ete files that begin with a tilde. When cleaning the system of
garbage files, check for any files beginning with a tilde (~). Make sure
that all your application programs, such as word-processing,
spreadsheet, and graphics programs, are closed first, since sometimes
the temporary file you are currently viewing uses a tilde. If the application
programs are closed, the tilde files can be deleted.
4. Delete old .zip files. Users tend to unzip the files but then leave the
zipped file on their computer.
5. Delete .chk files, and switch the swap file. For those with
permanent swap files, its sometimes a good idea to set the swap file
back to temporary and then permanent again. This cleans out any
garbage (and therefore any possible corruption).
6. Run CHKDSK, SCANDISK and DEFRAG as needed. For Windows
98 clients, use the Task Scheduler to automate SCANDISK.
7. Check browser history and cache files. Check that the user history
files and Internet cache settings are set properly (cache size). Delete the
cache files and history files then reset the history files to no more than
three days unless the user specifically needs to store that information
longer. By freeing up the cache, downloads from the Web actually speed
up since there is more space available to store the temporary files.
8. Clean out Windows temporary Internet files.
9. Confirm that backups are being done. Ask users when their last
backups were done. Make sure they're rotating their disks. Remind them
to verify the backups by trying to restore a sample file or folder.
10. Update drivers as needed. Make sure youve installed the latest
drivers for printers, modems, sound cards, video cards, and other
devices.
11. Create or update the boot disk. Every Windows user should have a
boot disk and every NT client should have an emergency repair disk. NT
clients need to have their emergency repair disks upgraded with the
RDISK/S command every time there's a change in the network setup,
such as the addition of new users or new devices.
12. Check the operating system and applications. Update your OS
and applications with the latest service packs or updates.
13. Check the connections. Make sure all the plugs are snug in their
connections. Make sure youre using a surge protectors and not a string
of extension cords to power their machines.
14. Clean the screens. Use the appropriate screen-cleaning cloth or
solution.
15. Change passwords. It is a good security precaution to change your
system passwords periodically.
16. Check the printers. Print a test page on your printer. Make sure the
printers are producing clean copies, and that the toner cartridges aren't
about to run out. 17. Update the anti-virus software.
18. Reboot the system. If the workstations are left on all the time, reboot
the system to force a memory reset and to make sure the machine will
boot correctly.
19. Clean the keyboard. Use canned air to blow out any loose debris.
With the power off, tip or turn the keyboard upside down and carefully
use the palm of your hand to strike the keyboard several times. You'll be
surprised how much junk will fall out.
20. Clean the CD-ROM drive. Clean the laser using a CD ROM drive
cleaning kit. Many programs are installed corrupted from a dirty CD
reader.
21. Clean the floppy drive. In addition to using canned air for the floppy
drive, use a 3.5" floppy drive cleaning kit. It consists of a cleaning disk
and a bottle of solution that you apply to the disk. First, apply the solution
to the cleaning disk. Second, insert the cleaning disk into the floppy drive.
Third, type: DIR A: (or DIR B:), which will spin the disk (repeat this three
times.
22. Clean the mouse. It never hurts to make sure the mouse is free of
dust and grime. Use isopropyl alcohol to clean the ball and the internal
rollers to remove any grease, oil, and dust that may have accumulated.
23. Check the power sources. Make sure systems are plugged into
protected outlets or power strips, if not uninterruptible power supplies.
24. Check the fan. Remember to check that the CPU's cooling fan is
working and that the airflow isn't impeded by dust. Use canned air to
blow out any loose dust. Blow the dust out from the inside of the supply.
Exercise extreme caution when working on an open power supply. There
are potentially lethal voltages present!
Notes: