I am planning on doing a disk cleanup, running my spy ware (multiple versions), deleting Temporary files. Is this the best way to go in terms of simplicity to 'clean up' my computer? When running my spyware is it better to run it in Safe Mode? I think I remember this being recommended. If this is the case, when going into Safe Mode should I enter through the 'non-network' or 'with network' connection? Of course the programs will fully up-to-date. Should disk clean up be run in normal operating mode or would Safe Mode be a better way to run? Any help/recommendation is appreciated.
I use advanced system care, it's an all in one program: http://www.iobit.com/advancedwindowscareper.html?Str=download
I use "CleanUp!", which was recommended by the IT guy at work. Free program seems to work well and not cause any issues at least as far as I know. http://www.stevengould.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=15&Itemid=69
If the system is badly infected it needs to be cleaned while disconnected from the internet and some of it may have to be done in safe mode. Then again if it is really badly infected you can't clean if from inside a running copy of Windows anyway - you would need to either run a live Linux disk or slave the hard drive to another machine to clean it. Also, some spyware will block the download or running of a lot of popular cleanup and removal tools by placing entries in the registry that stop them from operating. You can sometimes get around that by renaming them.
Thanks. System isn't infected, I just want to clean it up a bit for now. I do plan on doing a reformat in the future, I just have to dig through the closet and find my disk. Although I think it's at my parents. James and Steve, thanks for you suggestion. I'll check out the programs you recommended and read about them a little bit. I appreciate it.
