Active Preventive Maintenance Procedures

Active Preventive Maintenance Procedures

·         Back up any data or important files.

·         Run a full system antivirus and antispyware scan. Before starting the scans, be sure to check for and install antivirus and antispyware software updates. Note that most of these programs have integrated update routines that automatically check for updates on a weekly or monthly basis, or at some other interval you may choose.

·         Run the Windows Disk Cleanup tool, which searches the system for files you can safely delete, such as

o        Files in the Recycle Bin.

o        Temporary Internet files.

o        Windows temporary files.

o        Install programs for previously downloaded and installed programs.

o        System restore points except the most recent restore point.

o        Optional Windows components that you are not using.

o        Installed programs that you no longer use.

·         Finally, run a disk-defragmenting program.

About System Restore

System Restore is an automatic service in Windows Me, XP, and later versions that periodically creates Restore Points, which are snapshots of the Registry and certain other dynamic system files. These Restore Points do not include any user or application data and should therefore not be confused with or used in place of normal file or data backup procedures. The System Restore application (found in the Program menu under Accessories, System Tools) can be used to manually return a system to a previously created Restore Point, as well as to manually create a new Restore Point. Normally, you don’t ever need to create Restore Points manually because they are automatically created

·         Every time you install an application

·         Every time an update is installed with Automatic Updates

·         Every time an update is installed with Windows Update

·         Every time you install an unsigned driver

·         Every 24 hours if the system is turned on, or if it has been more than 24 hours since the last Restore Point was created

While it is generally not necessary to create Restore Points manually, I do recommend creating a manual Restore Point before editing the Windows Registry directly because that will essentially create a backup of the Registry you can restore if your edit causes problems.

The following are some monthly maintenance procedures you should perform:

·         Create an operating system startup disk or ensure you have access to a bootable OS installation CD for recovery purposes.

·         Check for and install any BIOS updates.

·         Check for and install any updated drivers for the video, sound, modem, and other devices.

·         Check for and install any operating system updates.

·         Clean the system, including the LCD screen, keyboard, and especially the cooling vents.

·         Check that the cooling fans are operating properly. Most laptops have only a single fan, but some have more than one.