When presented with a Windows PC that’s repeatedly crashing, throwing up the occasional Blue Screen of Death (BSoD) and generally running slow when its owner finally does get it to boot, I usually suggest that they take the three-step path to enlightenment: (1) Backup data, (2) Reformat hard drive (3) Reinstall Windows, programs and data.

That’s the fail-safe method of eradicating all spyware, trojans, worms, corrupted system files and rogue programs. It’s worked for me in the past on my own computers and is such a revelation in terms of the refreshed speed gains and cleanliness of the computer that I’d even go so far as to recommend it as an annual event.

But, sometimes backing up those data files at step 1 isn’t possible or Windows disks are not available for whatever reason so here’s a basic plan for scanning and cleaning up a problematic PC.

First download and create a Boot CD using the AVG Linux-based antivirus system or one from Kaspersky or some other reliable antivirus company. Avoid Norton, McAfee and Symantec, I’ve found them to be more trouble than they are worth in twenty years of computer use. Once you’ve booted update the data files from the net and then do a complete scan of all hard drives and let the tools clean the system.

Now, reboot into Windows and make sure the Windows Firewall is enabled. Enable Windows automatic updates. Carry out full Windows update. Fix Virtual Memory and other Windows settings. Fix Internet Explorer security options. Disable Windows Remote Assistance.

Install the Windows version of your favoured antivirus, update, and do a full scan within Windows. It shouldn’t find anything. Next, install Malwarebytes antispyware, download updates, run full scan. Leave both antivirus and antispyware running in the background.

Next install and run a control panel startup menu utility to remove unneeded programs running at startup.

Install,update and run Moo0 DiskCleaner to delete redundant and temporary files; don’t be put off by their awful website or the awful name. You can usually clear up several gigabytes of space on your hard drive with this tool. Piriform CCleaner is a good alternative.

Next, install Secunia software inseptor, scan your system for programs and let it update any out of date programs. Consider removing end-of-life applications and finding alternatives. Carry out manual updates for any programs that cannot be updated by Secunia automatically.

Install free Piriform Defraggler, analyze hard drives, run defragmentation. A good alternative is Ultimate Defrag.

Remove any spurious nonsense like Yahoo toolbars, Real Player, and if you installed an ISP-provided security program, like that offered by VirginMedia, uninstall it.

I have just carried out these tasks on a friend’s 4-year old Windows computer after complaints of slowness, crashes and blue screens. It’s now booting up in less than a minute and running like a sprightly one-year old.