| I just read an article about a lady whose | | | | |
| computer was deluged by adware. It was such a | | | | 1) Starting now if it is not too late, you |
| problem that she spent thousands of dollars | | | | should be saving your important files and |
| on computer repair fees to try to clean up | | | | data to a disk or better yet to an online |
| her computer. The said thing is that she | | | | file folder. The online file folder sign-up |
| could have restored her computer by herself | | | | can be found in the godaddy e-mail area. This |
| in less than a few hours and for free. | | | | way your files and data are safer. I enjoy |
| | | | accessing my files remotely from any computer |
| Somewhere down the line, there will be | | | | as well. You should also neatly save and |
| problems with your computer (adware, spyware, | | | | organize your important software so it is |
| viruses, good software gone bad, etc,). | | | | easy to reload. |
| Obviously, you should use protection software | | | | |
| to prevent as much as possible. However, you | | | | 2) Reload or load for the first time Windows |
| will most likely eventually find yourself in | | | | XP Home edition or Professional. |
| a mess. Relax! Don't worry. | | | | |
| | | | 3) Now download for FREE Microsoft Defender |
| Don't spend thousands of dollars on a | | | | Anti-Spyware from |
| computer guy to fix your computer if it | | | | |
| breaks down. The first rule of thumb is, | | | | 4) Now download for FREE Avast Anti-virus. |
| don't spend more than $300, which would buy | | | | |
| you a new computer today. But don't throw | | | | These three work great together. You can find |
| away your computer yet -- there is another | | | | great information on in the free stuff forum |
| solution. | | | | at They list many of the above solutions. |
| | | | |
| If you are unable to access programs like MS | | | | I even suggest for older computers that are |
| Office and Quicken you may have a hardware | | | | running sluggishly to load Windows XP right |
| problem, or your data may be so corrupted | | | | now to clean it up your system and make it |
| that you may have to call in a computer | | | | work faster - before problems occur. Your |
| expert to get to it - and he may not be able | | | | computer will work like new. CAUTION: You |
| to access it in a cost effective way. Decide | | | | will lose everything when you re-load the |
| ahead of time how much your data is worth to | | | | Windows XP on you computer, but that is good |
| you and find out how much you will pay the | | | | if you have a bunch of junk. SAVE YOUR |
| expert. | | | | IMPORTANT ITEMS FIRST. |
| | | | |
| If you can still access your data, try the | | | | I did the above on 2 older Dells. One was |
| following: | | | | plagued by an overload of junk and adware |
| | | | that popped up constantly. The other was just |
| First, back up all the saved data from | | | | old and slow. I loaded the new Windows XP and |
| programs like MS Office and Quicken. Make | | | | started from scratch, and they work even |
| sure you have the original program discs | | | | better than the brand new Dells at my office |
| because later you will need to reload these | | | | that are loaded with a paid McAfee security |
| programs, and any backed up data. Then, just | | | | package. McAfee seems to try to trick you |
| reload your Windows XP operating system (or | | | | into paying twice for the subscription, but |
| upgrade to Windows XP). Bypass any warnings | | | | the above solution is free and does the same |
| it gives you about your existing data. It | | | | thing. |
| will wipe your computer clean and you can | | | | |
| start again. Go online and load the FREE | | | | Disclaimer: I am not an expert on any of the |
| security programs listed below. Then load the | | | | above, but I did sleep at a Holiday Inn last |
| programs you wish to re-install and then | | | | night. For hardware problems or to restore |
| their backed up data. Your computer will run | | | | data, you may need a computer guy (expert). |
| like brand new (or better!). Warning! You | | | | Also, you may have a computer guy who is very |
| will lose everything on your computer when | | | | cost effective and efficient (they are |
| you install Windows XP, and all the programs | | | | around), but there are just as many that |
| have to be re-loaded. | | | | spend to much time and money (yours) to fix |
| | | | something their way. |
| Here is the plan. | | | | |