clipped from: ww.computing.net   
Checklist

Note!!! To begin with, run a hardware diagnostic test on your hard drive to be sure there are no errors on it and that it is defect free.

1. Empty the Recycle Bin.

2. Delete .tmp files. Before running ScanDisk and Defragmenter, delete all *.tmp files that have been created prior to the current day.

3. Delete files that begin with tilde (~), from apps, such as word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs.

4. Delete old .zip files.

5. Delete .chk files.

6. Run Chkdsk and defrag the drive as needed, and go into msconfig to turn off any and all TSR's that might be loading on startup.

7. Delete the cache files and history files.

8. Clean out Windows temporary Internet files. If the browser is Microsoft's Internet Explorer.

9. Make sure you are up to date on your anti-virus and scumware software and scan your PC to remove malicious code(s) or trojans.

10. Blow the dust and debris out of back of the machine, PSU and inside of the computer.