Cleaning System

[Wilki29]

Im looking to clean my system without deleting my OS. Are there any programs that will do that?

 

[spherrod]

There are a myriad of programs such as reg cleaners, spyware removers and even disk defragmenters. Why do you need to clean your OS? What OS are you using? Generally if you do some basic housekeeping and set the machine up correctly you shouldn't need to resort to anything drastic

 

[Wilki29]

I need to delete everything except my OS because I am selling my laptop. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

[spherrod]

well, go through Add/Remove programs uninstalling everything and delete your data. Clear all histories and caches etc in your Internet programs and delete any mail, messaging accounts. Don't know of any software of hand which will do this all for you. Personally, I would back up my data and just do a reinstall of the OS.

 

[Brazen]

Don't you have restore CDs, or a restore partition? Maybe install Ubuntu?

Otherwise, let's see. I would uninstall any programs that you purchased and plan to keep, then create a new "admin" user, log on as that user and delete every other user account. Go to "C:\documents and settings" and make sure there is only and "admin" folder and "all users" folder (may also be a "default" folder), delete any other folders. Check the root of your C: drive and make sure there are any straggling files or folders (other than "Program Files" "Windows" and "Documents and Settinsg" and the system files) that may contain personal information. Remove any dial up accounts, remove any wireless settings... Run sysprep.

 

[Wilki29]

what I was thinking of doing was deleting the OS and partition and using my restore disk to put my OS back on

 

[Brazen]

Originally posted by: Wilki29
what I was thinking of doing was deleting the OS and partition and using my restore disk to put my OS back on

well, yeah that would be the best idea. The restore disk will wipe everything off the computer in the process.