Dague Computers & Engraving

Maintenance/Miscellaneous instructions for your computer:

(updated Winter 2007)

 

  1. Keep all “Windows Critical Updates” up-to-date.
    Load Internet Explorer, Click on the Tools menu, Click on Windows update, Scan for updates, Review and install updates
    (We recommend doing this once a month. Do this without other programs running.)

  2. Keep a current Antivirus program installed with current definitions that are up-to-date.
    Here are three good Antivirus programs: PC-cillin, Symantec Norton, and McAfee VirusScan.
    Although there are free ones out there, we do not recommend using them as a replacement for paid virus protection.  Virus subscription updates should be purchased once a year as new viruses are found every day.
    *If you think that there might be updates that you did not receive, you can always check by clicking on the Live Update button when you are in the AV program. Although AV programs check on their own, it is better to be safe than sorry.
    (We recommend doing this once a week. Do this without other programs running.)

  3. You should run or check to see that a full system virus scan is done.
    (We recommend doing this once a week. Do this without other programs running.)

  4. Scandisk (sometimes requires turning off your screen saver, turning off power options and starting the computer in SAFE MODE).
    Double-click on my computer, Right-click on the hard drive (usually c:), click on properties, click on tools, click on scandisk or error-checking.
    (We recommend doing this once a month. Do this without other programs running.)

  5. Defragment your hard drive (sometimes requires turning off your screen saver, turning off power options, and starting the computer in SAFE MODE).
    Double-click on my computer, Right-click on the hard drive (usually c:), click on properties, click on tools, click on defragment now
    (We recommend doing this once a month. Do this without other programs running.)

  6. How to disable your screen saver.
    Right-click on the desktop and click on properties, click on the Screen Saver Tab, Select NONE under screen saver, click OK.

  7. Delete the files in your RECYCLE BIN.
    Right-click on the Recycle Bin on your desktop, Click on Empty Recycle Bin.
    (We recommend doing this once a week or more often if you delete a lot of files.)

 

  1. Excessive Pop-up Windows and toolbars that will not go away.
    Download and install “Adaware” from download.com. Run the program and check/install for updates.  Download and install Super Antispyware which can be found at superantispyware.com. Run the program and check/install any updates.  We recommend installing and regularly scanning your computer with both of these programs after checking for updates with the update button in the program.
    ***NOTE***Avoid downloading FREE games, FREE music, FREE toolbars, and other FREE utility programs.  Programs like “Adobe Acrobat Reader”, programs from “Microsoft.com”, “Macromedia Flash Player” are examples of FREE programs that are safe to download.
    (We recommend running a spyware/adware removal program(s) once a week.  Do this without other programs running.)

 

  1. To turn off power options.
    Go to the control panel, open up the power options, and change all the settings to “never”.

 

  1. How to get into SAFE MODE.
    As the computer is booting, lightly tap the F8 key until you get a menu on the screen. Use your mouse to scroll down to SAFE MODE and press enter.

 

  1. Check out our support page on our website for changes.
    http://www.daguedesigns.com