Keeping Your Computer Clean!

Does your computer lag at any given moment?

Does it take 5+ minutes to load up GW?

Do you wish you could throw your computer from the top of a 10 story building?

Well before you decide to go to that extreme, follow this guide first and let me see if I can't change your mind.

Now to start off, there are 2 main basic components built-in Windows that will do a great job of keeping your computer running smoothly:

• Disk Cleanup - A great program, removes junk internet files, stored cookies, old scripts, and more. If you do this once every couple weeks, you will be in good shape. To browse to it from Windows XP, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup. There is also a great program called CCleaner that safely removes junk and unused files as well. You can get it from www.ccleaner.com
  
• Disk Defragment - Ah, the wonders a simple disk defragment can do. Basically it compacts and rearranges junk files on your HD. This can be cookies, old pictures, almost anything that is hardly ever touched. Now this can be very lengthy, depending on how often you do it and the size of the Hard Drive. Now my backup computer has a 60GB HD, which takes about 20 minutes. My 200GB HD on my main computer takes about an hour. If you do this every week or so your time will decrease. To browse to it from Windows XP, go to Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragment.

Now everyone fears viruses and spyware, and why shouldn't you? They are the scum of the internet and computer world. Unfortunately unless your computer is Fort Knox, you will most likely get infected with viruses and/or spyware/adware. But luckily, there are great programs on the internet that can stop this.

Now the most basic and kind of secure feature is Windows Service Pack 2. This huge Windows update includes a new boot screen, countless security updates, and a Security Center, which includes Virus Protection and Firewall.

If you do not have SP2, download it here:

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/sp2/default.mspx

Now let it update, reboot, and the security features should be enabled. If you want to disable or check to see, browse to Start > Control Panel > Security Center.

Unfortunately there aren't many virus protection programs that will let you download without buying. There are several virus scanning sites, but they do not let you quarantine the viruses, they just let you look at them.

If anyone knows of any, let me know and I will add.

Spyware/Adware Scanning Programs

Now there are several free programs that let you scan for and remove spyware and adware, here are just a few of the more popular ones:

Ad-Aware SE Personal - http://www.lavasoftusa.com/software/adaware/
Spybot Search and Destroy - http://www.safer-networking.org/
Microsoft Windows AntiSpyware - http://www.microsoft.com/athome/secu...e/default.mspx

Now that we have the computer cleaned up, hopefully you should be noticing that GW loads a bit faster. I would recommend if you have a slower computer to run Guild Wars by itself with no other programs in the background, as it eats up RAM.

Now we need to take a look in Guild Wars, because maybe you are lagging in there. A great way to reduce the game load time is to set to a lower resolution, and turn some of the texture quality down a notch or two. Running in a window does not help much, but if you think it does, then try it.

Now here is a cool thing that not many people know about, heapsize. Heapsize is how much allocated RAM you specify for your computer to use on a specific program. Usually you set about 1/2 of your RAM to it.

For example, I want to play GW with heapsize, and I have 1GB (1024MB) RAM. I would set the heapsize to 512000 (512MB).

To put in a heapsize, right-click the GW desktop shortcut, select the "Shortcut" tab, and in the text area "Target" insert this after the last character, with a space:

-heapsize (1/2 of RAM)

EXACTLY like that, with the hyphen and everything. Here is what you insert according to your RAM:

128MB - "-heapsize 64000"
256MB - "-heapsize 128000"
384MB - "-heapsize 192000"
512MB - "-heapsize 256000"
640MB - "-heapsize 320000"
768MB - "-heapsize 384000"
1024MB - "-heapsize 512000"

There is one last thing I can recommend, and that is disabling all programs at start-up, except the necessary programs to run Windows. This saves a lot of RAM, and will load XP faster and hopefully GW. To do this, go to Start > Run. Type in "msconfig" and hit Enter. Under the "General" tab, select the radio button "Selective Startup," and then un-check the checkbox "Load Startup Items" Hit "Apply" and "Ok" You can then restart, or it will do it next time you load Windows.

Now that is all I can recommend for GW. If you do all the following steps, I will guarantee you GW will load significantly faster. A complete re-format would do the best job, but that is a big, huge pain in the butt, and is not worth the time and effort.

So hopefully GW will run much faster now, hope this guide helped!

(5 stars again)

Here's an advance trick to you for your spyware / adware. Make sure you have the three spyware/adware programs installed and up to date. Then boot your pc in Safe mode. Then run each of the different programs (one at a time) in safe mode. This way spyware that normally can't be removed due to running in the background and can't be removed due to being "in use" usually get's zapped.

Going to try the heapsize tweak on the shortcut.

I have 768mb RAM, this right? + Can you elaborate what this exactly does?

Yes that is an option, but usually most spyware and adware programs have a restart function that scans before the services and applications of Windows loads.

Oh, and yes that is right.

I told you, it uses a set amount of RAM instead of a minimal amount, using approximately half will increase of course the speed of the game.

Oh and this is off topic, but lvl RS character do you have?

Mine is lvl 103, I hardly train him anymore heh.

I thought computers broke if got them wet?




-Ok...im lame >.<

i find spyware usually is my problem....grrrr

Wanted to add this, this is a great freeware program for removing junk files. Falls under Disk Clean up alternative. http://www.ccleaner.com/ - Cleans a lot more safely.

My only tweak would be to turn OFF (System - "Old Prefetch Data") otherwise you would have slower boot up times.

If you have to clean up a system with a lot of spyware, I'd rather do clean in windows safe mode then doing scan(s), reboot scan(s).

One thing I will add, If anyone does download and install service pack2 for windows xp, make sure there is no programs running in the background, most importantly antivirus. This can and most probably cause your pc to crash or not even boot up. link here for how to perfom a clean boot.http://support.microsoft.com/default...b;en-us;310353

Lvl 112, 94 Atk/90 Str/86 Def/92 HP/62 Prayer/83 Range/87 Magic.

Quit RS to play GW.

Heh I still play every now and then, getting very boring

I know some/one free antivirus program that works and not just lets you look at them. It deleted them too!

I think Grisoft AVG, avast, trend micro housecall are some.

Since you are doing a defrag on the filesystem you may also want to include PageDefrag.

It is designed to defragment your various registry hives (files) and your page file. The normal defrag can't do that.

Thanks for your time in making the guide.

Edit: Forgot the link http://www.sysinternals.com/Utilities/PageDefrag.html

Smippitysmoo, that is a great utility for defraging what you listed, use it myself.

For Anti-Virus I use Nod32 - http://www.eset.com/home/home.htm

It's not free but it extremely light on system resources, I can play doom3, fear, and Gw without it impacting the games running. If you have an open internet connection it micro updates, as soon as there is a new virus, they release an update as soon as it's done, not tend to wait and release once a week like other's do. It supports Dos to Windows XP 64 Bit as well as linux and novell and will catch stuff in Mozilla Thunderbird E-mail messages virus or phishing email attacks. Does also do some basic spyware/adware detection / removal too. They have a free trial you can use to.

Here are two free ant-virus programs. They are AVG and avast! I hear praise for both, so it's really a matter of preference. Housecall is a free online scanner that is good if something is preventing you from running/installing an anti-virus program.

When using Disk Cleanup, make sure to uncheck or leave unchecked Compress old files as this slows things down quite a bit.

heh old school RS was great, i dont like the 3d and nice guide, now I dont join a game in 4vs4 pvp when 45 seconds already passed thanks to my crappying integrated vid card and 56k!

ah.....runescape, runescape, brigns back old times......i played for about 7 months lol, my character unfortunately was only lvl 70(non member) cant remember my other stats though about 800+ total lvl i think..... oh, i also quit rs to play guild wars.....try comparing the graphics XD, oh yea btw this guide rules =]

Hehe, lvl 108 with 1563 skill total :P

I don't play as much anymore, too busy with skating, can't wait for winter!

Excelent job. Not only will this help run GW better but my computer as a WHOLE! Thanks for taking out the time to put this together an share it for all to use! Keep it up!

Also there is a thing called AntiVir
I have CCleaner and disk defragment and all those stuff and with AntiVir It detected 6 trojan (Trojan = one of the worst spywares u can get, could possibly be keyloggers)
http://www.free-av.com/

I'm just here to put more support towards Trendmicro.

Once every 2 weeks or so I'll run Trencdmicro and Adaware and my computer will be all better again.

If you are the type of person that likes to delete viruses by yourself (I know I am), look into Dr. Delete(http://www.docsdownloads.com/Tier1/dr-delete.htm). It queues files to be deleted on startup. Use to get rid of those pesky "Cannot delete because its in use" files.

Hey this thread helped me a lot thanks. LOL runescape does bring back old times. i played for a few years off and on so thats why im only lvl 83. got like 1200+ skill though but i rarely ever go on anymore. I still check the updates though lol.

Just a couple things to say. First, very good article, it should help numerous people alot. I've used AVG anti-virus for a couple years now, and I love it. I'm not sure if the free version is still listed on the Grisoft website, but it can be found at download.com.

In the article, changing things in msconfig were mentioned. That's not the best way to disable unneccessary startup items. The best way is by making changes to 'services.msc'. Items in msconfig can re-activate themselves when the assosiate program is loaded, services.msc make the changes permanent (that is until you choose to change them).This file contains items neccessary for window to run, so I don't recommend making random changes without knowing what you're doing. There's a great page available with instructions on changing this file at 'http://www.dead-eye.net/WinXP%20Services.htm'. It was originally written by BlackViper, who's page is no longer available. This page is provided by another person who saved the original in case BV's page ever disappeared. I've used this page to set up XP on 2 systems, and had no problems of any kind, and seen a noticable improvement in startup and memory usage.

Well, you said to put the -heapsize ...... in hyphens but you told Josh that he was right without the hyphens. Do they really matter lol?

Hyphen is this character: -
These are quotation marks: " "
He put the hyphen not the quotation marks and I don't think you're supposed to... Correct me if I'm wrong...

good thread, one MAJOR factor you did leave out surprisingly: DUST! most people buy the computer (either pre-built, or customized), and never take a cleaner to dust out all of the crap in the case. Make sure you clean the fans, and make sure the case has plenty of breathing room...after all, heat is the enemy of electronics.

True true. I like to take my boxes outside once a month with the side panels off and hit them with a can of air duster really well. Those cell-foam dust filters work pretty well too if you can find a way to cover your air intake points with them.


BTW - What's up, Star Gazer, haven't seen you around GameAmp lately.

Yeah i have a free virus cleaneruper its called AVG. Its ok but not that great but its free.

This is nice work, if it continues to develop this well I may sticky it...

Umm how can I check my initial RAM so I know what to set my heapsize at?

Try Avast! antivirus, it's the one I highly recommend to all users whom come to my website.

Right click My Computer -> Properties
Alternative: Start -> Run -> DxDiag

My site is http://www.lunarsoft.net/

Also, if people like; I can look at, clean and optimize their HijackThis logs. Just make a post on my website (unless there is somewhere here to post them).

I`ve been around pcs for some time,and all of what i`ve read here is so true,so well done on a really good article.
Lets face it Pcs are not cheap,and if you want to keep them running in tip top condition then always clean them ,and defrag,as has been said here.

I know CCleaner has been mentioned numerous times,and yes it is good,and I use it.I also use Easycleaner,which is free and you can get that at WWW.toniarts.com,or just do a search for it.
I find this gets rid of files that CCleaner misses,so is very handy.

Now I want to tell about a piece of software I bought just recently from the web,and I must admit is the best investment I`ve made in a long time.
Its called diskeeper,and can be found at www.diskeeper.com.
It is not free,but you can try it for 15 days,which is what I did.
Its had numerous awards,and is the fastest,and best defrager I have ever used,so much better than Microsofts.

Now this defrager will clean all your files in no time,but thats not all,it has a boot sequance you can use as well,so when you turn the pc on or reboot it will go through the process of putting all those folders in there place ,and will even give you a report as well if you so wish.
When you defraged your machine it will even tell how much it has improved from last time,and how fast your pc now reads the files.
It cost me £20+ pounds,but my machine cost me £1,600,so am I gonna put something on it that dont do the job NO??.
If you go to there websight read what they say about defraging,and it makes sense,it opened my eyes.

For instatnce they will tell you to defrag your machine every day,as files fragment all the time.
The easiest way they put it is suppose you left the washing up for a day,then you decide the following day "no I`ll leave it till later",and you end up with say a week of dirty washing up left in the sink,by the time you get to near the bottom the dirt is getting harder to remove,well thats what happens to a pc when its not defraged regular.
Dont take my word for it,just try this for 15 days free,then decide,I promise you you will not be dissapointed.
Your PC will be like new,and load and read files a lot faster.
There tec help is very good as well,even if you are just trying the sofware out for a few days they will help you with questions you might have.

Just a note to say I told a guy about this in the guild,as he was having loads of problems,he just downloaded the free trial,now he cannot believe it his machine is so much faster.
All the best have fun.

Great Guide. Although I have no problems running GW with my computer, it has signifcantly helped me run other games better.

I do have one question though.

Does anyone know if it would be bad to set your heapsize greater than half of your total ram? Ty.

I used this also before, but sadly is proved not to work (anymore). Source: http://gw.gamewikis.org/wiki/Talk:Command_line (scroll down to the part that has "-heapsize removed" as title)

What would I place for the heapsize if I have 960mb of RAM?

Oh I just read the heapsize removed thing, so I guess it wouldn't matter.

I've also read articles with mixed results using heapsize.

If you DO want to use heapsize, it is worth mentioning that the -heapsize tag needs to be at the END of the line

ex: C:\Program Files\Guildwars\gw.exe -password=xxxx -heapsize 512000

Also worth noting, to keep dust and particles down inside your computer, you may use specialty filters, but Maximum PC has had many articles displaying a low cost sollution where Swiffer Pads, cut in squares to fit over the air intake fans of your computer, will do the same thing.

Low cost, low dust, happy computer

Well if you want to try it and see what result you get, for 960mb you would use

- heapsize 491520

960 * 1024 / 2 = 491520

Is there or is there not a space required before you type -heapsize (512000)? And are the parentheses required? I'm guessing that they're not.