3 Improving hard drive performance
Using Disk Defragmenter
As you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter consolidates the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently.
After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works without supervision. Depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of fragmented files, Disk Defragmenter may take more than an hour to complete. You may want to set it to run during the night or another time when you do not need access to your computer.
HP recommends defragmenting your hard drive at least once a month. You may set Disk Defragmenter to run on a monthly schedule, but you can defragment your computer manually at any time.
To run Disk Defragmenter:
1.Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
2.Click Defragment now.
NOTE: Windows® includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Windows Help for more information.
For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.
Using Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup searches the hard drive for unnecessary files that you can safely delete to free up disk space and help the computer to run more efficiently.
To run Disk Cleanup:
1.Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.
2.Follow the
14 Chapter 3 Improving hard drive performance