Sorry to keep this going with neophyte questions. At what level can we 
assume to be safe for transferring files to removable storage before we 
reformat? At the C: drive level,  can I safely move "Program Files", "My 
Music",  "WINDOWS", anything else?   Can I move "Documents and Settings", 
and within that, the folders for each of our personal accounts?

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Don Penlington" <[log in to unmask]>
To: <[log in to unmask]>
Sent: Sunday, January 11, 2009 9:12 AM
Subject: Re: [PCSOFT] Internet Explorer pop-ups.


> Michael wrote:
>>if I do
>>decide to reformat the hard drive, can I first safely clone the C: drive 
>>or
>>copy it out to the removable storage>>
>
>
> There's no point in cloning a defective hard drive, as you'll only end up 
> with the same problems you already have.
>
> Yes, you can copy your individual data files to your external drive (or 
> disks).
>
> There are many reasons for slow performance.
>
> First run a startup manager---or msconfig if you have nothing better---and 
> disable ALL startups. Msconmfig won't let you disable any vital system 
> files, so it's quite safe to use.
>
> Reboot if see if that helps performance.
>
> Computers do tend to slow down with age, as they accumulate rubbish over 
> time. How long since you last defragged, or reformatted?
>
> Often slow performance can be as simple as 2 or more running applications 
> fighting each other over the use of resources or conflicting in some way. 
> Removing everything from startup will help resolve this possibility.
>
> If that doesn't help, the cause is deeper.  Run several good antispyware 
> scans, (I suggest SuperAntispyware, Malwarebytes, Spybot, AdAware---all 
> freeware). Spyware can use up valuable resources as it tries to dial home 
> and is a common cause of slowdowns.
>
> Run Task Manager and see if anything is using up an unusual amount of 
> memory or CPU time. CPU "system idle" should be a steady 97-99% with no 
> applications running. Anything less indicates trouble.
>
> Adding RAM only masks the problem at best. Slowdown problems left 
> unresolved have a nasty habit of suddenly compounding into serious issues 
> or can easily become terminal if you don't eliminate the cause.
>
> Telling you to add more RAM to fix XP problems when you already have 1Gb 
> is really bad advice, it's like telling you to add more oil to your car 
> engine after it starts making funny noises.
>
> Don Penlington
>
>      "Hold No Punches.." Rode brings you great shareware/freeware
>        programs with his honest opinions in this weekly column.
>                       http://freepctech.com/rode
>
>
>
>
> E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.0.0.386)
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E-mail message checked by Spyware Doctor (6.0.0.386)
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                         PCSOFT's List Owner's:
                      Bob Wright<[log in to unmask]>
                        Mark Rode<[log in to unmask]>