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How to clean and speed up an old laptop

Started by MrMajeika , May 10 2016 05:18 PM

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9 replies to this topic

#1 MrMajeika

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Posted 10 May 2016 - 05:18 PM

A friend of mine has an old HP laptop that he never uses anymore as it's become slow. I don't think he ever took care of it. I don't think he had an anti virus just an old one that the subcription had run out. I said I will try to clean it up for him and just wondered if someone could tell me what order to do things and what to do. I.e do I run scans first? Updates first? I'm guessing it'll be pretty messed up so where should I start?

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#2 Agouti

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Posted 10 May 2016 - 05:42 PM

You haven't said what operating system it has. That might be useful. If it's really bad, it might be better if you backup all your friend's personal data and reinstall the operating system.

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#3 MrMajeika

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Posted 11 May 2016 - 01:09 AM

I'm guessing it's windows xp. Hopefully I'm picking up the laptop later so I'll know for sure. Would I need the windows cd to reinstall windows? I doubt he would have that

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#4 Havachat

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Posted 11 May 2016 - 03:21 AM

It may have a Recovery Partition so you wont need the Disc , if it has a Product Key sticker that would also Help.

Keep us Posted.

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#5 quietman7

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Posted 11 May 2016 - 06:35 AM

List of Free PUP/Adware/Toolbars/Browser Hijacking Scan Tools:

List of Free Scan & Disinfection Tools to supplement your anti-virus or get a second opinion in these topics:

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#6 MrMajeika

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Posted 11 May 2016 - 12:43 PM

It may have a Recovery Partition so you wont need the Disc , if it has a Product Key sticker that would also Help.
Keep us Posted.

It's windows 7 and it has the Microsoft licence sticker on the back but some of it has worn off. There is a barcode with some numbers underneath. There looks like there was another one underneath but it's all worn off

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#7 RolandJS

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Posted 11 May 2016 - 01:20 PM

ProductKey, Belarc, and several other utilities exist that can pull off product keys of Windows and other Microsoft products. If possible to find, an ISO for the installed Windows can be made into a usb or dvd boot for startup repair if needed. Puppy Linux usb or dvd boots can be real handy. Revo Uninstaller free version could come in real handy once Windows works ok to remove unwanted/unneeded programs.

Edited by RolandJS, 11 May 2016 - 01:21 PM.

"Take care of thy backups and thy restores shall take care of thee." -- Ben Franklin revisited.

http://collegecafe.fr.yuku.com/forums/45/Computer-Technologies/

Backup, backup, backup! -- Lady Fitzgerald (w7forums)

Clone or Image often! Backup... -- RockE (WSL)

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#8 MrMajeika

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Posted 11 May 2016 - 01:48 PM

What if I go in to the advanced recovery options and restore computer to factory settings?

If I manage to find the product key can someone give me step by step instructions with how to reinstall windows. Sorry probably a pain but it's not my laptop so don't want to mess it up. I'll probably upgrade to windowe 10 can it be done through that?

Edited by MrMajeika, 11 May 2016 - 01:58 PM.