PC Preventative

Maintenance Checklist
A Quick Breakdown of Things You Should Do
By Day, Week, Month and Year

Cheska Lorena 2010

http://misscheska.pbworks.com
 Things You Should Do Every Day
Run malware, anti-spyware, and antivirus
programs at startup.
Empty the Recycle Bin on the Desktop. (View
Windows 7 & Windows Vista to change settings or restore
files.)
Clean out browser files, or set the browsing
history to zero. (Check here for MS IE Explorer, Mozilla
Firefox, Netscape and Opera Users, & Google Chrome Users)
Log off your user account.
Shut down the computer if necessary.
 Things You Should Do Every Week
Run Disk Clean-Up Utility to get rid of temporary files,
cookies, and other file debris. (Check Windows 7, Windows Vista,
and Windows XP guides to set up an automatic schedule.)

Check hard drives for errors and capacity with Check Disk
Utility. (Check Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP guides to
set up an automatic schedule.)

Update malware and anti-virus software to download new

virus definitions. (Check Windows 7 &Windows Vista for security
settings.)

Verify all connections to computer workstations, printers,

networks, and other peripheral devices.
 Things You Should Do Every Month
Rearrange fragmented files with Disk
Defragmenter Utility. (Check Windows 7, Windows
Vista, & Windows XP guides to set up an automatic
schedule.)
Backup files. (Check Windows 7 & Windows Vista
guides for directions.)
Restore files. (Check Windows 7 & Windows Vista
guides for directions.)
Uninstall unnecessary programs. (Check Windows 7,
Windows Vista, & Windows XP for directions.)
 Run Windows Updates to download patches
and updates. (Check Windows 7, Windows Vista, &
Windows XP to set up an automatic schedule.)
Wipe monitor screen with a moist paper towel
or cotton cloth.
Clean keyboard and mouse. (See directions.)
Clean printers remove dust and bits of paper
with compressed air/vacuum, and run
automated monthly cleaning kits.
Clean printers paper and ribbon paths with a
soft cloth.
Replace printer ink or other printer components
as recommended by the manufacturer.
 10 Things You Should Do Every Year
Go over the inventory lists and update if necessary.
Clean air vents, power supply, and fan with
compressed air or vacuum.
Gently wipe the dust off of the computer case, tower,
drives, and ports.
Check condition of surge suppressors and
uninterruptible power supplies.
Ensure that chips and expansion cards are firmly seated
in the slots.
Check ports and cable connections, and look for signs
of wear on cords and wires to avoid loose connectivity
problems.
 Things You Should Do
Whenever Changes Are Made
Update backup records of CMOS Setup.
Keep a record of software and operating
systems installed on the PCs.
Keep a record of hardware and hardware
settings installed on the PCs.
Record when and what preventive
maintenance is performed.
Record any repairs done to the PCs.
 References
Shelly, G.B., Cashman, T.J., Andrews, J., & Jedlicka, L.S.
(2004). Understanding and troubleshooting your PC.
Boston, Massachusetts: Thomson Learning.