What every Windows PC user should know (no access or down loads required).

RAM - Internal memory. On Windows XP minimum requirement 1 gigabyte (GB). Windows Vista minimum 2 gigabyte (GB). Windows 7, 1 gigabyte (GB) RAM (32-bit) or 2 GB RAM (64-bit) and 16 GB available hard disk space (32-bit) or 20 GB (64-bit).

Windows PC Locking Up:

All steps on this page can be run in Safe Mode (some manufactures have altered the F8 Safe Mode function. Perform a Search on Safe Mode to verify yours).

There is an inherent problem with third party software where the [X] button in the upper right hand screen is used (instead of using File, Close/Exit) or if your PC is forced to shut down. This problem has existed since DOS 2.0 and is easily fixed. In the old days one would just start the DOS prompt and enter, C: then CD \Windows\temp and on some systems just CD \TEMP. The problem could easily be viewed by entering DIR *.tmp and listing all tmp files that did not belong. Next just delete all tmp files as DEL *.tmp (any active file will not delete). The TEMP directory changed with the XP operating systems and above due to multi-user environments and became a very long file path. The new style file path is referenced by a link. At a DOS prompt enter C: then CD %TEMP% Next enter DIR *.TMP to delete the old files just enter DEL *.tmp (the tmp files are only used while an active program is running, and the number of tmp files will grow in time causing your Windows PC to stop or lockup, if you see many of the *.tmp files you should run the CHKDSK /F and Quick Registry Fix).

CHKDSK /F:
At a DOS prompt enter CHKDSK /F and press the enter key (some systems may require an administrator login to run). You will be asked if you want to run at boot time, enter Y, on some systems you may be asked to dismount the drive, answer N. The check disk or file system repair will run when you reboot.

Quick Registry Fix:
Microsoft has a built in registry fix called Safe Mode (this is not documented very well and will truncate the registry by deleting garbage that builds up at the end which is created when you are forced to power off while windows is running). While booting up start tapping the F8 function key (this is just after your boot up password, if you have one which is set by the BIOS or the Set Up function). Select Safe Mode when you see the DOS menu. Your PC will now start up in a VGA mode and will be very grainy in appearance. You may have to use the up or down arrow to select the user mode at the user login screen. Once started Safe Mode likes to complain and you will have to click on the [OK] button to continue. When you see your desk top just click on Start, then Shut Down and reboot normally.

Msconfig:
Every software company likes to start up their core programs at boot time. Most third party software is not necessary to run all the time and eats resources, and will start up when needed (after running these programs normally will appear in the Sys Tray on the Start Bar). Click on Start, (on XP , Run) on (Vista, Start, then Search) and type msconfig, then [OK], click on the Startup tab. Un-Click on startup programs you do not want to auto-start like QuickTime and digital camera software. These will start up when you need them or when you click on their short cuts. Don't un-click on anything you are not sure of. Your PC may not run the way you want at boot time, if the wrong start up program is selected (click on Cancel if not sure). Click on the Apply button if you are sure. You might receive a warning the next time you boot. Just click on the OK button.

System Tools:
The following should be run on a regular basis and especially after CHKDSK /F and entering Safe Mode. Click on Start, Programs or All Programs, select Accessories, then System Tools, click on Disk Cleanup. All files listed normally can be deleted by checking the file type, however if you depend on PC saved passwords and pre-filled forms data, and history WEB sites, then you should un-check them. Click on the [OK] button to run.

Disk Defragmenter is useful to make fragmented files whole, which cuts down on access time when reading the file from disk. Fragmented files occur when your PC searches for space to write new files to disk, if no large space is available. To run just click on Start, Programs or All Programs, select Accessories, then System Tools, click on Disk Defragmenter, then run the program (this can run several hours if not run in a while).

Dust in your PC: It's a good idea to purchase a can of compressed air at your local PC dealer. Dependent on your environment (every six months or once a year) shut down your PC and power off. Remove the access panel, spray from the inside power supply vent holes to the outside for a second or two. Spray from the outside power supply vent to the inside for a second or two. Now blow any excess dust from the inside of your PC out for a second or two. The excess dust that you just removed can cause over heating and in some cases could cause the PC to short out.

Knowing the steps I just mentioned and having a good virus protection program will give you years of PC service with few interruptions. Your only problems will be changes in technology.