CCleaner, F Cleaner and Disk Cleaner for Computer Cleaning

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Clean open pathway for your computer

CCleaner is an essential and popular utility for your computer's maintenance and perhaps should be run frequently on your computer. CCleaner is an optimization, cleaning and privacy utility. It removes unused files, removes your internet activity, and unused registry fragments - with it's separate registry cleaner. This will result in a faster Windows system, and often significantly increasing the computer's hard drive capacity. Included is the useful option to add (or exclude) folders and files for cleaning.

FCleaner is another, perhaps lessor known, computer cleaner, and performs similar functions to CCleaner to achieve the same goal of optimization. It includes a task scheduler, and a command line option. which I found to run a bit faster, but am unsure how effective it is against CCleaner.

Disk Cleaner a small and fast utility which optimizes your computer's system and hard drive storage space. You can create cleaning profiles, and can run quickly on start up. Unsure if it optimizes the registry (at this time).

I generally run them all, but it seems CCleaner for cleaning your computer is pretty hard to beat for freeware. In addition it might pay to also run a few registry cleaners for added security, including the popular Eusings registry cleaner. Remember to check for updates and to run computer cleaners on a regular basis.

CCleaner, F Cleaner and Disk Cleaner for Computer Cleaning

Computer Hardware and Software Service

Computer Service Streamlined Highway

Image by arisadman: St Petersberg Pier 2005, Florida, United States

There are generally three sectors within a computer that require service: hardware, the operating system, and it's associated software applications. Because all three are relatively interdependent, it is essential that computer service be performed to allow effective system operating stability to improve an overall trouble free computing experience. Therefore to get optimum use of your computer requires a regular maintenance or service plan to eliminate or reduce potential errors that may occur. Hardware requires regular cleaning, such as the motherboard, and power supply from dust and foreign particles. Updating of the latest software drivers and associated relevant updates and upgrades would be beneficial.

Perhaps upgrade computer hardware for performance and usability improvement, such as the video card, ram, modem, speakers, etc. This is important for effective and extensive multi-tasking of programs. Particularly for process intensive operations, such as 3D gaming, extensive graphics editing, DVD authoring, and batch audio editing. The operating system should be regularly updated with the latest security patches, and critical updates. It also needs to be regularly checked and optimized for performance, often with system or diagnostic software. These actions should be a effective computer software service plan.

Important computer software service for optimizing and effectively maintaining the operating system include anti virus, spyware, registry cleaners, firewall, and general cleanup programs. Avast anti virus, CCleaner, and Spybot search and destroy are popular. Software applications and system utilities need to be updated and upgraded regularly to improve system stability and enhance your user experience. Also organize software programs and their files effectively by creating specific folders or placement on tool bars and the desktop for quick and easy access.

Maybe frequently review your programs and files to determine if they are required or hardly used, and if not, then uninstall them or back them up on removable media (e.g. flash drive) or a external drive. Visit my web site pcsourcepoint for links to computer hardware and software tutorials (e.g. Tom's Hardware, PC Hardware Experts, ExtremeTech, etc) , and latest freeware, computer hardware and software service industry news feeds (e.g. from TechCrunch, Engadget, Slashdot, PCWorld, Digital Inspiration, Snapfiles freeware, etc)

It's important to back up your computer's programs and files on a regular basis. Perhaps back up important individual files and programs (including the uninstalled downloaded programs) to removable media, such as a flash drive. Ideally back up the entire computer contents as an image with a back up program. Utilizing a consistent and focused computer hardware and software service plan with a back up backup strategy (with the free Syncback and Drive Image XML) will increase the likelihood of a relatively problem free computer experience long term...

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Computer Hardware and Software Service

Userinit Windows Logon XP Error - How to Fix

Internet Browsing - Take Extra Care or Beware

Laptop Image by serkaner at stock.xchng

Recently a friend of mine, who loaned his laptop out, had discovered later that he could not easily logon due to a userinit.exe error (similar XP error at this forum). He had to use the task manager and create a new task to enter his programs, some which would not open due to the constant application errors. We cleaned out a stack of malware and spyware with the pre-installed Ad-Aware (which was not updated) and cleaned the registry (or supposedly) with various registry cleaners. However errors still remained, such as absent desktop icons, and systems applications not opening.

We believe (and from others on online forums) that the damage had been done. Basically a corrupt registry from spyware intrusion, in particular relating to the user log on registry parameters:

HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon

We edited these values in the right pane:
Shell and Userinit to Shell=explorer.exe and Userinit = x:\windows\system32\userinit.exe

We applied the above changes, which removed the login/logon error but resulted in a instant log off - i.e. another error. This suggested either corrupted files (e.g. userinit file) in the windows/system32 folder and their associated or other registry data. We could not find the hidden recovery partition on the drive, and could not restore (i.e. system roll back), even from safe mode. We tried a XP disc for a recovery (i.e. install windows over itself, as we did not want a format and new install because his personal files were not backed up). The recovery restored most applications back - except the sound and video drivers.

However he found the user manual which described how to start up the hidden recovery program, - it was a simple press the F11 key a few times after start up. I think you can also create a recovery disc. We opted for the partial recovery, so as to retain his personal files, and everything was back in order, with a few personal folders created and shifted within windows explorer. If only we had known to do this earlier. But good experience and reminded me of a few things to help prevent the userinit logon error (for XP).

- Back up (visit my post on back up with syncback and drive image xml) personal files, photos, etc perhaps on a USB drive or CD/DVD discs.
- Update spyware, anti-virus, firewall programs and manually run them occasionally.
- Regularly clean out your computer’s excess files, surplus registry entries with something like the free ccleaner and a standalone registry cleaner like Eusings cleaner. Create a restore point before cleaning the registry, or when you are about to install software programs.
- Perhaps inform and educate safe computer internet browsing to other users of your computer.
- Maybe bookmark and print off tutorial trouble shooting sites such as techrepublic (when windows won't boot) or icrontic (repairing windows in eight commands)
- Visit and ask at computer forums for help, and the Microsoft help and support site.
- Importantly get to understand how your hidden recovery program works and how to start it. Also learn how to use your XP disc for booting from for windows trouble shooting (e.g. boot issues, recovery, full install, etc).

Perhaps it's a good idea to learn how to trouble shoot problems that occur with a computer (visit my post on hard drive clean up) and windows systems beforehand, rather than possibly spending a lot of time finding and applying various solutions in frustration. Also perform regular computer system maintenance with well known trustworthy programs (visit snapfiles freeware for the popular downloads) so as to keep or your computer running efficiently while reducing the risk of issues occurring. If you have any ideas or programs that can help running a computer system efficiently, particularly for a userinit windows logon XP error,then perhaps let me know in the comments section...

Links to userinit.exe issues
kellys - korner XP (Registry fixes - Line 263 R/H side)
Microsoft Support (Log on/off issues)

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Userinit Windows Logon XP Error - How to Fix

External USB Drive For Your Computer

USB External Drive - Easy Back Up

External USB Image by stock.xchng by johnny blue

The increasing availability of larger and more versatile storage of external USB drives has made this hardware one of the most important USB hardware for the purpose of backing up your operating system, applications, and files. Other storage systems/media such as DVD/CD, portable USB flash drive, and online are also useful depending on your needs - light"pocket" portability, quick copying (DVD/CD), secondary security (online), and so on. The use of the NAS system (network attached storage), might be suitable for a home network, something like the windows home server.

Many external USB drives also incorporate back up software, allowing an easy process in doing so. The jumbo 750 GB storage "one touch" Maxtor III is a example of simplifying external USB drive management and security. You could of course apply your own semi automated back up applications (e.g the free Drive Image XML or Syncback) or manual strategies. In fact if you have spare hard drives, you can easily assemble it with a external USB drive enclosure - I used a Dynalink enclosure (view internal enclosures - more here including dual set ups) which is pretty easy to assemble to house a hard drive. Hence you can easily swap in another drive, though you might get a slight speed drop for the older IDE drives of about 10 - 20% compared to it's normal PC internal use.

Still, a external USB drive is essential for backing up large (e.g. 20 GB or more) important programs and files for most of us, and it's relative portability is generally convenient, though care to not to drop it needs to be considered or excessive file transfer use (e.g. for viewing long movies). I used to worry about my external USB drive getting near hot, as the enclosure was a tight 3.5 inch fit, so I replaced it with a larger 5.25 inch, resulting in better cooling. So you need to ensure you not only consider the drive itself but the effectiveness and durability of it's enclosure.

You might want to consider external USB drive specific software in additional to backing up, which are some times a mini version of their normal counter parts. Perhaps you might know of such software which would be helpful, and other external USB drive information. If so, please leave a comment...

Relevant Links:

Hard Drive Structure and here (Technical Info)
USB trendy gadgets from Techie Diva (With a feminine touch)
External USB drive reviews (Top 10 from PC World, 2007)
External USB drive software - Portable Apps and at Portable Freeware

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External USB Drive For Your Computer

How to Back Up a Hard Drive - Syncback & Drive Image XML

Use to Not Lose - The essential Syncback backup program...

Image From Stock.xchng by CWMGary

My previous post described cleaning up a hard drive for optimization. The next important step perhaps, is to back up your hard drive contents, either as individual data files (e.g. document, photo’s, software installation set up, mp3’s, etc) and their folders, and/or the whole drive contents as an image. I use both methods for back up of my hard drive and it’s contents. Though, I make sure to delete and uninstall folders and programs that I don’t really need or hardly use prior to backup.

Ideally, file and folder back ups should be performed regularly to another drive, partition, USB external drive, flash or pen drive, online site, or CD/DVD discs. You could easily manually copy the folders or better yet, use an automated program like the powerful freeware SyncBack program (V 3.2.14), which is ideal to use with a external hard drive. Start by creating one or more folders on the external drive with relevant names (e.g. daily backup, weekly, or monthly if desired). Once Syncback up is installed, create a new profile perhaps with a name that corresponds to the folder on the external drive (e.g. daily backup).

Then select your source directory (usually C drive) and sub directories if you want (depending on importance to back up) to save the folder(s) to the destination directory. You can also set up other profiles (e.g. weekly, monthly) even in group mode. Also the actual nature of the back up can be selected, e.g. new data only, overwrite current destination data, synchronization, select or filter file types, etc, for specific data transfer. A good feature is the simulation mode to test how successful a real back up would run. You can also e-mail notification of a backup profile completion, or error logs by using the expert button.

The scheduler is also useful, once you have your profiles fully set up, of which you can automate a schedule for back up. Then there is the option to save online using the FTP option, - i.e. transfer your data to your FTP server online, with Zip compression. Overall a powerful and essential backup program for transferring data for that added security...

For a image backup, the free DriveImage XML would be ideal. Here the entire drive is imaged or copied (i.e. all sectors, all folders and files including system files, operating system and updates, installations, etc). You can back up logical drives and partitions as images - which you can then browse, view and extract files. Also you can restore the whole image back to the drive or another (has to be larger than the original drive). Direct drive to drive copying can also be performed.

DriveImage uses Microsoft's volume Shadow Services (VSS), allowing creation of safe "hot images" even from hard drives currently in operation. Because images are stored as XML files, these can be processed with 3rd party applications for further analysis. Hard drive backup can be performed in raw mode (also copies unused space) and compressed mode to reduce space storage. I have used this program with my Bart's PE boot disc (where you use XP to create a boot disc), in case if you cannot boot up your hard drive. It's a easy program to use both for back up and restoration...

How to Back Up a Hard Drive - Syncback & Drive Image XML

Hard Drive Clean Up

Make Your PC to be Clean and Lean. Not Mean...

Image from stockxpert - woodsy

Being the holidays, and the start of the New Year, most of us are in holiday mode. I guess to some extent our computer might be resting a bit. Maybe take advantage of your computer’s rest up. So maybe implement a new year’s resolution of a basic computer clean up of your resourceful, but sometimes overlooked computer’s hard drive. There are a couple of aspects to maintain Window’s functionality to keep your system running smoothly…

Standard utilities such as disk defragmenter, disk clean up, and check disc (error checking) help to achieve this. Some are accessed by, selecting start programs - accessories - system tools - then the relevant utility. Check disk is accessed by right clicking the C drive (or another drive if a separate partition) in the My computer folder. Then click on properties, tools, and then check disk. This operation may take a long time depending on the volume of information present - so patience is required.

Remember to delete or transfer (e.g. to USB drive, CD/DVD disc) unwanted files, e.g. executables, zip files, photos, documents, web templates, movies, mp3’s, and so on. Use Windows search to find where such files are residing. Maybe use a program like TreeSize to get an idea of the folder sizes on your PC to focus where most of unwanted programs are located.

You can also manually clean out the contents (keep the folder though) within a temporary or recent folder. This may be located under Documents and Settings - User Name - Recent, for example. There is also your browser’s temporary cache folder that you may want to empty to help save space. You may want to decease the total files to be saved within your browser and you might want to delete certain cookies and browser history. Also the recycle bin, where deleted files are stored, where you can view them. Then you can then manually delete them by closing the bin, right click the bin’s icon and select Empty Recycle Bin.

Use the uninstall program (Start - Settings - Control Panel - Add/Remove Programs) to remove installed unwanted programs. Ideally use the program’s own install function if available. Associated with the programs, might be its reference or short cut on the Start menu, which also should be removed. This will help to reduce clutter.

As mentioned earlier, run defragmenter to reorder scattered files, which may take some time; you might have to defrag in safe mode, if defragging restarts continuously. Often the f8 key needs to be tapped say every 2 seconds to enter safe mode on a restart. When defrag is finished then reboot to normal mode. Then run check/scan disk from my computer (tick automatically fix errors) which will fix or remove bad clusters, fragmented files, and file system errors.

Also during boot up, many programs may be starting up which may not be always required (e.g. picture editors, PDF programs, music programs). You need to check the importance of these programs (Search on Google) to evaluate if they are required when booting up. Make sure your anti-virus, firewalls, and spyware start up - generally vital system programs. Perhaps use CCleaner and a stand alone registry cleaner to check the start up list, and for further hard drive optimization. Do use these programs carefully, to make sure you do not delete important programs, files, and registry entries. Search and learn about entries that you are unfamiliar with. Visit techspot for more on start up entries. The more advanced manual approach for cleaning up start up programs is the system configuration utility function…

Don’t forget the Windows update to download critical security files and programs, particularly for internet explorer. Then manually run your updated anti-virus and spyware programs to check for unwanted spyware, malware, and other unknown files that may be lurking about. It’s good practice to regularly clean up you hard drive to maximize it’s performance for trouble free operation - Do a little work now, to perhaps save a lot of work and possible problems later.

Hard Drive Clean Up

USB Drives - PC Portability

USB Flash Drives - Easy Data Transfer and more...

Image from stock.xchng by ctr

Many of us will be traveling and visiting families once again this festive season, so it's a good time to consider and utilize the usefulness and increasing popularity of portable USB drives. Sometimes known as pen, flash, key-chain, and thumb drives and as small as a cigarette lighter in different trendy styles and ever increasing capacities, they are a important gadget for computer users. Many now come pre-configured with suitable software to help you easily and safely interact with your computing tasks. Pricing has also decreased for most of them in recent years. Though cost per mega byte are generally higher than standard hard drives, but they are quite practical for many people.

Many companies (e.g. apacer, sandisk, kingston, memorex, etc) are actively producing and advertising them as a useful pc peripheral item to purchase. Guessing by the worldwide use of flash drives, it's popularity will continue - it seems we all could do with one. Many generic brands have appeared, possibly resulting in a general price decrease, except to a limited extent for the higher capacity drives (32 GB - 64 GB). I brought a 256 MB drive for about $70 NZ 3 years ago, which now are around $13 NZ, and now standard 1 GB - 2 GB USB flash drives are selling for around $20. So certainly cost effective these days.

Importantly, it's usefulness can be complimented with essential software (e.g. anti virus, email, etc) or perhaps a complete software suite to cover your basic computing tasks. Many even include a mp3 player, recorder, FM tuner, wristwatch, and even a pen. So even a 2GB flash drive would cover your general needs (as I have found out with plenty of mp3's, word documents, and photo storage). Complete USB flash drive software suits are free such as this USB flash drive suite. So having a reasonably good specification (e.g. high data transfer rate, USB 2.0 specs, password protection, recovery function, self powered, etc) USB flash drive, is as important when you use it for transferring your files, and working on them in another computer - all with relative ease.

USB Drives - PC Portability

ISP Web Space....Don't Forget...It's Often available

Reading our local paper (South Auckland Courier in NZ), I came across a advert from some poor chap who had advertised about his stolen portable drive. He desperately wants it back - more for his extensive university research notes stored, rather it seems than the actual drive. Apparently months of research gone...

This indicates that backing up important data is a good form of security in theory, but not always - particularly on physical objects (hardware).
Another backup measure, and perhaps overlooked (In part due to the popularity, simplicity, and extensive marketing of some sleek looking USB portable and pen drives) is on your own ISP web server - of which often web space can be allocated for free. This is in addition to free online commercial sites that may be available on the net, and of course on yor web host server if you have a web site.

I currently use my ISP web space (In NZ) to store my blogs, and other files which can be linked to my web site as downloads. My website is hosted on a separate server in the USA. So if in a bit of a hurry to backup, and backup hardware is unavailable then... your ISP server may be the easiest safety backup location. Just call your ISP for activation. I actually thought nothing of a ISP web space until I created a web site....

ISP Web Space....Don't Forget...It's Often available

Basic Computer Backup:Drive Image XML

Often we use our PCs so much and we might forget about backing up our files until it crashes or we accidentally delete a important file or program. Then panic...So a strategy to backup is in order...You can either back up individual programs or files manually or with software on external drives, discs, servers, or online storage, etc, or a entire back up as a image. The image approach is probably the best approach - as everything can be backed up and restored. This includes the entire operating system, windows updates, and others such as virus files, spy ware, and others.

Image backup saves the hassle and hours of re-updating important updates again. Drive XML offers a free image backup program to easily backup for free. Have a look at their site which includes other programs. You might want to also create a boot up disc, in case your PC won't boot up. So try Bart PE which works with Drive XML among other plug in utilities - Both very useful and important programs...

Related Post: Back Up Hard Drive with Syncback/Drive Image XML

Basic Computer Backup:Drive Image XML

Where and How to Learn Computer Maintenance: Basic Overview

Often one can come across a problem on their computer, where things run smooth or not, then suddenly nothing: It freezes, stalls, or some unreadable error code. So what next? Other than panicking you..Get advice from a knowledgeable person? Call up your local computer repair shop? Get access to another internet enabled computer to search on Google for help? This has happened to me due to the lack of maintenance, a huge amount of software programs (Many which were rarely used - there were a total of around 36, 000 files! that constituted or rather compromised the programs present), incorrect use by others (e.g. the young ones deleting files), and the hidden files of annoyance- worms, malware, adware, etc...

What I did was rush of to the computer stall then get them to fix it - rather reformat my PC. I asked what was wrong and how it was fixed, but he did not really want to any give specifics, only to say the pc was unstable. So 50 dollars later, then reinstalling several software programs and driver discs, with hours of updating (re-updating) windows, adware, anti virus, etc - All which was a pain. So I went on a mission to learn how to first prevent and then to fix future major hassles. This was achieved by learning how to back up folders and then images on a removable drive. Then to use the XP disc to fresh install or repair sections of windows, e.g. the boot sector. Then all good - back to the beginning of a healthy computer...

But I wanted to know more - free useful maintenance programs, latest help articles, forums, blogs, maintenance, strategies and so on - all just for a personal PC. But perhaps like no other..It is used heavily - the kids internet games and browsing, editing music files (ripping from vinyl, removing noise, adding reverb, etc), creating web sites, extensive gaming, music management(burning, ripping, categorizing), testing the latest software, photo and art editing and illustrations for stock uploads (Examples above), and so on. Bit like a household or a car to operate efficiently you need a bit of selective planning, preventative maintenance, training or learning, and a routine schedule to do so.

So I read articles from PC magazines, rss feeds, forums,and searched extensively on the internet (over about 3.5 years) to find and download essential maintenance programs and articles - which I use to this day and are most important for any windows environment. I also joined a forum at pcworld NZ for a little while, to offer advice (though perhaps limited compared to the resident experts). But there are hundreds of download sites, forums, advice, online tutorials, and of course the almost thousands of software programs. And their levels of application and content - freeware, shareware, trials, for basic, enhanced or expert use. There are some great well known sites - pcworld, about com, wikipedia, how stuff works, download com, and many others - which many of us know and probably reference.

So I taught myself web page creation (though not at the true design level yet!) at a fundamental editing, code insertion, level. This was with the relatively easy to use Microsoft front page 2000 and collated a list of useful pc/freeware sites and recent computer news, including popular New Zealand internet sites. The info is updated almost daily, so maybe you can check out www.pcsourcepoint.netfirms.com http://www.pcsourcepoint.netfirms.com/ This is a website I created which has many useful sites and information links, which I believe should pertain to some common problems. Many of us link or search throughout the internet to get to where we want, to get what we want, in part I believe to always gain knowledge for what ever reason..."Linking for Knowledge". Hence this my web site is knowledge which I want to share...

For more advanced Computer Maintenance visit:

Troubleshooting Windows PC Errors

How To Avoid Malware And Keep Your PC Error Free

Where and How to Learn Computer Maintenance: Basic Overview