The Happy Computer
This is a step by step compilation of items that you, as Windows users, will need to do in order to keep your computer running at its optimum. 
I will include links to sites for software to download and aid you in this. Most of the software is free, but I will include some that is not.
We are going to talk about Malware which include Viruses, Worms, Spyware, Adware, Botnets, and Rootkits. We will also include items like cookies, cache (pronounced “cash”) and temporary internet files. We will also talk about your startup menu, and hard drive maintenance so pull up a chair, this is going to take a while. Since most people are still using Windows XP, I will aim this specifically at them, however all of these pertain to Vista also. The procedures may be a little different.
OK, here we go….
Whenever making any changes to System files, your Registry Files specifically, you should always create a new restore point before doing anything. This is something that XP will do automatically (provided you have not turned it off) but a manual backup should be done anyway. It is simple and quick…
Press Start>All Programs>Accessories>System Tools>System Restore….When System Restore opens, you will see two options: 1) Restore my computer to an earlier time, and 2) Create a restore point. Click on “Create a restore point” and press “Next”. XP will now ask you for a Restore Point Description, you can name this anything that you want. Windows will also tag this name with the date and time so you need not include that information. Press “Create” and you are done. A screen showing your new Restore Point will display. To continue, press “Home” to go back to the main restore point page or click “Close” to end your session.
That was simple. This is done in case something is changed within your System Files that causes a problem later on. You simply need to run this again, but this time click on “Restore my computer to an earlier time”. A calender showing all of your restore points will display, and you can reset all of your pertinent System Files back to the specified dates. Note that this is not a way to retrieve a file that was accidentally deleted. System Restore will only revert Windows System Files back to a previous time.
My Edible Earth 
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