[fletch11]

My laptop recently broke (literally - daughter stepped on it). Had to get a new laptop - Toshiba Satellite. Had to upgrade OS from Win XP to Win 7. Having a lot of trouble adjusting to new OS. Seems really slow, very touchy and most of my software doesn't seem to be compatible :-( Couple questions for you... you use to post a list on freeware apps to use and steps to do to keep your computer running clean and fast. (1) Do you have a list like this specifically for Windows 7? Specifically looking for suggested anti-virus and list of what I can safely remove to speed performance. (2) I only have one user profile set up - it is my administrative profile. However, there are quite a few file folders (when viewing from explorer), that are "locked" and I can not get in to. Specifically, "user" folder (in docs and settings) and things like "cookies" folder. Some of them I've been able to go in and "unlock" the security (doing individually, by folder) but others I can not. Any thoughts? Thanks much - Fletch

[Advertisements]

Hi fletch11
If this is a new/out of the box laptop you may have a lot of bloatware on the HDD.
1st suggestion is to download and run Autoruns from http://technet.micro...ernals/bb963902
1: Extract the Autoruns Zip file contents to a folder.
2: Double-click the "Autoruns.exe".
3: Click on the "Everything" tab
4: Remove any entries that mention "File Not Found" by right-clicking the entry and select Delete.
5: Go to File then to Export As or Save in some versions.
6: Save AutoRuns.txt file to known location like your Desktop.
7: Attach to your next reply.

Then download and run TFC by OldTimer from http://www.geekstogo...ds&showfile=187
The computer should Auto-Boot on completion but if not you will need to do it manually.
AV programs I suggest include Avast (free version) http://www.avast.com...ivirus-download or MSE http://www.microsoft...ls/default.aspx only use one or the other and not both as it will lead to system slowdown or possible freezes/crashes due to the 2 programs fighting for system resources.
Hope this helps and let us know how it goes or if we can assist you further.

[phillpower2]

Hi fletch11
If this is a new/out of the box laptop you may have a lot of bloatware on the HDD.
1st suggestion is to download and run Autoruns from http://technet.micro...ernals/bb963902
1: Extract the Autoruns Zip file contents to a folder.
2: Double-click the "Autoruns.exe".
3: Click on the "Everything" tab
4: Remove any entries that mention "File Not Found" by right-clicking the entry and select Delete.
5: Go to File then to Export As or Save in some versions.
6: Save AutoRuns.txt file to known location like your Desktop.
7: Attach to your next reply.

Then download and run TFC by OldTimer from http://www.geekstogo...ds&showfile=187
The computer should Auto-Boot on completion but if not you will need to do it manually.
AV programs I suggest include Avast (free version) http://www.avast.com...ivirus-download or MSE http://www.microsoft...ls/default.aspx only use one or the other and not both as it will lead to system slowdown or possible freezes/crashes due to the 2 programs fighting for system resources.
Hope this helps and let us know how it goes or if we can assist you further.

[fletch11]

I can't thank you enough -- this is exactly what I was looking for. Will run autorun and post the file shortly. In the meantime, I have an additional question for you....

Some of my folders are locked. This is crazy because I only have one user profile set up and it's an administrator one (as far as I can tell). I can't unlock them. Here are a few examples:

C:\Users\Fletcher\Local Settings (Fletcher is my profile name)
C:\Users\Fletcher\Cookies
C:\Users\Default User (I guess I don't really need to get in this but it bothers me that it's locked)
C:\Users\All Users\Application Data

It isn't a huge deal but do you know why this is happening and how I can unlock all folders -- I don't like that I'm restricted (even if it is a safety precaution).

Thanks so much! Fletcher

[Xyhper]

You can use try use the unlocker tool. Direct the program to the folders and it will you whats restricting it. It may or may not work.

Unlocker - http://download.cnet...4-10493998.html

It can be un-installed after.