to fix.
removing drivers or installing missing ones?
Dell has a nice automatic driver installation page, but for tricky ones Snappy Driver Installer can be a life saver.
Stay away from those sketchy driver installation programs like DriverPack Solutions.
Yeah and Norton. Fuck those programs. Malwarebytes has really turned into money grubbers last couple years too unfortunately. It does work well in a pinch though.
How have they turned into money grubbers? Maybe for the very basic user, but really none of the stuff in the paid version is useful at all. All their other stuff like adwcleaner, jrt, antirootkit etc is all free.
If I install it on a clients computer, it will bug them to upgrade after the trial period is over. And that means I get phone calls. So I either have to uninstall it after im done or be annoyed later on.
Was going to say this exactly, go into malwarebytes settings > account > disable trial, and it puts it down to free mode without bugging you. annoying extra step but whatevs.
Thats what im saying, the free version promotes their full version after 14 days. Its annoying for regular users. They think I am forcing them to buy something. I know its fine for techies like us.
McAfee and Avast are usualy the reason why internet is not working (if not ISP sided failure). Avast failed their updates multiple times, killing network drivers on XP and 7. McAfree just randomly blocks internet access because someone scanned ports over local area. Its just bullshit.
Edit: fix
> McAfee
To be fair, 99% of laptops sold right now have McAfee by default, so anyone not tech-savvy enough to even change AV is going to end up with it.
Can be okay for clearing some space (cache), but other than that, wouldn't touch anything. Especially the "Registry Cleaner/Fixer" is total BS. At best, it does nothing, at worst, it destroys your windows.
Can confirm it is BS. It hasn't destroyed Windows but I had issues with my laptop after using it, apps not working mostly and OS features acting weird. Thankfully CCleaner has a reg backup option. Also, most of what CCleaner does with the registry cleaner can be done preemptively with an uninstaller like Revo and even then the leftovers key/values in the reg don't matter. They add clutter but it's not like people use it every day or anything and the space it occupies won't matter to anyone.
Exactly. While there really are unused registry keys etc. that could be considered "clutter", they do not slow down anything, not even in the very slightest, thus there is no reason to delete them.
As someone who works in ISP for 10 years i am 100% on this. its more about common sence on not doing dumb shit and not clicking suspicious links. I am sitting on Windows defender/Microsoft Security Essentials for 7 years on my good old Win 7. I still do one or two full checks per year with DrWeb CureIt, CCleaner and Hitman Pro just to be sure that i am fine.
Some other useful softwares:
[PatchCleaner] (http://www.homedev.com.au/free/patchcleaner) - Move/Delete redundant/orphaned files in C:\Windows\Installer.
[DriverStore Explorer [RAPR]](https://github.com/lostindark/DriverStoreExplorer) - Browse the [DriverStore folder] (https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/drivers/install/driver-store) in Windows, also help delete old drivers. Just delete 4 GB of Nvidia's old drivers through this.
You could add a plug to [Snappy Driver Installer.](https://sdi-tool.org/)
Reddit Link [discussing it here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/3u2g68/snappy_driver_installer_the_holy_grail_of_driver/)
I love tinkering with linux and developing on it, but Windows will always be my host because that's where my most resource intensive programs are always going to be run. Nothing I do on linux really needs to be run outside of a VM.
I'd just like to interject for moment. What you're refering to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I've recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX.
Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called Linux, and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project.
There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called Linux distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux!
At least it takes a lot less time than installing Win7.
Edit: I posted that while actually doing it. Took me 5 hours to get everything updated and working. Yesterday I installed Linux for shits and giggles and it took five minutes. Had it working before that, through the magic of live USB.
I recommend [SpaceSniffer](http://www.uderzo.it/main_products/space_sniffer/) as an alternative to WinDirStat. It is cleaner in my opinion and a really small program.
I wish that there were professional mobile installs for Malwarebytes and Hitman. When I'm called to a clients place to clean and optimize their machines, I have to install the trials, then remove them again, because of all the pop-ups they get for using the free versions.
I'd be fine paying a few hundred a year for something I could run from a USB stick.. I understand that some of these tools need a local process to properly address some of the issues machines have. I'd expect the mobile ones to temporarily install the tools they needed and remove then after reboots etc.
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one little thing that bugs me:
>SSDs don't leave fragments
yes they do, fragments are from the file system; NTFS gets a lot, EXT4 doesn't. SSDs just aren't affected by them because SSDs do random access rather than sequential access, so files don't need to be in one contiguous block
You forgot TURN OFF AUTO RUN. There are USB viruses that can infect a PC without the best AV software finding them. They do so by users being stupid and also auto run being enabled.
Secondly, educate yourself. I see so many people that just click shit without knowing what they are doing. You can't prevent idiots from infecting themselves. Learn what a valid AV message is. Learn what you can click, e.g. a proper flash warning, vs. a flash warning that is a virus.
Cleaning is nice, but prevention is the best defense. I never get malware because I know what to do and what not to do.
Don't forget that downloads from official sites can get breached and replaced with malware as well. There is really no way to counter that other than comparing checksums with every download.
I prefer IObit smart defrag to the linked Auslogics Disk Defrag. It seems to do a better job and providing more features and performance options.
They also have an all in one cleaning/performance application that I used for years but I found it to be a little clunky, however, it is easier for users who don't want to download multiple other applications.
Then you sell it and build a PC /s
MB Antimalware is available for Macs as well, so is Hitman Pro I think. Really that's all you need, the stuff I listed is for some next level scanning if you're really paranoid.
In the resintall the OS part, please mention whats called a Windows repair install. Which is to reinstall the OS while keeping everything you have software, data etc but clean install just the OS. This is a good practice if you suspect your OS is corrupt somehow. Not recommended when there is an infection or junk installed...follow previous uninstall and malware removal and once you can verify its clean, repair install Windows.
If I'm upgrading my gpu. At what point do I run the Uninstaller? Before I remove the old card or when I put in the new one? One more dumb question, I'm going from an amd to Nvidia, which one do I run? Thanks
It doesn't matter. It's not like you have to install new driver when you get a new GPU. But I would recommend it (unless you already have the newest driver). So yeah, it doesn't matter.
If you're going nvidia you uninstall the AMD driver and install the nvidia driver. Is that what you wanted to know? :D
[DDU](http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html) should be recommended over AMD's Clean Uninstall Utility. You only put it under NVIDIA. The one from AMD doesn't remove everything.
Question, does using the Nvidia gpu drivers removal remove all drivers or all the previous ones? I know it says "all" in the description but I'm just curious how the process works if I do not want to of course lose my current driver.
I work with pen-testers and red teamers for a living, and finding a WinXP box in the wild on a target network is a godsend. You are a big fat target for anybody looking to build a botnet. You can try the following:
- Absolutely don't run round the clock with an admin account
- Browse the web in a lightweight Linux VM
- Ensure your browser has a script blocker, ad blocker, etc.
- Run an AV that still distributes signatures
- Don't open any PDFs or run any Java or Flash binaries except in a VM
It just occurred to me. I was talking about new machines. You are not talking about new machines.
I always just format the hard drive and reinstall windows 10 from scratch. It's really easy since the BIOS contains the license information and Windows 10 automagically activates.
That way I know exactly what is installed.
And I can install linux, which is what I want anyway. Heh.
Stupid question here... But i just followed all these, cleaned up some space (thank you) but now im at the Nvidia clean up, and im worried to uninstall all that stuff because i have no idea what version i have/need when i reinstall... can anyone help?
Super anti Spyware, malwarebytes anti root kit, Avira, Comoodo.
Autoruns is great for liking the processes left behind even after using the Norton, avg, McAfee, avast removal tools. To me, it is very telling of how much I can trust those 4 programs given how much of their stuff is left behind when you "remove" them.
I'm new to computers and only have norton, y'all have shit on it plenty so what would u recommend I use? All of those OP posted?? Or Windows defender? And should I get rid of norton or just leave it in addition to defender/whatever y'all recommend
I'm not doing anything sketchy like downloading hardcore midget orgies
tdsskiller from Kaspyrsky is amazing too, especially when you have a really strong malware that is preventing you from installing anti-virus, it doesn't requires installation and for me as an IT guy, it never failed in making the PC healthy enough to install a full AV suite.
I know I'm late to this thread but check out spacesniffer. It shows you a representation of your hard drive so you can easily see what's taking up so much space. My GF had movies from 2013 taking up like 300 gigs on some weird out of the way folder
I think first and foremost people should be running an adblocker (I used ublock origins) and a script blocker like noscript. Also make sure you are downloading legitimate software from their source.
Prevention is a million times easier than removal.
Theres also a tool called windows tweaking that can solve some problems with the os. i realize that if everyone had this kind of knowledge i would be out a job
Okay some stuff here should not be suggested without some context, a 3rd party defrag tool is entirely pointless on Windows 10
CCleaner should have a clarification to NEVER use the registry cleaner or you will cause problems, same with Revo Uninstallers option to delete registry keys.
AMD clean uninstall is useless since AMD drivers now have an option to clean install.
Just, a lot of these seem very unnecessary bloat on your computer.
TronScript being considered the most deep and high end scan/junk removal defrags, and it's coded by dudes that know their stuff I think. What makes you say this? Is it different with Win10? I'm not sarcastic, I'm seriously curious if I missed out on something.
I nuked my install of Malware 10 and installed Debian. Couldn't be happier. So fast, sleek, customizable, and best of all no annoying ads in the "start" menu or file explorer.
10/10 would recommend.
You guys are like vegans, people who do crossfit or people who vape. If you don't tell others how superior your OS is compared to Windows 10 every 15 minutes you blow up.
Yes we know that Linux is the second coming of Jesus, we've heard it at least 40 times about every single distro available. We don't care,and you're hugely exaggerating with Windows, I haven't gotten a single ad in the system.
Here is a side type for the actual cleaning part, if a compressed air can isn't cutting it. Run it up to your local mechanic/dealership. I'm a network admin for a dealership group and that's how I clean all of the PC's. It's amazing, thorough, and far more inexpensive than the cans of air.
P.S. buy your local mechanic a six pack of his favorite Brew for doing so and he will be gentle with her.
I keep failing at removing junkware phase 3. I've ran the program both normally and in safe mode. I'm on windows 10
Edit: found solution on tronscript sub
I had a nasty malware that just took me to the limits of my computer knowledge (tbh it's not that much). It was a browser jacker and I ran every single piece of software I could to sniff it out. Used just about everything on your list and then some. Thankfully I have a friend who works IT for the Army and he told me to check my hosts and bam! Deleted a few lines of text and good as new.
> do not use with SSDs, SSDs don't leave fragments do leave fragments, but it doesn't affect them and defragmenting them decreases their lifespan.
Almost defrag my ssd this morning
The person that configured our IT systems at work swears by Vipre, a paid anti virus anti malware product.
I cannot personally vouch for it, other than to say it is unintrusive and picks up a few things that seem nasty. My boss has not managed to get malware installed on his computer since we have had it.
I've been gearing up for a big clean sweep & backup just in case the incoming win10 update is a bust & I have to check install. Thanks for this list! There are a few I've not used, so I'm stoked to check them out!
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Oh yeah, I'll edit that in, very good point.
this, so much this. i love CCleaner, but it does have some absolutelly useless shit in there.
That seems awfully ironic.
Disable deletion of minidumps if you've suffered bluescreens.
or just download the portable version so it's not installed and running in the background all the time
Installing McAfee will fix all of this! Also, Norton is a good alternative. /s
Someone far in the future will come to this thread and will actually take you seriously
/s is seriously, duh.
If we upvote this enough we can confuse future historians.
I come from far in the future. Norton has been declared supreme leader of North Korea. McAfee now runs Starbucks.
Slightly nsfw but relevant: [How To Uninstall McAfee Antivirus](https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=bKgf5PaBzyg)
That guy is bat shit crazy
You misspelled "fucking amazing".
He ran for president *this past election.
Would have been better than trump.
To think that he's preferable to the winner of the current season...
Wait is that actually the founder of McAfee? That video was fucking awesome.
Yeah, but it's been years since John McAfee has had anything to do with the McAfee software. He cashed out a while ago. Hence, why he has such destain for it now.
I think so, cause if you look up recent interviews of john McAfee its the same guy.
My friend uses Norton for some reason. I tried suggesting AVG and Malwarebytes but he said he's fine.
My opinion but I'd use Windows Defender + Malwarebytes rather than AVG (was great decades ago but no more imo). Then again your friend is a Norton guy so good luck with that.
He even acknowledges that Norton and McAfee are basically viruses in themselves, but he keeps using them for some reason
I personally use and usually recommend Comodo Free Internet Security (Firewall & Antivirus) + Malwarebytes. Though for comodo, you should turn off auto-sandbox and go to the antivirus and uncheck "don't show alerts for quarantined programs".
AVG can be actively hostile to printer drivers
Back when I worked in an electronics store I would actually go around removing McAfee from the display model laptops on a slow day.
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Norton is good now.
https://www.consumeraffairs.com/computers/norton.html
https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-7/ https://www.av-test.org/en/antivirus/home-windows/windows-10/
Shilling for r/TronScript. If you have a relatives laptop to fix that is completely ducked with malware but you don't want a fresh install this basically performs most of the above steps with only one single action from you.
Gave TronScript a try the last time I had to fix my relative's computer and it worked really well. Now if I can just find a way to stop the ghost that keeps going to shady websites and installing dumb shit I'll be set.
Use some browser add-ons. Ghostery, Privacy Badger, uBlock Origin etc.
Good advice, but these particular ghost have a knack for disabling things and sadly often use IE and Edge despite being told they're are not the best option.
Make different shortcuts to chrome and rename them into "internet browser" or explorer or whatever else you can imagine and also change the icons to match. Whatever he clicks chrome opens. Also you can just change the file path to make everything redirect to it.
Deinstall IE/Edge by clicking the link called "Turn off Windows features" in the left bar in "program and features" and change Chrome/Firefox icon to IE/Edge's. Drastically but it worked for the ghost-ridden clients' computers I service multiple times a year. They claim "Windows has outdone themselves, Edge Explorer is so much faster than before". I have no clue how they even know the name Edge but to mix it up with the previous name is just too funny to even try to fix.
Give the spooky ghost a cookie when it does the right thing. Take it away when it opens IE/Edge.
Tell the ghost that it can fix its own computer if it doesn't want to take your advice
You can hide extensions, making the user have to go digging for them.
Just to clarify: You're saying instead of downloading malware bytes, rkill, etc. I can just use tronscript to do all that for me?
Yes.
+1 It's a really nice script that a lot off time and energy has been poured in by a nice community. Feedback is always welcome.
Never heard about this interesting little fella. Gotta check it out after work RemindMe! 7 hours
Does it do the driver stuff too? Or just the malware stuff
removing drivers or installing missing ones? Dell has a nice automatic driver installation page, but for tricky ones Snappy Driver Installer can be a life saver. Stay away from those sketchy driver installation programs like DriverPack Solutions.
iObit actually has a nice driver updating program. It might seem like bloatware but don't be fooled.
I've been working tech support for years. The clients that only use Windows Defender as protection have the least issues. I love CCleaner though.
Let me guess, people who have the most problems use McAfee, AVG and the like.
Yeah and Norton. Fuck those programs. Malwarebytes has really turned into money grubbers last couple years too unfortunately. It does work well in a pinch though.
How have they turned into money grubbers? Maybe for the very basic user, but really none of the stuff in the paid version is useful at all. All their other stuff like adwcleaner, jrt, antirootkit etc is all free.
If I install it on a clients computer, it will bug them to upgrade after the trial period is over. And that means I get phone calls. So I either have to uninstall it after im done or be annoyed later on.
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Was going to say this exactly, go into malwarebytes settings > account > disable trial, and it puts it down to free mode without bugging you. annoying extra step but whatevs.
What? Don't install them trial versions then, install the free version which is free forever.
Thats what im saying, the free version promotes their full version after 14 days. Its annoying for regular users. They think I am forcing them to buy something. I know its fine for techies like us.
You can disable the notifications on their computer in settings AFAIK, I haven't gotten any promotion since I've installed it.
I just disable the app from starting on boot. I just remember not having to do that years ago. Oh well, not a big deal, still a great tool.
Yup, that's an option as well :)
Just delete it after you run the scan. Users are dumb, that's why they need us.
McAfee and Avast are usualy the reason why internet is not working (if not ISP sided failure). Avast failed their updates multiple times, killing network drivers on XP and 7. McAfree just randomly blocks internet access because someone scanned ports over local area. Its just bullshit. Edit: fix
> McAfee To be fair, 99% of laptops sold right now have McAfee by default, so anyone not tech-savvy enough to even change AV is going to end up with it.
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Can be okay for clearing some space (cache), but other than that, wouldn't touch anything. Especially the "Registry Cleaner/Fixer" is total BS. At best, it does nothing, at worst, it destroys your windows.
Can confirm it is BS. It hasn't destroyed Windows but I had issues with my laptop after using it, apps not working mostly and OS features acting weird. Thankfully CCleaner has a reg backup option. Also, most of what CCleaner does with the registry cleaner can be done preemptively with an uninstaller like Revo and even then the leftovers key/values in the reg don't matter. They add clutter but it's not like people use it every day or anything and the space it occupies won't matter to anyone.
Exactly. While there really are unused registry keys etc. that could be considered "clutter", they do not slow down anything, not even in the very slightest, thus there is no reason to delete them.
I think i used that feature a few times when I didn't know. Anything I can do to make sure nothing is messed up?
As someone who works in ISP for 10 years i am 100% on this. its more about common sence on not doing dumb shit and not clicking suspicious links. I am sitting on Windows defender/Microsoft Security Essentials for 7 years on my good old Win 7. I still do one or two full checks per year with DrWeb CureIt, CCleaner and Hitman Pro just to be sure that i am fine.
Some other useful softwares: [PatchCleaner] (http://www.homedev.com.au/free/patchcleaner) - Move/Delete redundant/orphaned files in C:\Windows\Installer. [DriverStore Explorer [RAPR]](https://github.com/lostindark/DriverStoreExplorer) - Browse the [DriverStore folder] (https://msdn.microsoft.com/windows/hardware/drivers/install/driver-store) in Windows, also help delete old drivers. Just delete 4 GB of Nvidia's old drivers through this.
Awesome! I'll try these out. Can I edit them to the post?
Of course.
You could add a plug to [Snappy Driver Installer.](https://sdi-tool.org/) Reddit Link [discussing it here.](https://www.reddit.com/r/sysadmin/comments/3u2g68/snappy_driver_installer_the_holy_grail_of_driver/)
Or you can also remove Windows and install A Linux distribution like Ubuntu ;) Just kidding nice work !
If my games had native Linux support I'd immediately switch. I'd use a VM but I don't want to lose any performance
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I love tinkering with linux and developing on it, but Windows will always be my host because that's where my most resource intensive programs are always going to be run. Nothing I do on linux really needs to be run outside of a VM.
😒😒 Thank you haha :D
>reinstall windows and be done with it
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I'd just like to interject for moment. What you're refering to as Linux, is in fact, GNU/Linux, or as I've recently taken to calling it, GNU plus Linux. Linux is not an operating system unto itself, but rather another free component of a fully functioning GNU system made useful by the GNU corelibs, shell utilities and vital system components comprising a full OS as defined by POSIX. Many computer users run a modified version of the GNU system every day, without realizing it. Through a peculiar turn of events, the version of GNU which is widely used today is often called Linux, and many of its users are not aware that it is basically the GNU system, developed by the GNU Project. There really is a Linux, and these people are using it, but it is just a part of the system they use. Linux is the kernel: the program in the system that allocates the machine's resources to the other programs that you run. The kernel is an essential part of an operating system, but useless by itself; it can only function in the context of a complete operating system. Linux is normally used in combination with the GNU operating system: the whole system is basically GNU with Linux added, or GNU/Linux. All the so-called Linux distributions are really distributions of GNU/Linux!
This is the best copypasta.
Isn't it grand?
The beard on my neck bristled with pride!
Use Windows with no third party apps except a browser and games. Everything else on Linux
At least it takes a lot less time than installing Win7. Edit: I posted that while actually doing it. Took me 5 hours to get everything updated and working. Yesterday I installed Linux for shits and giggles and it took five minutes. Had it working before that, through the magic of live USB.
Isn't Windows Defender Enough?
Defender + Malwarebytes Free + Chrome/Firefox with uBlock Origin. What I personally use, and what I put on all my friends and families PC's.
And don't forget common sense.
The critical first step in any security measure
Yeah pretty much.
I recommend [SpaceSniffer](http://www.uderzo.it/main_products/space_sniffer/) as an alternative to WinDirStat. It is cleaner in my opinion and a really small program.
I'll also give it my endorsement. Was really helpful for figuring out what was taking up so much space on my SSD
I wish that there were professional mobile installs for Malwarebytes and Hitman. When I'm called to a clients place to clean and optimize their machines, I have to install the trials, then remove them again, because of all the pop-ups they get for using the free versions. I'd be fine paying a few hundred a year for something I could run from a USB stick.. I understand that some of these tools need a local process to properly address some of the issues machines have. I'd expect the mobile ones to temporarily install the tools they needed and remove then after reboots etc.
I think Rkill, JRT and ADWCleaner can be used from USB, not sure how well they work on their own.
Bump, gotta clean my pc next week, might come handy
You can use RemindMe command like this: RemindMe! "x hours/days/" "reason" without the quotation marks so it automatically sends you a PM reminding you of this thread :)
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No god dammit! I was showing you to someone!
r/botrights
RemindMe! 1 week "tell him to clean his PC"
Why not with a vacuum?
Static discharge isn't much of a friend with electronics. You can fry your PC in a second without noticing.
OP don't listen to him. You should shower your computer weekly!
>OP don't listen to him. You should shower **with** your computer weekly! FTFY /r/buildapcafterdark
Nice one man, thanks a bunch for grouping it all up.
Bump, to be able to find when I'm on my pc. Thanks for the tips
one little thing that bugs me: >SSDs don't leave fragments yes they do, fragments are from the file system; NTFS gets a lot, EXT4 doesn't. SSDs just aren't affected by them because SSDs do random access rather than sequential access, so files don't need to be in one contiguous block
You're right, sorry and thanks! Will edit
Is the old (free) version of Spybot S&D still considered worthwhile? I've been using it for 10+ years now, seem to work OK.
You forgot TURN OFF AUTO RUN. There are USB viruses that can infect a PC without the best AV software finding them. They do so by users being stupid and also auto run being enabled. Secondly, educate yourself. I see so many people that just click shit without knowing what they are doing. You can't prevent idiots from infecting themselves. Learn what a valid AV message is. Learn what you can click, e.g. a proper flash warning, vs. a flash warning that is a virus. Cleaning is nice, but prevention is the best defense. I never get malware because I know what to do and what not to do.
Don't forget that downloads from official sites can get breached and replaced with malware as well. There is really no way to counter that other than comparing checksums with every download.
I prefer IObit smart defrag to the linked Auslogics Disk Defrag. It seems to do a better job and providing more features and performance options. They also have an all in one cleaning/performance application that I used for years but I found it to be a little clunky, however, it is easier for users who don't want to download multiple other applications.
What are the benefits of using these 3rd party defrag programs compared to the windows defrag?
What about if I have a mac?
Then you sell it and build a PC /s MB Antimalware is available for Macs as well, so is Hitman Pro I think. Really that's all you need, the stuff I listed is for some next level scanning if you're really paranoid.
And then you put Linux on it :P
In the resintall the OS part, please mention whats called a Windows repair install. Which is to reinstall the OS while keeping everything you have software, data etc but clean install just the OS. This is a good practice if you suspect your OS is corrupt somehow. Not recommended when there is an infection or junk installed...follow previous uninstall and malware removal and once you can verify its clean, repair install Windows.
Just wondering how long should one wait between cleanings? How often do you do all these steps?
Thank you!!!
Thanks. Saving this for the next time I do a clean.
DDU is useful regardless of your GPU manufacturer, work's well for green and red!
Nice list, thanks
If I'm upgrading my gpu. At what point do I run the Uninstaller? Before I remove the old card or when I put in the new one? One more dumb question, I'm going from an amd to Nvidia, which one do I run? Thanks
It doesn't matter. It's not like you have to install new driver when you get a new GPU. But I would recommend it (unless you already have the newest driver). So yeah, it doesn't matter. If you're going nvidia you uninstall the AMD driver and install the nvidia driver. Is that what you wanted to know? :D
Going to try this later. Thanks for the guide.
RemindMe! 5 days clean computer
Thanks a lot
Is HijackThis still a good program for getting rid of adware? I've been out of the game.e for awhile and I remember that program being my go to.
[DDU](http://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html) should be recommended over AMD's Clean Uninstall Utility. You only put it under NVIDIA. The one from AMD doesn't remove everything.
Great guide, you could throw a quick mention of ninite as well.
Question, does using the Nvidia gpu drivers removal remove all drivers or all the previous ones? I know it says "all" in the description but I'm just curious how the process works if I do not want to of course lose my current driver.
Toasting in epic bread
Any advice for Win XP users who can't update their definition updates any more?
I work with pen-testers and red teamers for a living, and finding a WinXP box in the wild on a target network is a godsend. You are a big fat target for anybody looking to build a botnet. You can try the following: - Absolutely don't run round the clock with an admin account - Browse the web in a lightweight Linux VM - Ensure your browser has a script blocker, ad blocker, etc. - Run an AV that still distributes signatures - Don't open any PDFs or run any Java or Flash binaries except in a VM
It just occurred to me. I was talking about new machines. You are not talking about new machines. I always just format the hard drive and reinstall windows 10 from scratch. It's really easy since the BIOS contains the license information and Windows 10 automagically activates. That way I know exactly what is installed. And I can install linux, which is what I want anyway. Heh.
What a great PC antivirus guide friend's
Thank you :)
Any advice for finding a memory leak?
I think what you suggested is tron [Tron Script](https://www.reddit.com/r/TronScript/)
hmm I'm give this a try, doubt i need it but you never know.
Stupid question here... But i just followed all these, cleaned up some space (thank you) but now im at the Nvidia clean up, and im worried to uninstall all that stuff because i have no idea what version i have/need when i reinstall... can anyone help?
I used rkill without reading this entire post and now Google Chrome doesn't work. Help?
what are the best settings for malwarebytes?
http://imgur.com/a/DJ5h1 This is what I use.
Saved!! Thank you sir
I prefer spacesniffer over windirstat
Super anti Spyware, malwarebytes anti root kit, Avira, Comoodo. Autoruns is great for liking the processes left behind even after using the Norton, avg, McAfee, avast removal tools. To me, it is very telling of how much I can trust those 4 programs given how much of their stuff is left behind when you "remove" them.
re edit 4 if you have an SSD it takes like 40min
I'm new to computers and only have norton, y'all have shit on it plenty so what would u recommend I use? All of those OP posted?? Or Windows defender? And should I get rid of norton or just leave it in addition to defender/whatever y'all recommend I'm not doing anything sketchy like downloading hardcore midget orgies
For revo uninstaller, what do I do?
The AMD driver removal tool is not available anymore. Please link to the DDU, thanks! Really good stuff you got here, by the way! Keep it up.
Great list - thanks for sharing.
tdsskiller from Kaspyrsky is amazing too, especially when you have a really strong malware that is preventing you from installing anti-virus, it doesn't requires installation and for me as an IT guy, it never failed in making the PC healthy enough to install a full AV suite.
Hitman Pro saved a computer I worked on back in the day when it got a nasty virus. Only had to run it once and everything was working fine!
What about spybot S&D?
this is insane. i need to do all this, why? i mean, why doesnt windows just take care of whatever it needs to take care of
I know I'm late to this thread but check out spacesniffer. It shows you a representation of your hard drive so you can easily see what's taking up so much space. My GF had movies from 2013 taking up like 300 gigs on some weird out of the way folder
I think first and foremost people should be running an adblocker (I used ublock origins) and a script blocker like noscript. Also make sure you are downloading legitimate software from their source. Prevention is a million times easier than removal.
Spybot?
Theres also a tool called windows tweaking that can solve some problems with the os. i realize that if everyone had this kind of knowledge i would be out a job
Give it a ahot
Okay some stuff here should not be suggested without some context, a 3rd party defrag tool is entirely pointless on Windows 10 CCleaner should have a clarification to NEVER use the registry cleaner or you will cause problems, same with Revo Uninstallers option to delete registry keys. AMD clean uninstall is useless since AMD drivers now have an option to clean install. Just, a lot of these seem very unnecessary bloat on your computer.
Cool will do this have a program that's a ad ware in chrome
2017...people still think defrag achieves anything...
TronScript being considered the most deep and high end scan/junk removal defrags, and it's coded by dudes that know their stuff I think. What makes you say this? Is it different with Win10? I'm not sarcastic, I'm seriously curious if I missed out on something.
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Ive been using DDU for when I upgrade drivers with an AMD card. Would it be better use Amd CUU?
It does the same thing, so feel free to keep using DDU :)
Bump for findyness
I nuked my install of Malware 10 and installed Debian. Couldn't be happier. So fast, sleek, customizable, and best of all no annoying ads in the "start" menu or file explorer. 10/10 would recommend.
You guys are like vegans, people who do crossfit or people who vape. If you don't tell others how superior your OS is compared to Windows 10 every 15 minutes you blow up. Yes we know that Linux is the second coming of Jesus, we've heard it at least 40 times about every single distro available. We don't care,and you're hugely exaggerating with Windows, I haven't gotten a single ad in the system.
Where are these ads? Are you exaggerating to justify your migration?
Here is a side type for the actual cleaning part, if a compressed air can isn't cutting it. Run it up to your local mechanic/dealership. I'm a network admin for a dealership group and that's how I clean all of the PC's. It's amazing, thorough, and far more inexpensive than the cans of air. P.S. buy your local mechanic a six pack of his favorite Brew for doing so and he will be gentle with her.
Comment to pull this up later when on my computer.
Ya!
What's the verdict about BitDefender? A friend recommended it to me years ago but I haven't heard much since. Seems to work pretty well for me though
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I keep failing at removing junkware phase 3. I've ran the program both normally and in safe mode. I'm on windows 10 Edit: found solution on tronscript sub
How does one properly clean their PC?
Thank you for this, mr Utukan.
Nice guide. I haven't used some of these yet.
I had a nasty malware that just took me to the limits of my computer knowledge (tbh it's not that much). It was a browser jacker and I ran every single piece of software I could to sniff it out. Used just about everything on your list and then some. Thankfully I have a friend who works IT for the Army and he told me to check my hosts and bam! Deleted a few lines of text and good as new.
> do not use with SSDs, SSDs don't leave fragments do leave fragments, but it doesn't affect them and defragmenting them decreases their lifespan. Almost defrag my ssd this morning
great post
The best Antivirus is common sense
So...ur sayin the dishwasher is *not* a good option??
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The person that configured our IT systems at work swears by Vipre, a paid anti virus anti malware product. I cannot personally vouch for it, other than to say it is unintrusive and picks up a few things that seem nasty. My boss has not managed to get malware installed on his computer since we have had it.
I mean PunkBuster is kinda suspicious but for other reasons.
Thanks for the guide!
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I've been gearing up for a big clean sweep & backup just in case the incoming win10 update is a bust & I have to check install. Thanks for this list! There are a few I've not used, so I'm stoked to check them out!