The simplest way possible if you aren't computer saavy would be to save all your important data onto disks then use a recovery disk to do a full destructive restore. The type of restore that wipes the computer and returns it to a factory state. Then just start over. Since it will wipe all your hard drive's data, make sure you have all your software discs to reinstall your programs and make sure you save everything important saved on CDs or DVDs.

Then after that, the only typical hardware upgrade that will help out is to add some more memory.

Edit: I'm going with the assumption it has malicious software infections (since you said clean up) and you aren't familiar with how to properly remove virii your system.

Hi Angelcalvin and welcome to the board,

There's a multitude of things that you can do to clean your system up. You can run Registry Repair Pro, Ad-Aware, Internet Eraser Pro/Window Washer. You can go into add/remove programs and remove any unused programs. You can defrag your system. Defrag is a big one. That should be done periodically.
You can also visit PC Pitstop. It will do a diagnostic test on your system, and tell you where your system may need attention.

Hope this helps out some.

Hello Angel,

Welcome to PCHF.

Is the PC generally slow, or has the PC become slow over time?

- Remove any un-necessary software
Many programmes have agents, which sit in the system tray (bottom right hand corner, next to the time). These agents generally have a number of purposes, to start the program more quickly, make sure they are up to date, or the entire program itself may sit in the system tray.

Start by removing any un-neccesary and/or un-used programs via My Computer, Control Panel, Add/Remove Programs.

Stop unwanted programs from starting, go to Start, Run, and type in msconfig. Under the Startup tab, you can untick and program you do not wish to start from here.

- Virus's / Malware
If your daughter has internet access, it is likely that she may have picked up some nasties along the way. Follow PCHF Prework on my signature and post a Hijack and AVG log back here for a security member to analyse. Make sure that she has appropriate anti-virus (such as AVG), and firewall running at all times (for example, XP Service Pack 2 has a Windows Firwall in Control Panel).

- Hard Drive
Check your disk for errors and then defragment the drive.

You can do this in My Computer. Right click on Local Disk (c), and go to Properties. You will see error checking and defragmentation here. Make sure you have no other applications open. These usually take a few hours to complete.

- Other Options
The cleanest way to cleanup a system is to do a full system restore, as long as you have the CD's and software. Make sure you backup all the important files on to disk.


EDIT: Marked as answered.