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Clean Up

Cookies and temporary files, search and run history, the cache, auto complete forms, saved passwords, typed URL history, Index.dat, recently used documents - no wonder it makes sense to automate the task of PC cleanup. And these are common items, one can address more esoteric areas and one can address data stored by specific applications such as firewall logs and media player history. On top of that realize that items are not truly erased unless the items are also wiped (overwritten) from the hard drive. Fortunately, freeware and software utilities are readily available to help you cleanup your PC.

You can also opt for a quick basic cleanup using the built-in Microsoft tools: Cleanup items for Internet Explorer 7 are found by going to Tools » Internet Options » under Browsing History click Delete » select the items you wish to delete (a conformation box will appear before the deletion occurs). Windows also provides a tool for Hard Drive cleanup found at Start » Programs » Accessories » System Tools » Disk Cleanup

Good luck and good computing.

INFORMATION: Cleaning Cookies and Other Common Items

Windows Installer CleanUp Utility - from Microsoft, for cleanup of problematic installations/uninstalls with Windows Installer. Also, after you uninstall software, the Windows Installer configuration information can be left behind on your system, with this utility you can remove the entries associated with old software. Nice free Microsoft utility to add to your cleanup arsenal.

IE Privacy Keeper - nice cleanup product for Firefox and Internet Explorer. Flexible cleaning options. Cleans index.dat without system restart

Innovative Advanced Disk Cleaner

Cyberscrub Privacy Suite (Free Trial) - thorough Internet cleanup including custom items, wipes free and slack space and scrambles deleted files and folders properties and systems transaction file log, numerous wipe methods ranging from a quick one-pass wipe to the 35 pass Guttman method, ISAAC Random Generating Algorithm is provided as an option for additional security. Selected files anf folders may be sanitized easily from the context menu. A Handy Safe is also included for secure document storage. Polished and smooth function.

Empty Temp Folders

Easy Cleaner

Spider - clean up index.dat files, the original by Ward van Wanrooij. Spider also available at PCWorld

CCleaner - good overall cleaner, plus index.dat, Firefox cookies

TuneUp Utilities (Free Trial) - quality registry cleanup as part of a performance suite - the 2007 version includes a faster and more comprehensive registry cleaner. One-Click Maintenance provides a handy tool for registry handling and quick cleanup. Suite also includes disk cleanup, Windows Tweaks, Icon Cache repair (very handy for those times when icons bring up the wrong program), Internet connection optimization, Uninstaller, RAM optimization, System TuneUp wizard, StartUp manager, and more.

System Mechanic 7 (Free Trial)  - a polished suite including tools to cleanup, compact and defragment the registry, general Internet and temp files cleanup, hard disk defrag including boot time defragmentation of the MFT, System Page File and Registry Hives, Internet Connection Optimization.  Plus Windows Tweak tools, Uninstaller, RAM optimization, Pop-up stopper, Spyware Wizard, and more. Settings for one-click and scheduled maintenance. Organized collection of quality tools. Pro includes Firewall & Virus protection.

Context Edit - remove useless items from the menu that pops up when you right click a folder on your desktop (called the context menu)

Kill Docs - delete Recycle Bin, Documents menu with one click or at timed intervals

IECookiesView - view detailed Internet Explorer Cookie info and clean

Free Internet Window Washer - general Internet cleanup including Index.dat files, plus Firefox support

Eraser - secure file deletion, wipes hard drive free space

Windows Live Safety Center - from Microsoft, check for viruses and security vulnerabilities with additional scans to clean up temporary files and analyze hard drive fragmentation, Internet Explorer only (uses ActiveX)

Window Washer (Free Trial) - polished comprehensive cleaner from Webroot, includes index.dat cleanup, custom cleaning items, Mozilla Firefox support, also cleans file slack space and free disk space with multiple pass options. Well-organized GUI.

Browser Sentinel (Free Trial) - provides info on installed BHO's plus options to disable or for a clean BHO removal (removes the registry entry, the file, and unregisters the DLL module). Also addresses LSP's, ActiveX, Pages, Search Strings, Prefixes, Toolbars, Loaded Modules, Startup and Running Programs, Hosts file, common misconfigurations, NT Drivers, and more.

SecureClean(Free Trial) - complete cleaning solution includes secure hard drive wiping