Free Resources

Scandisk and Defrag are important utilities that come with Windows, to help you tune up your Windows file system and make sure it's running properly. Scandisk checks your drive to make sure there aren't any problems with it, and Defrag (short for Disk Defragmenter) organizes your file system to help Windows read files faster.

You can usually find Scandisk and Defrag on your Start menu under "Programs" then "Accessories" and "System Tools". Another easy way to access both programs is to open "My Computer", and right-click on the drive you want to tune up. On the context menu choose "Properties" and then select the "Tools" tab. If you use this second method to start Scandisk and Defrag, you should see the window

Just like you periodically get your oil changed in your car, you should run Scandisk and Defrag now and then, to keep everything running smoothly. You should run Scandisk and Defrag at least once a month. It should be noted that running Scandisk and Defrag more than once a month is still helpful. Also, the more often you run Defrag, the less time it will take, because there is less work to do.

The Disk Cleanup tool

This helps you free up space on your hard disk by searching your disk for files that you can safely delete. You can choose to delete some or all of the files. Use Disk Cleanup to perform any of the following tasks to free up space on your hard disk:
• Remove temporary Internet files.
• Remove downloaded program files. For example, ActiveX controls and Java applets that are downloaded from the Internet.
• Empty the Recycle Bin.
• Remove Windows temporary files.
• Remove optional Windows components that you are not using.
• Remove installed programs that you no longer use.
You can start Disk Cleanup, by doing any of the following: • Click Start, and then click Run. In the Open box, type cleanmgr, and then click OK.

-or- 
• Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.

-or-
• In Windows Explorer or My Computer, right-click the disk in which you want to free up space, click Properties, click the General tab, and then click Disk Cleanup.

Remove files on your hard disc that you don't need 

To remove files stored on your hard disk that you no longer use, follow these steps:

1.	Click Start, and then click My Computer.
2.	Right-click the disk in which you want to free up space, and then click Properties.
3.	Click the General tab, and then click Disk Cleanup.
4.	Click the Disk Cleanup tab (if it is not already selected), click to select the check boxes next to the files that you want to remove, and then click OK.
5.	Click Yes to the proceed with this action, and then click OK.

If you're stuck, or need the whole of your system wiping and starting again- not a bad option sometimes if your computer is playing up, please call us on 01656 880648, 07930 673053 or email repairs@fixmybrokencomputer.com

 

 

Related resources

 

Reciprocal links to our site can be found here