MS Windows Tools of the Trade

I regularly have to clean and optimize business and personal PCs. I use the same tools in both cases except for my virus/malware protection software.

Basic Tools Used on Every PC

These are the tools I use that clean up just about every PC I come across. First clean out all the temporary files and cookies using Ccleaner. Then run MalwareBytes and do a full scan. Once everything is clean run SpywareBlaster to help protect against accidentally navigating to a malicious website.

Ccleaner
http://www.piriform.com/ccleaner

This is an essential tool for cleaning cookies, temporary windows and internet files and all kinds of junk that accumulates on a PC. In addition to that it does a great job of cleaning the registry of old references to missing shortcuts, uninstalled programs, etc.


MalwareBytes
http://www.malwarebytes.org/

This is an excellent tool I use to clean up just about every malware infected PC I have come across. There are times when I have to go to other tools, but it's rare because this tool almost always does the trick.


SpywareBlaster
http://www.javacoolsoftware.com/spywareblaster.html

This is a nice free utility that provides some basic protection against dangerous websites. You can also pay a fee if you would like for it to update itself automatically.


More Advanced Tools

These tools are sometimes necessary when you have a particularly nasty virus or malware infection. In some cases, booting into Safe Mode and running Ccleaner and MalwareBytes will solve the problem. However, sometimes those tools just can't get the job done.

HijackThis
http://free.antivirus.com/hijackthis/

This is a great utility that shows you some of the hidden settings that can be the cause of some of the trouble you are having. Using this tool you can clear out some settings. However, sometimes you can clear out a setting only to have it reappear because the source is hidden somewhere else. This tool will usually lead you to the problem or at least help you to identify the problem.


Hitman Pro
http://www.surfright.nl/en

In almost every case where MalwareBytes failed, Hitman Pro succeeded. Hitman Pro will scan for free but will require you to activate the software for a trial basis of 30 days if you want to clean something. After the 30 days you'll have to pay to use it. However, when the problem gets bad enough that it requires Hitman Pro to solve it you usually don't mind activating it for the 30 days.


AntiVirus Software

Microsoft Security Essentials
http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials/

This is a nice piece of free software provided by Microsoft. It does a good job of protecting PCs and doesn't seem to bog the machine down too badly. Running any AntiVirus software will slow the machine down somewhat so I was happy to see this work well and for free it's hard to complain too much.


Prevx Enterprise
http://www.prevx.com/securitybreachmanagement.asp

I've been pretty pleased with the management tools and performance of this AntiVirus product. The support has been pretty good too so I'm hopeful this will be a tool I use for many years to come.