How to Perform Simple Maintenance Tasks (Vista)
Many of these maintenance tasks operate slightly differently on Windows Vista and XP, so for simplicity we've split this section into two. This part is based on Windows Vista. If you're looking for the equivalent information on XP, click here.
Over time, all of our computers inevitably slow down. This happens for many reasons, including:
- As we fill up the disk (by creating files and folders, installing new programs etc.), it takes longer to access data.
- New programs and new versions of existing programs often require more processing power and more memory to support their new features and graphics.
You can't stop your computer ageing (just as you can't stop yourself from ageing), but there are some simple steps that you can take to make sure that it continues to run as smoothly as possible. Some people may be put off by the thought of doing maintenance, but these are all simple things that anybody can do, and they can have a big effect on your computer's performance.
How to Backup Your Data
This page describes how to create a backup copy of your data, so that you can recover files and folders if they're accidentally deleted or a disk error occurs. You should do this frequently (and preferably automate it) to ensure that you don't lose important data.
How to Cleanup Your Disk
This page describes how to use Disk Cleanup to remove temporary and other unnecessary files from your disk. You should do this regularly (and preferably automate it) to stop your disk getting filled up with unnecessary files.
How to Defragment Your Disk
This page describes how to defragment your disk to help improve your computer's performance. You should do this regularly (and preferably automate it) to help stop fragmentation from degrading your computer's performance.
How to Check Your Disk for Errors Using Chkdsk
This page describes how to use the chkdsk tool to check your disk for errors, and correct them. You should do this occasionally (and consider automating it), and when you suspect that there may be a problem with your disk.
How to Use Windows Update
This page describes how to use Windows Update to automatically install important problem fixes and updates on your computer. You should ensure that automatic updates are enabled, and check periodically for optional updates.
How to Use System Restore
This page describes how to use System Restore to restore your computer's system settings to an earlier point in time. You should ensure that this is enabled, and use it to revert back to an earlier configuration if you run into problems when installing software/drivers or changing your system configuration.
How to Create a Scheduled Task
This page describes how to create a scheduled task that runs automatically on your computer. You should use this to automate some of the tasks outlined above.
Next Page --> Backup Your Data |
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