PC Health Advisor

[tcory]

Made by ParetoLogic as most or all of you guys know. I needed advice on how good is this program ? They're offering it for $ 19.99. I have Windows XP, I.E. Explorer , and Firefox which all are starting up and running slow.

Thanks

[redwudz]

Just my opinion, but most of those types of programs are just a waste of money. You could try it and report back to us, but I have my doubts. When I used to run XP, the biggest improvement was with re-installing the OS. That pretty much cleans everything out. I just use a backup program like Acronis True Image or Ghost. Once you get the initial setup with your PC, make a backup. Then if it slows in the future, just wipe the OS and install the backup.

If your system is running slow, make sure your hard drives aren't too full and make sure they're defragged. Most times the problem is too many added programs. Some may also recommend a registry cleaner, but be careful with them as they can cause problems of their own. For IE, clean out your temp files. You can also save your favorites, and reset IE to the default settings, then reinstall the favorites and you may see some improvements.

[hech54]

I won't beat around the bush....GARBAGE!!!!!!!

[tcory]

What sucks is I have a computer science degree and it was so long ago, plus with all the health issues..... I'm disappointed in myself that I can't reinstall my own OS. I think I will just carry it and have it done. I printed out the way to do it myself (OS), I'm very careful when doing something like that and would like to try it myself if I was sure that I couldn't really screw it up.

If you guys know of a step-by-step way to walk me through it..... maybe a link... I would do it myself and not spend money on that crap these company's are pushing. I know you guys are busy so don't type out the way to do it. If you know a link to a dependable site... That work be great!!!! I have a laptop to use while I work on my Desktop.

Thanks Guys!

[jagabo]

Google ParetoLogic. You won't find anything nice about the company or its products.

Do you have an XP install CD?

[tcory]

Google ParetoLogic. You won't find anything nice about the company or its products.

Do you have an XP install CD?

Yes, I have the Full XP Install Home Edition disc.

[hech54]

http://www.windowsxphome.windowsreinstall.com/sp2sp3installxpwindowsinstall/indexfullpage.htm

[jagabo]

Do you have an XP install CD?

Yes, I have the Full XP Install Home Edition disc.

Reinstalling XP should be pretty easy then. Especially if you are willing to reformat. But some things you can try first:

1) System Restore to an earlier date: If your problems started recently you may be able to restore to a point just before the problems started. Start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> System Restore. Pick a restore point (by date, and description) and restore.

2) A Windows re-install: This will leave all your applications and documents intact, even the Desktop. Boot the XP CD and elect to install Windows. At some point it will ask you if you want to use the System Console to repair the OS. Select no. After that it will look for existing XP boot partitions and give you the opportunity to re-install. I forget the exact terms that's used but it should be pretty clear once you get there. You should be able to find lots of sites on the internet that describe the process. A bad virus/worm infection may not be fixed by doing this.

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/helpandsupport/learnmore/tips/doug92.mspx

3) A full reinstall: that will obliterate all you applications but may leave some of your files intact. You should still back up all your importnant files before doing this. It's pretty clear how to do this once you get started. Boot the CD, after finding all the partitions it will ask you if you want to install a new XP and warn you that you will lose your existing install and any user accounts.

4) A full resintall with format: this will obliterate everything on the partition. Again, it's pretty clear once you get started. Boot the CD, you'll have an opportunity to format the partition, or delete the partition, create a new partition, and format the partition.

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows/help/install-reinstall-uninstall