After time you computer starts to collect junk like the attic of an old house – there’s a lot of things you used once or twice but you’ve tossed them aside and forgotten about them.

In this particular instance I’m talking about software that you have installed that you no longer use. Software that you may no longer use could be games, application, utilities, tools, or out of date security products (which by the way is very bad).

How NOT to get rid of software

A lot of people make the mistake of going on a treasure hunt throughout their folders and files deleting stuff that doesn’t look like it belongs.

NEVER do this.

The second you do this you are risking breaking other working programs, and even if you do remove files that are no longer needed you probably won’t find the file and information that was installed in your computer when the file was first created.

Once again, I am going to put a two scenarios in front of you so you can choose what you feel best describes the current state of your computer.

Scenario 1 – “The Super Clean”

If you have many pop-ups, your computer runs slow, you have error messages and you have just about had it with you PC, you may want to choose this option. This option can create a lot more work for you in the end, but it almost always guarantees a very clean system when you are through

Scenario 2 – “The Selective Clean”

If your system has been running fairly well, and you do not suspect spyware, malware or viruses choose this option. It will be faster than “The Super Clean”, but may be difficult to choose what services you want to disable.

“The Super Clean”

Please read the warning about disabling services if you have chose to use the super clean method – disabling some startup items can also cause computer malfunctions.

1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Open the system configuration utility
3. Click on the tab called Startup .
4. Click the Disable All button, then Click Apply.
5. Configure Windows to boot into normal mode if you are finished working in Safe Mode
6. Read this warning before clicking Close.

“The Selective Clean”

If you have chosen to perform a selective clean you will only be disabling certain startup items.

Please read the warning about disabling services – disabling some startup items can also cause computer malfunctions.

1. Boot into Safe Mode.
2. Open the system configuration utility
3. Click on the tab called Startup .
4. The key to success in disabling non-essential startup items lies in the ” Command” column. You will need to expand the column (widen it) so that you can read all of the text, and look for keywords.

You may not want to disable any software that you recognize or think may be important, however, to err on the side of caution you may choose to disable it in case it is in actual fact a virus, disguised as a legitimate startup program.

EXAMPLE: You may have installed Norton AntiVirus by Symantec Corp at one point. Look for words that refer to “Norton” or “Symantec”. If you use AOL software, you will want to look for items that say “AOL”.

Once you have identified the startup items you DO NOT want to disable, proceed with un-checking the startup items in the “Startup Item” column that you DO want to disable.

1. Configure Windows to boot into normal mode if you are finished working in Safe Mode

If you are not already in safemode, please boot your computer into safemode now. It is important that you perform these procedures in safe mode as it will ensure startup items stay disabled once you reboot.

As mentioned earlier, some types of viruses and malware monitor when they are attempted to be disabled. By booting to safe mode, you are ensuring the malware and viruses do not become active and prevent you from effectively disabling them.

• Boot into Safe Mode.
• Open the System Configuration Utility
• Click on the Startup tab. You are now ready to disable startup items.