Complete hard drive wipe. How to completely clean your hard drive

When the computer's hard drive runs out of free space, it begins to work slowly, which affects both the PC and the user. This is a sign that it's time to cleanse system partition. Bye unnecessary trash will “hang” in the computer memory, you cannot install new useful programs– there simply isn’t enough space for them. Those programs that are already installed on it begin to work intermittently, because for them proper functioning There is also little memory. There is an urgent need to carry out “cleaning”, but how to clean HDD, will be described in detail below.

To start cleaning the main disk, press simultaneously Win keys and R. In the window that appears, you need to type the following code: cleanmgr. This is a system abbreviation that allows you to clean the disk and all sections of the hard drive at one time. Next, a list will appear in which you can select exactly what needs to be cleaned.

Important! Disk C needs to be cleaned first, because that’s where the main .

In the “Delete files” section, you need to check the boxes next to the documents that need to be deleted. After that, click OK and the process begins.

Going to the “Advanced” tab will be required when you need to use all the functions for deleting files. To do this, there is a “Clean” button located in one of the compartments. The Programs and Features feature helps you remove not only unnecessary files, but also entire programs that have become no longer relevant for your work. For this purpose, select a name from the list and use the “Delete” button to launch the uninstaller. You may need to follow further instructions as you work.

Cleaning the Temp directory

The “Temp” folder is a temporary storage for files. By clearing it you will get a lot free space on your hard drive or even get rid of that annoying virus. To do this you will need to follow several steps.

Open “Run”, where an input window will appear. Enter the code %temp% there and click OK.
In the window that appears, you need to press “Alt”, and then open “Tools” - “Folder Options”.
Select the tab called "View". There is a block with “Advanced options”, where you choose to show hidden files.
Once each object becomes visible, they can be deleted one by one.

Deleting large files

Deleting heavy files is a little different from standard cleaning disks, so they need to be given a little more attention.

Important! Before deleting such documents, make sure that you really do not need them, since they cannot be restored.

The sequence of actions will be as follows.

Select the “Windows” icon in the taskbar. Next, go through “Start” to the main control panel.
Here you need to go from the “System and Security” section to another “System” section. “ Extra options».
Consistently go to the “Advanced” tab, where the “Performance” – “Parameters” block will be highlighted. New panel will again lead to the "Advanced" attachment.
The “Virtual memory” block will open, where you need to “Change parameters”.

If such a need arises, simply uncheck the box next to the “Automatic selection” option. Select the “No paging files” option by placing a dot in the circle. Don't forget to click "OK" to save all your changes. The system will then reboot. After this, you will receive a completely clean and ready-to-use PC.

Video - How to clean your hard drive of junk

On normal work your laptop is influenced by many factors, including the presence free space on HDD disk your computer.

It so happened that when using a computer with OS installed Windows any version, a lot of “garbage” is generated. Such garbage is considered to be: temporary files and folders, registry entries, and much more. For confident work Windows systems A free space reserve of about 10-20 gigabytes is required. After all, it is impossible to install either a program or a game on a completely full hard drive.

What should you do if your laptop suddenly starts lagging and freezing, programs run slowly and often incorrectly, and photos, videos and music no longer want to be downloaded?

Clean and clean the hard drive of your laptop again!

In this publication we will tell you how, without resorting to outside help can be carried out by Windows tools or using third party programs and utilities.

On the keyboard, simultaneously press the “R + Win” keys (Windows logo key).
In the "Open" field, enter the command "cleanmgr". This is the command to allow calling system utility to clean the disk.
Click " OK "to confirm your action.
From the list that opens, select the disk with which we will work (I advise you to start cleaning with system disk).
We wait while the system analyzes the disk directory.
Next to the files you want to delete, check the boxes and click “OK”.

Attention! Enabling the “Delete” item Windows update» Allow you to delete a system file, which will save you from old system updates.
Also in the “Advanced” tab, you can configure additional settings for freeing up space on your laptop.
Removing unnecessary components and programs. In the window that opens, select unused programs and, following the instructions on the screen, delete without a twinge of conscience.
Recovery files take up a lot of memory, so don't be afraid to delete all system restore checkpoints except the last one.

Cleaning temporary files and folders. Folder "Temp"

The “Temp” directory is a repository for all kinds of garbage (temporary folders and files), so feel free to delete all the contents of this folder.

Open the Run window as shown at the beginning of the post.
In the window that opens, write “%temp%” and press “Enter”.
IN active window press "Alt".
Open the “Tools” tab, click on “Folder Options”.
In the “View” tab, check the box next to “Show hidden folders, files and disks."
Don’t forget to click the “Apply” and “OK” button. Now all the files and folders that were previously hidden from you are visible on your disk.
We select all files using the key combinations “Ctrl + A” and by clicking the right mouse button or touchpad we use the “Delete” function.
After deleting files, do not forget to empty the trash. To do this, click right click mouse over the “Trash” icon and select the “Empty” action.

Cleaning "bulky"system files

Important! Before starting work, make sure that you do not need these files, but only take up useful space. For advanced users.

Pagefile.sys (RAM swap file)

In the taskbar, click the "Windows" button.
Select “Control Panel”.
In the “System and Security” section, find the “System” subsection.
Select the “Advanced system settings” section.

Then open the “Advanced” tab. Go to the section " Virtual memory"Click the "Change" button.
Change the checkbox to “No paging file”. After changes made Confirm your actions by successively pressing the “OK” buttons.

Cleaning "Hiberfil.sys"

In this system file all information about the system setup is stored from the moment of its activation, this file can reach up to 5-10 gigabytes of dedicated ROM memory.

To remove it from the system partition, use the following steps:

CleaningHDDusing programs and utilities

There are many programs designed for automatic check and cleaning your system of “garbage”. They usually scan your Windows and perform cleaning in offline mode. IN this section we will look at all the advantages and disadvantages of using programs to uninstall and free up free space on your laptop’s hard drive.

Among those available for free download V this moment available the following programs and utilities:

CCleaner;
Reg Organizer;
Soft Organizer;
Revo Uninstaller.

CCleaner

One of the most accessible to download and easy to use is currently CCleaner program from English developers Piriform LTD. It allows you not only to delete unnecessary files from your laptop, but also to correct errors in the registry and uninstall even programs that cannot be removed. In the cleaning sections you can select what you want to clear - cache, cookies, etc. Two versions of the program are available: “Free” and “PRO” (paid). Both versions have proven themselves very well and work perfectly both in active and in background modes. Russian and other versions available. The paid version has advanced features.

To run the program:

Reg Organizer

Another cleaner for your hard drive from ChemTable. A paid and free 30-day trial version is available.

IN paid version available fine settings Windows, as well as other utilities and add-ons.

Soft Organizer

A universal utility from the developer ChemTable Software. Has English and Russian interfaces. Tracks all changes during installation and use of applications during Windows operation deletes them.

Hello all friends!

If you care about fast work computer, then at least once every three months you need to conduct global cleanup systems from various types garbage. If you don't do this, your computer will simply slow down.

After using your computer for a long time, a lot of garbage accumulates. By getting rid of it, you can free up gigabytes of free space on your hard drive. Let’s clear the disk of garbage in three steps. This article is for beginners. Use it and you will really notice the difference BEFORE and AFTER cleaning hard drive. The most interesting thing is that we will get rid of Temp folders more about her:

Step 1) cleaning your computer from junk - manually

Cleaning the system drive "C" in Windows 7 is quite simple procedure, but before using the programs, let's prepare our computer. To do this, we will use standard system tools. Let's go to "Start" -->"Computer" and we see our disks. Point the mouse at drive C and press the right mouse button. Go to properties and run disk cleanup.

The cleaning program will launch, evaluate the volume, and prepare the files for deletion.

Attention! If you are cleaning the disk for the first time, it may take long time, up to several hours. Therefore, for especially “Neglected Patients” it is necessary to perform cleaning at night.

We check all the boxes before cleaning. Look in the trash, maybe you still have the files you need there.

Don't forget to go to the Advanced tab, where you can remove unnecessary programs and restore points. Click "OK"--> "Delete files" unnecessary garbage has been removed. The preparation of the system is completed, let’s move on to the “heavy artillery” - let’s use powerful program to remove remaining debris.

Step 2. CCleaner - continue disk cleaning

We continue cleaning. And it will help us with this cool program its name is CCleaner. This is the most popular utility among garbage cleaners. Download the portable (portable version does not require installation) program. The download will start automatically. Launch the program, click "Analyze"(Analysis), after scanning "Run Cleaner"(Cleaning). The program language changes like this "Options" --> "Settings" --> "Language" --> "Russian".

You can also clean the registry, I think you’ll figure it out - the interface couldn’t be simpler. Let's move on to the next step.

Step 3. FreeSpacer - completely clean your computer disk of debris

The program is called FreeSpacer and install it on your computer. I'll say a few words about this wonderful program.

I have been using FreeSpacer for a very long time, what I like about it is that there are no complicated settings, it all comes down to two actions: search and delete, it is distributed free of charge and does not delete anything unnecessary. I also want to say about its effectiveness; it removed my friend’s 20 gigs of garbage and that's not the limit.

Launch the program and click "Search." There should be no other programs running on the system or background applications.

After the program to clean up the C drive finishes its work, press the button "Delete". After work, the program will show how many gigabytes of garbage have been removed.

Don't forget to write in the comments how much free disk space you have freed up. This will be very interesting for both me and the users. Your friends probably also have a lot of garbage, give them a link to this post, they will be grateful to you.

Why clean your hard drive?

All temporary files take up space on your hard drive. And at any moment a situation may arise when there is simply not enough memory to install new programs and updates, although the user will be sure that his files weigh very little.

In any system, unnecessary files accumulate over time, deleted programs they leave “tails” in the registry, duplicates and other garbage, which creates a significant load on memory and slows down the computer. All this interferes with the normal functioning of the system and creates crashes in programs and applications.

Cleaning your computer manually

For quick and effective cleaning It is best to use special software on your computer, but if necessary, you can optimize and get rid of garbage manually using system tools.

Uninstalling programs

Cleaning should begin by removing unnecessary programs:

Which programs are best to remove:

utilities that are most often installed in addition to those downloaded from an unreliable source. For example, “Yandex.Bar”, “Sputnik@Mail” and similar useless programs that take up space;
programs that are identical in functionality. For example, you listen to music in only one player, but there are several of them installed in the system;
programs that are not used.

However, you should not delete all programs you are unfamiliar with in a row. If the purpose of the application is unknown to you, then it is better to leave it so as not to accidentally delete an important system utility.

Temp folders

The Temp folder stores temporary system files. They do not affect the performance of the computer in any way and they can all be deleted. To do this:

Another Temp folder can be found by following the path: “C:” - “Users” - “User Name” - “AppData” - “Local” - “Temp”. It also needs to be cleaned.

Video: how to remove unnecessary files from the Temp folder

Disk Cleanup utility

After removal temporary files and unnecessary programs need to be used system utility to clean the hard drive.

To open it:

Video: How to use Disk Cleanup

Disk Defragmenter

To increase performance after cleaning, you need to defragment the disks. This process organizes all the files on your computer so that the system can find, open, and write them faster.

To run defragmentation:

Defragmentation may take several hours. It is better not to use a computer during the process. Many users run defragmentation overnight. If you use a laptop, be sure to charge it.

Video: how to defragment a disk

CCleaner

CCleaner - free utility for cleaning and optimization operating system. Is the most popular program to clean the system of debris. To start working with it, download the program from the official website of the developers. You should not put your computer at risk by downloading utilities from unverified sources.

The main advantages of CCleaner are that it does not litter the registry, unlike similar programs, and is small in size. The functionality of the program is divided into several parts:

Video: how to use CCleaner

Auslogics BoostSpeed

Auslogics BoostSpeed - universal program to optimize and clean the system. Although the utility is free, to use some functions you will have to purchase an advanced version.

The Auslogics BoostSpeed program contains the following sections:

"Home". Immediately on home page the program allows you to run full check computer, which includes:
"Diagnostics". For each of the categories in this section you can find flexible settings:
"Personal data". Except standard features system cleaning, the program allows you to check the protection of personal data. It looks for files that, if in the wrong hands, can harm your computer: passwords, history and browser cache, system records etc;
Auslogics BoostSpeed prevents your personal data from falling into the wrong hands
"Advisor." After Auslogics cleaning BoostSpeed can give you recommendations on how to keep your system running smoothly. The program starts automatically (unless the user has specified otherwise in the settings) and when problems arise, it immediately reports their occurrence;
If necessary, you can disable some items of the “Advisor” by moving the slider to the “OFF” position
"Browser Cleanup" In this section you can delete unnecessary extensions and additions. Due to their large number, the browser may be unstable: slow down, take a long time to load pages, and generate errors;
For every browser Auslogics program BoostSpeed will show the list of extensions separately
"Utilities". If desired, you can purchase additional utilities:

Video: how to use Auslogics BoostSpeed

TuneUp Utilities

Among optimization programs TuneUp Utilities is considered one of the best, as it combines great amount functions to maintain the OS in working order. The only disadvantage of TuneUp Utilities is its commercial distribution.

TuneUp Utilities includes:

All utilities first perform an analysis and then show a list of problems that they can fix. If necessary, you can remove items from the list and not correct them.

Video: How to use TuneUp Utilities

Revo Uninstaller

Revo Uninstaller is a utility for removing and cleaning your computer from junk. It can erase the program even if there are problems with uninstallation. Its advantage over the “Uninstall and Install Programs” system utility is that Revo immediately searches for all program files and does not allow garbage to accumulate:

Besides uninstallation, Revo Uninstaller has very convenient feature- “Hunter mode”. It allows you to uninstall programs, remove them from startup, stop running processes(without opening Task Manager) with one click.

“Hunter Mode” provides the user with a number of special features

To enable “Hunter Mode”, click on “View” and select the appropriate item. Revo Uninstaller will automatically minimize and a target will appear on your desktop. If you move it with the mouse to any program shortcut, it will open context menu, in which you can select the required action.

Revo Uninstaller has a few more useful functions, which are located in the “Tools” item:

Video: how to use Revo Uninstaller

SlimComputer

SlimComputer is designed to eliminate unwanted programs, which, as a rule, are installed secretly: advertising utilities and shortcuts, browser add-ons and others.

One of the features of SlimComputer is the use cloud technologies, on the basis of which recommendations are given for cleaning and optimizing the system. The program collects user data, transfers it to a cloud server, and, based on real-time computer scanning and community data, selects best settings for system performance.

SlimComputer has the following sections:

"Main". To start scanning the system, click the “Run Scan” button. The program will display a list of unnecessary and optional elements in the system: programs, toolbars (toolbars in the browser), startup applications;
On the main page of SlimComputer, click the “Run Scan” button to start scanning the system
"Restore". Stores all changes that were made using the program. If necessary, they can be canceled and the system state returned before using SlimComputer;
"Optimize". Autorun programs are located here. The larger the list, the slower the system loads. SlimComputer analyzes each one and determines how much the utility slows down the computer;
The indicator next to the program shows the degree of load on the system
"Uninstaller" displays installed programs. Near each of them there is an indicator showing the impact on the system;
To remove an unnecessary utility, click the “Uninstall” button
"Browsers" shows the settings of all browsers installed on the computer. Next to each of them there is also a “usefulness” indicator. Often, most settings are not even used, but still consume resources. Because of them, the browser begins to work slowly, takes a long time to load pages, and produces errors. Therefore, it is advisable to delete or disable the settings marked in red. To do this, check the boxes and click “Remove Selected”;
The program contains popular browsers, but there is no browser from Yandex here, since the utility is not adapted for the Russian market
"Windows Tools". All the tools for managing the system are collected here:

Despite the convenience of the program and more than detailed recommendations to optimize the system, SlimComputer is not very popular because it has not been translated into Russian. The interface and purpose of the functions will be clear to an advanced user, but for those who are just starting to master the computer, it is better to choose a similar utility that supports the Russian language.

Video: how to use SlimComputer

Other cleaning utilities

In addition to the above utilities, you can use less popular, but still effective programs. Some of them are designed to solve a specific problem.

Advanced System Care

The program cleans the disk and optimizes the system. Suitable for novice users, as it does not require any special knowledge and does everything necessary settings herself. It is also distributed free of charge and is Russified.

U Advanced System Care simple and intuitive interface

What can you do with using Advanced SystemCare:

clean your computer of debris;
configure and speed up the system;
identify and remove unnecessary (malicious) scripts and programs;
eliminate system vulnerabilities;
defragment, compress and clean the registry.

Video: How to use Advanced SystemCare

WinUtilities Free

The program consists of several utilities with which you can put your system in order. Its functionality is very similar to Auslogics BoostSpeed, but is distributed free of charge.

WinUtilities Free consists of several utilities, each of which has specific functionality

What the program does:

removes garbage;
cleans the registry and hard drive;
deletes browser cache, history and cookies;
corrects shortcuts;
removes programs;
finds duplicate files.

Separately, I would like to highlight the utility that deals with security. With its help, you can protect programs from being used by other users, delete files permanently (if you don’t want anyone to see them), and also put a password on specific folder or file.

Video: how to use WinUtilities Free

AdwCleaner

AdwCleaner is a small utility that cleans your computer from adware software. Most often, it gets into the computer due to the user’s inattention when installing applications.

AdwCleaner does not require installation. After downloading, simply click on the program icon. will appear small window, in which you first click “Scan” so that the utility finds all advertising files, and then the “Clean” button to erase them from the system.
If you encounter difficulties while removing adware, AdwCleaner will help you deal with them

Video: how to use AdwCleaner

How to prevent disk clutter

To ensure that your computer always works stably and quickly, regularly clean it of debris:

download files to a specific folder so that, if necessary, you can delete all its contents. For example, you are unlikely to ever need torrent files, program installers, saved documents from mail again;
during installation free programs always choose " custom installation" When installing many utilities, useless or advertising applications are installed;
regularly clean the registry using specialized software;
after each " spring cleaning» Create a system restore point to return Windows to its most optimized state if necessary.

Cleaning a disk of debris takes very little time. And if you do it regularly, the computer will work quickly and without errors.

Without free space on the hard drive, it is uncomfortable for both the user and the computer. It will not be possible to install a new “toy”, the desired program. Yes, and function without reserve place the computer will not work normally. But there are more than enough files, folders and various registry entries that waste space. And most of them tend to “accumulate” during operation of the operating system. But getting rid of “digital trash” on your computer is completely possible. And this procedure is necessary, otherwise the operation of the computer will be comfortable only in your dreams. Let's talk about how to clean the hard drive on a laptop using standard means And special programs.

“Cleaning up” on drive C:

Let's answer the question of how to clean up drive C on a computer:

Display the Run panel. To do this, you need to hold down the Win + R buttons.
IN empty line type cleanmgr.
Confirm your action by pressing the “OK” button.
Select the drive that needs cleaning (Start with drive C:).
Wait for the analysis of the directories of the partition you selected in the previous paragraph to complete.
In the “Disk Cleanup” window, check the boxes where you see fit. Confirm your action by pressing the “OK” key.

Important! You can get rid of Windows.old (this is the storage folder for previous operating systems) using the “Clean Windows Updates” function.

What else can you do to clean up the C drive on your computer:

In the “Advanced” tab, you can use other functions that allow you to delete files in directories. Just select “Clear” in each of the blocks one by one.
In the Programs and Features section, you can uninstall programs using the Uninstall Wizard.
“Restore…” - here you can delete all available restore points, except for the most recent one, which frees up memory very well.

TEMP folder

The Temp Directory stores only temporary folders and files.

Important! Cleaning it will significantly add space and, with some probability, will get rid of viruses, if any. You can completely delete its contents without fear.

We act:

You need to call the “Run” panel again. Press the Win+R keys together.
In the empty field, enter %temp%. Click the “OK” button.
In the window that opens, click on the “Alt” button.
In the new menu, open the “Tools” tab, and there find “Folder Options...”.
Go to “View”.
In “Advanced options”, enable the last option “Show hidden files...”.
Feel free to click “Apply”. Now we can delete absolutely everything from the Temp folder, because we have made all objects visible.

Still want to lose a couple of GB? Don't understand how to clean disks on your computer? Read on!

Remove Pagefile.sys and Hiberfil.sys

What are these files? These are “heavy” system files. And they take up a lot of space.

Important! Pagefile.sys - swap file random access memory, and Hiberfil.sys is a file containing many settings and data that will not particularly affect the operation.

In order to delete the swap file, you need:

Through the “Start” panel, go to “Control Panel”.
Go to the “System and Security” tab. Find the “System” subsection.
Expand “Advanced system settings”.
In the “Performance” window, select the “Options” button.
Go to “Advanced” again.
Click “Change...” in the “Virtual Memory” section.
If necessary, uncheck the box next to the “Automatically select volume...” option.
Disable the swap file itself and confirm by pressing “OK”.
Click “OK” again and wait for the reboot.

To remove Hiberfil.sys you will need:

Open the familiar “Run” window.
Enter powercfg -h off.
Close the window by clicking “OK”.

Programs

For the laziest, there is another reliable and convenient option- use of software that will carry out the cleaning itself. Let's look at the four most popular specialized “cleaners”.

CCleaner

Installation is easy and takes little time. After installation is complete, there is no need to “dance with a tambourine” - the program can already be used to clean your PC.

After clicking on “Analysis”, the program will find absolutely all files that can be deleted, analyze them and give you a list in which you will “judge” the files.

Important! CCleaner is also great at cleaning the Windows registry.

Revo Uninstaller

This program has a slightly different purpose. It can completely remove programs that were not completely removed standard tools OS (operating system).

Installation here will not cause any difficulties. After the first launch, you will see what the program will offer you to delete. You need to select the desired program to remove and right-click (right mouse button) on it, selecting the appropriate menu.

Reg Organizer

Professional in his field from Russian developers ChemTable. Shareware (30 days free use). Can clean and optimize the registry.

Important! Able to “clean up” disks and troubleshoot problems with programs.

Soft Organizer

Utility from the above-mentioned developer:

It has both Russian and English interfaces.
It is also shareware.
Intended for complete removal applications.
Records all changes that occur in the system during application installation.
After starting, just follow the clear instructions.

Working in this software will not cause any difficulties, and the clear interface will help you with this.