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.