Introduction
Through normal use, computers become cluttered with excess temporary files, adware files, partial uninstalls, unused Dynamic Link Library (DLL) files, broken/unused registry files, and other miscellaneous clutter. So, by using MalwareBytes Anti-Malware and Ccleaner (both have free versions for personal use) a lot of this can be removed and/or repaired, thereby, making the computer run faster and have more storage space on the hard drive.
For optimum benefit, it is recommended that these programs be run every 3 to 6 months (or when problems develop), due to the time necessary for them to run versus the perceived benefit gained. Also, it is not recommended that you use your computer as normal while these programs are running as it only slows down the program and what you are doing. However, performing some simple tasks are okay.
Run MalwareBytes First
Once you have downloaded/installed the program from MalwareBytes.com, MalwareBytes Anti-Malware maybe found on the desktop or Windows START under All Programs/All Apps. Be sure to run update to ensure the program and database are up to date. Once that is done, select Scan Now and you will be presented with a progress bar, objects scanned and detected objects. Depending on how much data is on your hard drive, this may take several minutes to over a hour.
Once the scan completes, follow the on screen prompts to quarantine/remove any malware found and restart your computer if necessary.
Then Run Ccleaner
Once you have downloaded/installed the program from Ccleaner.com, Ccleaner maybe found on the desktop or Windows START under All Programs/All Apps. If prompted to update the program from the website select yes. On the website, decline the paid version (bottom of the page, No thanks). Then select Ccleaner Free Download and on the next tab select Download Latest Version. Save the ccsetup file and execute/install it once it finishes downloading.
On the main screen, select Analyze first and let it close your browser if necessary. Once complete, you will be presented with a list of the files to be removed (if you don't want your cookies and/or browser history removed, remove the check from them on the left and run Analyze again). If you don't see anything you know you need, then select Run Cleaner and allow Ccleaner to close what applications necessary to complete.
Then select Registry on the far left and Scan for Issues. Once that finishes, select Fix selected issues.... followed by Yes to backup changes, Save to the default name/location, Fix All Selected Issues and Close once done.