I am currently running Windows 7 x64. I frequently install, uninstall, modify, break, or otherwise alter various programs on my computer (experimentation is fun!). Anyways, over the past six months (how long this version has been installed) I have noticed an obvious decline in my computer's performance. I have been expecting this, so over the past months I have regularly 'cleaned' my computer - removing programs, defragging, CCleaner, and virus scans. I know that it isn't possible to reverse every action that installing or deleting a program causes, but I have a feeling that I can reverse more of these effects and speed up my computer. Lastly, on top of cleaning, I have also disabled all of my startup processes besides the vital ones that I need to run my computer.
So, I guess in conclusion, are there any more steps that I could take my clean my computer more effectively in the computer? I know there are different versions of programs such as CCleaner, and there are uninstallers besides the Windows one, but I don't know if those actually make much of a difference. Would anyone have any recommendations on how to better clean my computer in the future from random junk, settings, etc. That I no longer use or never do?