where can I take laptop to get cleaned

omdiva

Hi,
Not sure which forum this should go in but....
My laptop is 4-5 yrs old and running really slowly, even start up takes ages so I was wondering is there anywhere to take it to get it 'cleaned' in dublin city centre. Somewhere that charges a reasonable price, which I wouldnt know either!
I probably have of loads dead files on it and also have that babylon search engine problem.
I know nothing about computers so would really appreciate some advice.

Many Thanks:)

chin_grin

Download\install and run the following programs.

Ccleaner. - removes "crap" from your machine and also defunct registry entries. Also will help improve start up time (you can stop certain programs from launching at startup making the machine slower)

Defraggler. - defrags the hard drive.

Malwarebytes\Microsoft Security Essentials. Or if you have anti-virus already installed, update and run it.

Hal Emmerich

There's a thread on the Virus Forum on removing whatever this babylon search thing is you've picked up.

Fluffy88

Reinstall windows fixes every problem and speeds the computer up no end :P

I think it's easier and probably faster than trying to remove viruses and speeding up your computer by cleaning it.

chin_grin

Fluffy88 wrote: »

Reinstall windows fixes every problem and speeds the computer up no end :P

I think it's easier and probably faster than trying to remove viruses and speeding up your computer by cleaning it.

Please tell me you're trolling. A re-install is always the last resort.

Fluffy88

Not at all, it's advisable to do one every now and then anyway. It really is the only way to fully actually clean out your computer of all that crap that infects it and I'm not just talking about viruses.

It's not hard to do and once you back-up all your files you won't lose anything from doing it. That's the one thing I should have mentioned. BACK-UP any files that are important because you will most likely lose them if you don't

Slippin Jimmy

Take the first posters advice. It will save you a few quid. It's a very simple process to follow and anyone can do it. Don't reinstall windows, there's not much point in doing that because you have better options available to you.

PapaQuebec

chin_grin wrote: »

Please tell me you're trolling. A re-install is always the last resort.

I've been running a computer business for 14 years and once thought, like you, that a complete re-install should be a last-resort.

Many years ago I came to the conclusion that this is nonsense!

None of the apps and utilities quoted by previous posters are miracle-cures. Many will remove unwanted applications and files but can leave the HDD is a bit of a mess. Some will remove dupe copies of necessary system-files believing them to be unneeded!

It takes a few minutes to backup a clients files ( I generally create a second partition for them), backup their drivers (rarely neccessary if Win7 is the OS of choice) then about 20mins to re-install the OS etc.

The client is getting back a machine restored to the performance it had when new, without thousands of orphaned files clogging up the system.

THe whole process rarely takes more than an hour and many of my clients will have their system back the same evening!

In contrast I have spent many a fruitless hour weeding out files and editing registries, starting and restarting, in-and-out of safe mode etc only to have the same problems resurface within days!

Hal Emmerich

Fluffy88 wrote: »

Reinstall windows fixes every problem and speeds the computer up no end :P

I think it's easier and probably faster than trying to remove viruses and speeding up your computer by cleaning it.

PapaQuebec wrote: »

I've been running a computer business for 14 years and once thought, like you, that a complete re-install should be a last-resort.

Many years ago I came to the conclusion that this is nonsense!

None of the apps and utilities quoted by previous posters are miracle-cures. Many will remove unwanted applications and files but can leave the HDD is a bit of a mess. Some will remove dupe copies of necessary system-files believing them to be unneeded!

It takes a few minutes to backup a clients files ( I generally create a second partition for them), backup their drivers (rarely neccessary if Win7 is the OS of choice) then about 20mins to re-install the OS etc.

The client is getting back a machine restored to the performance it had when new, without thousands of orphaned files clogging up the system.

THe whole process rarely takes more than an hour and many of my clients will have their system back the same evening!

In contrast I have spent many a fruitless hour weeding out files and editing registries, starting and restarting, in-and-out of safe mode etc only to have the same problems resurface within days!

I was going to say the same as you guys but at 5 years old OP is looking at maybe Windows XP service pack 2 or whatever it's going to take hours to install all the updates and programs so the scanners are not a bad starting point.

Fluffy88

I have to agree with PapQuebec.

The partition idea is very good, and all you need to back-up is the User profile folder. Although when I do my own laptop I tend to be a little more meticulous in the files I keep, but keeping the whole folder with or without the AppData will keep pretty much everything the average user has on their pc.
And then a short hand written list of the applications that they want to keep so you can reinstall after. And with Windows 7, I believe this is what PapaQuebec was referring too, during the install if it finds a current version of Windows on the hard drive it move all the important user files into a new directory which can be accessed by you after the new install, so nothing ever gets lost.

And it really is the only way to actually "clean" a machine out.

PapaQuebec

Hal Emmerich wrote: »

I was going to say the same as you guys but at 5 years old OP is looking at maybe Windows XP service pack 2 or whatever it's going to take hours to install all the updates and programs so the scanners are not a bad starting point.

While Win 7 (and to an extent Vista ) have simplified the installation process, XP was never a problem to install - I do it maybe 20 times per week - takes a few minutes longer to install and I would back-up drivers before formatting.

All necessary updates are contained in the discs we obtain from MS - the newest being June 11th this year!

Aodan83

PapaQuebec wrote: »

While Win 7 (and to an extent Vista ) have simplified the installation process, XP was never a problem to install - I do it maybe 20 times per week - takes a few minutes longer to install and I would back-up drivers before formatting.

All necessary updates are contained in the discs we obtain from MS - the newest being June 11th this year!

Whether or not this is true, you have to consider the OP has said that they know nothing about computers, a total reinstall of the OS may be a bit daunting. If a defrag and running CCLeaner can get rid of most of the problems, and they remove Babylon thing, they should have it running well enough again anyway, and save themselves a few quid in the process against having someone reinstall Windows for them.

PapaQuebec

omdiva wrote: »

Hi,
Not sure which forum this should go in but....
My laptop is 4-5 yrs old and running really slowly, even start up takes ages so I was wondering is there anywhere to take it to get it 'cleaned' in dublin city centre. Somewhere that charges a reasonable price, which I wouldnt know either!
I probably have of loads dead files on it and also have that babylon search engine problem.
I know nothing about computers so would really appreciate some advice.

Many Thanks:)

It would appear that the OP is actively seeking to get a professional job done.

Many of the systems I see have been "got at" by the "IT guy in me ma's office" who have done little more than run similar apps to the ones quoted. Such apps and utils should only be seen as a quick-fix for a small performance gain!

EDIT: Lest anyone here should think I am using this forum to tout for business, If the OP wants to contact me via PM I will re-install their system for free!

ScumLord

People that know what they're doing with computers can keep it relatively clean and wouldn't need to reinstall. But I've seen PCs that just have so much crap wrong with them it would take ages to clean and you'd never really feel it is clean because you don't know what's happened to it.

If it's a basic PC that hasn't any specialised software or needs, the easiest most straightforward thing to do is format - reinstall.

PapaQuebec

ScumLord wrote: »

People that know what they're doing with computers can keep it relatively clean and wouldn't need to reinstall. But I've seen PCs that just have so much crap wrong with them it would take ages to clean and you'd never really feel it is clean because you don't know what's happened to it.

If it's a basic PC that hasn't any specialised software or needs, the easiest most straightforward thing to do is format - reinstall.

Spot-on!!

I can't afford to have customers returning systems for re-repair time after time! Too much lost-time involved and sooner or later the word is that you don't know your job!

Do the job ONCE and do it properly!

TheReverend

Reinstall is always much easier, just pop in a linux live cd and pull off any music, docs, pictures customer wants then clear the whole thing out.

PapaQuebec

TheReverend wrote: »

Reinstall is always much easier, just pop in a linux live cd and pull off any music, docs, pictures customer wants then clear the whole thing out.

That would only be my course of action with a system that wouldn't boot to windows as many of the utis I use to backup drivers etc aren't compatible with Linux!

TheReverend

PapaQuebec wrote: »

That would only be my course of action with a system that wouldn't boot to windows as many of the utis I use to backup drivers etc aren't compatible with Linux!

I usually just grab the drivers off the net after doing the back up, if there was a virus on the computer its safer to just use a live cd, IMO anyway :P

GarIT

omdiva wrote: »

Hi,
Not sure which forum this should go in but....
My laptop is 4-5 yrs old and running really slowly, even start up takes ages so I was wondering is there anywhere to take it to get it 'cleaned' in dublin city centre. Somewhere that charges a reasonable price, which I wouldnt know either!
I probably have of loads dead files on it and also have that babylon search engine problem.
I know nothing about computers so would really appreciate some advice.

Many Thanks:)

TechPros in The Square, Tallaght or Lucan Shopping Centre will do a virus check (including virus removal if necessary) and Tune up for €49 if you want it done professionally. They'll do it for €44 if your a Facebook fan.

Hal Emmerich

PapaQuebec wrote: »

While Win 7 (and to an extent Vista ) have simplified the installation process, XP was never a problem to install - I do it maybe 20 times per week - takes a few minutes longer to install and I would back-up drivers before formatting.

All necessary updates are contained in the discs we obtain from MS - the newest being June 11th this year!

Jolly, that's handy, are they free since your customers will already have Product key Numbers? Or just small fee? Can anyone get them?

PapaQuebec wrote: »

It would appear that the OP is actively seeking to get a professional job done.

Many of the systems I see have been "got at" by the "IT guy in me ma's office" who have done little more than run similar apps to the ones quoted. Such apps and utils should only be seen as a quick-fix for a small performance gain!

EDIT: Lest anyone here should think I am using this forum to tout for business, If the OP wants to contact me via PM I will re-install their system for free!

This is your best option Omdiva (OP).

Although 20quid and a box of roses would be a nice thank you.

bette

PapaQuebec wrote: »

Spot-on!!

I can't afford to have customers returning systems for re-repair time after time! Too much lost-time involved and sooner or later the word is that you don't know your job!

Do the job ONCE and do it properly!

Top class advice.

Let's begin a little extra. The OP has a laptop. These beast are fragile and it is recommended to back on to an external drive. Setting a partition is useless if the machine is dropped and the hard drive is damaged.

Next I would say that all laptops are sold with an OS (operating system for the OP) and the licence and serial number will be stuck to the machine. Some manufacturers will place this underneath the battery compartment so it may not be in evidence.

Those CC cleaners are hit and miss and a reinstall is the best course. The OP will probably get a "professional" to clean his machine so the pro will be able to download any necessary up to date drivers. He should back up the files, iTunes music and libraries and settings as well as address books etc.

The "cowboys" will simply reinstall directly and all the work, photos music etc. will be lost.

PapaQuebec

Hal Emmerich wrote: »

Jolly, that's handy, are they free since your customers will already have Product key Numbers? Or just small fee? Can anyone get them?

This is your best option Omdiva (OP).

Where possible I use an OS distro supplied by the computer manufacturer (the OS re-install CD/DVD that came with the system when new). This requires no serial number during installation and no activation afterwards. I have a vast library of them going back several years. I store them as bootable ISO images so that I can burn a new install disc as necessary.

I also keep large numbers of "recovery" discs - many manufacturers use a hidden partition containing recovery data - some want you to make a CD/DVD from this data. I make discs from this data and archive it should I receive a similar model for service!

Where PC/laptop makers have a recovery-system that lets you recover directly from a hidden-partition, I simply make an image of that partition to one of the NAS servers in the office.

PapaQuebec

TheReverend wrote: »

I usually just grab the drivers off the net after doing the back up, if there was a virus on the computer its safer to just use a live cd, IMO anyway :P

Likewise, I archive every driver I have ever downloaded by Make, Model no, OS, device name and device-type.

Skerries

i use http://ninite.com/ to reinstall all the utilities and apps that most people have installed on their pc
it bundles them all together and installs in one file

Cuddlesworth

Its pretty easy to make your own Windows install disks(xp, vista, 7) with all updates supplied yourself. If you wanted to, its also easy to make install images of various popular laptop models with unattended answer files on a WSUS server and PXE boot them. Its pretty easy to do a lot of things these days if you know how and are arsed.

I agree with PapaQuebec. After five years the only real option is a full format and re-install. Maybe a quick cheap ram upgrade as well(ie 5-10 Euro) from retired machines.

PapaQuebec

Hello Cuddlesworth! If I'm not mistaken I bought one of my NAS's from you via adverts.ie!

Cuddlesworth

Was that the four bay terrastation? If it was you got that at a steal.

wayhey

Does anyone have any advice on where to start with the clean-up process?

My PC is a few years old, running XP... I think it's all my music in iTunes that's slowed it down a lot so I'll move that over to an external hard drive. I've ran CCleaner and done malware checks with Spybot, Windows Defender and AdAware. I've also cleaned out unwanted programs using Ad/Remove and I'm defragging now.

I'm a bit wary of doing a complete re-install because I've never done one before and there are other family members as admins on this computer that have some important files saved.

big man andy

wayhey wrote: »

Does anyone have any advice on where to start with the clean-up process?

My PC is a few years old, running XP... I think it's all my music in iTunes that's slowed it down a lot so I'll move that over to an external hard drive. I've ran CCleaner and done malware checks with Spybot, Windows Defender and AdAware. I've also cleaned out unwanted programs using Ad/Remove and I'm defragging now.

I'm a bit wary of doing a complete re-install because I've never done one before and there are other family members as admins on this computer that have some important files saved.

If your PC is a few years old, you may have a set of Recovery discs.

ScumLord

wayhey wrote: »

Does anyone have any advice on where to start with the clean-up process?

My PC is a few years old, running XP... I think it's all my music in iTunes that's slowed it down a lot so I'll move that over to an external hard drive. I've ran CCleaner and done malware checks with Spybot, Windows Defender and AdAware. I've also cleaned out unwanted programs using Ad/Remove and I'm defragging now.

I'm a bit wary of doing a complete re-install because I've never done one before and there are other family members as admins on this computer that have some important files saved.

What have you got to lose? I don't mean that in a flippant way but what is on the computer that you want to keep? If it's just files there's no reason not to wipe, just copy the files. If there's software make sure you still have the disks and don't forget the activation codes.

Remember to save your internet favourites. Google chrome is a good browser as you can just sync the browser with your google account to save everything.

Coreleoine

PapaQuebec wrote: »

I've been running a computer business for 14 years and once thought, like you, that a complete re-install should be a last-resort.

Many years ago I came to the conclusion that this is nonsense!

None of the apps and utilities quoted by previous posters are miracle-cures. Many will remove unwanted applications and files but can leave the HDD is a bit of a mess. Some will remove dupe copies of necessary system-files believing them to be unneeded!

It takes a few minutes to backup a clients files ( I generally create a second partition for them), backup their drivers (rarely neccessary if Win7 is the OS of choice) then about 20mins to re-install the OS etc.

The client is getting back a machine restored to the performance it had when new, without thousands of orphaned files clogging up the system.

THe whole process rarely takes more than an hour and many of my clients will have their system back the same evening!

In contrast I have spent many a fruitless hour weeding out files and editing registries, starting and restarting, in-and-out of safe mode etc only to have the same problems resurface within days!

Yes, I thoroughly agree. Do NOT fiddle with Reg Cleaners/Optimizers etc.. it is like drilling a second hole in a sinking boat to take the water from the first hole. A clean install is BEST,but,firstly, Back up everything, and remove the AntiVirus (probably Norton) and the cruddy kids' programmes that were on the new PC when you got it and just have what YOU want. You will be amazed at the speed up and will realize that MOST times you do not have to hand out money to have a good PC. Best of luck