Fixin' up an old computer

[Arcuivie]

I've got this friend, Brittnee, and she is having some computer troubles. Now, mind you, her whole family, including herself, is computer illiterate, so I'm expecting loads of usless programs, spyware, and the possible trojan/virus. What would be the best way to go around fixing this computer?

Removing spyware, false registry entries, and unused programs is my initial thought. Also possibly getting some kind of advanced defrag software (like O&O) trial and run that. I was also thinking about picking up some compressed air to clean out the inside, but I don't know what brand they have so I'm not sure if it will void the warranty on the computer or not.

If anyone has any other ideas for the basic routine clean up/speed up then let me know.

 

[mechBgon]

I would just make them give me their Windows CD (or Restore CD) and confirm they've got a Windows license key, and then Drop The Bomb On It? with a fresh installation of Windows, a current-generation antivirus software, and some anti-spyware programs such as the new Microsoft Antispyware beta and Spybot S&D. Patch it up, enable Automatic Updates, enable DEP (if it's WinXP), make sure its firewall is enabled, and get them a router if they have broadband and don't have a router yet.

But first I would scan it for viruses and spyware to see what they've been doing wrong, because half the battle is modifying the behavior that causes the problems, so you need to see what they're falling for. Is it P2P, is it cute free smilies for their email, is it free screensavers, or where is their weakness, so you can educate them about the risks.

If possible, also set them up with Limited accounts for daily-driver usage and lock away the Administrator powers in an account that no one uses except when Administrator powers are actually required (I'm assuming Win2000 or WinXP here).

 

[Arcuivie]

But I don't have the tools to backup their system.

If possible, also set them up with Limited accounts for daily-driver usage and lock away the Administrator powers in an account that no one uses except when Administrator powers are actually required (I'm assuming Win2000 or WinXP here).

Thats a really good idea..

 

[mechBgon]

What version of Windows do they have?

 

[intogamer]

think about installing sp2. show them how to use spyware programs.