What are some programs that you can't live without?

HI There ; Do you find this message annoying? Why not make a post and get rid of it ?

[3plus3]

I just found out about the registry checker, so I was wondering, what are some other programs that are essential to the upkeep of a computer?

[Xtreview]

The best way to keep your computer clean and fast.
is
1) make fresh windows install
2) apply only necessary update or fix
3) make disk defrag
4) install your driver(motherboard, video card ....)
5) make disk defrag
6) install your daily use software (only the required one as winrar ,FireFox...)
7) make disk defrag
clean the registry
9) kill unnecessary service
10)make a back up using Norton ghost for example or Acronis

If system slow down or for some reason you have any problem just make a restore.
and u are back to a clean fast optimized windows with just two click.

The hole restore process in my case take about 2 min .

[3plus3]

Thank you very much. Whenever I do ctrl alt delete I have a ton of processes running any way to find out what I don't need and how to get rid of it?

[Taggart]

The System Restore feature has gotten me out of a few jams over the last few years.

There have been times when I couldn't seem to shut down with Ctrl, Alt and Delete. Sometimes there comes a point where you have to turn off the computer with the power switch as a last resort, right?

[Xtreview]

For me the service to switch OFF:
lets start :
Windows+R -->Type ( services.msc ) --->
The service to desable :
1) Alerter
2) Automatic Updates
3) Fast User Switching Compatibility(to keep if u use User Switching a lot )
4) Help and Support
5) Print Spooler (to keep if u use printer)
6) Remote Registry
7) Secondary Logon
Security Center
9) Wireless Zero Configuration (i Don't use wireless device)

[Xtreview]

The System Restore feature has gotten me out of a few jams over the last few years.

There have been times when I couldn't seem to shut down with Ctrl, Alt and Delete. Sometimes there comes a point where you have to turn off the computer with the power switch as a last resort, right?

It is time for fresh install to clean up , all crap. 

[3plus3]

If I did a fresh install how to I save my Sims stuff without loosing it? Also how often do you recommend a fresh install?

[Xtreview]

make a copy of your game save, document picture (a copy in another partition) ... all important data saved in your operating system partition. then follow the step above.
Next time . It would be better to save all your important data (game save, document picture ...) in another partition (different from the operating system one) for fast future restore

[Taggart]

I save my projects on a different hard drive. When you refer to a fresh install, do you mean re-installing Windows XP, in my case?

I've never done that, but I did it often with Windows 95.

[Xtreview]

 I refer to full fresh install
place your windows xp disk in your cd/dvd rom and restart your computer.
a message will appear (to boot from cd press any key) format your disk c: (if your operating system is located in c:) and then install windows.
finally follow the step noted above,.