Here are some hidden gems within the Microsoft Windows OS. I’m pretty sure these still apply to the newest Vista OS, but if not then it’s for XP ONLY.

Start >> Run >> “MRT”.
This will load up the Microsoft Removal Tool (Also known as Microsoft Windows Malicious Software Removal Tool). This will scan all of your files to see if some of the well-known Trojans or Viruses are loaded on your machine. This is NOT a replacement for AntiVirus software.

Start >> Run >> “SFC /SCANNOW”.
This will load up the System File Checker tool (Also known as Microsoft Windows XP Windows File Checker Version 5.1). This program will find all altered system files and fix them to the original. You’ll need a copy of your i386 folder (found on the Windows XP CD-ROM) in order to take full advantage of this tool.