HP 15.6-Inch C2N46UA#ABA manual Improving performance, Using Disk Defragmenter, Using Disk Cleanup

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A short time after the end of one of these events, HP 3D DriveGuard returns the hard drive to normal operation.

NOTE: Because solid-state drives (SSD) lack moving parts, HP 3D DriveGuard is unnecessary.

NOTE: A hard drive in the primary hard drive bay is protected by HP 3D DriveGuard. Hard drives connected to USB ports are not covered by HP 3D DriveGuard.

For more information, see the HP 3D DriveGuard software Help.

Improving performance

Everyone wants a fast computer and by performing regular maintenance tasks, using tools such as Disk Defragmenter and Disk Cleanup, you can drastically improve the performance of your computer. Also, as your computer gets older, you might consider installing larger drives and adding more memory.

Using Disk Defragmenter

As you use your computer over time, the files on the hard drive become fragmented. A fragmented drive means data on your drive is not contiguous (sequential) and, because of this, the hard drive works harder to locate files, thus slowing down the computer. Disk Defragmenter consolidates (or physically reorganizes) the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently.

NOTE: It is not necessary to run Disk Defragmenter on solid-state drives.

After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works without supervision. However, depending on the size of your hard drive and the number of fragmented files, Disk Defragmenter may take more than an hour to complete.

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.Connect the computer to AC power.

2.From the Start screen, type d and then type disk in the search box. Select Settings, and then select Defragment and optimize your drives.

3.Follow the on-screen instructions.

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 run more efficiently.

To run Disk Cleanup:

1.From the Start screen, type d and then type disk in the search box. Select Settings, and then select Free up disk space by deleting unnecessary files

2.Follow the on-screen instructions.

44 Chapter 8 Maintaining your computer

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Contents User Guide Product notice Software termsSafety warning notice Iv Safety warning notice Table of contents Enjoying entertainment features Using passwords Setting Windows passwords Vii Input power Operating environment Best practices Starting rightFun things to do Resource Contents More HP resourcesGetting to know your computer Finding your hardware and software informationLocating software Right sideLeft side Getting to know your computerRegulatory, Safety and Environmental Notices Display Top TouchPadLights Rapid Start Technology select models onlyButtons and speakers Keys Fn keyBottom Labels ComponentConnecting to a network Connecting to a wireless networkUsing the wireless controls Using the wireless buttonUsing a Wlan Using an Internet service providerConfiguring a wireless router Setting up a WlanProtecting your Wlan Using Bluetooth wireless devices select models only Connecting to a wired networkConnecting to a Wlan Connecting to a local area network LAN Using the webcam Enjoying entertainment featuresUsing audio Connecting an Hdmi device Using videoChecking the sound Configuring audio settings Managing your photo, audio, and video files Using the TouchPad Using TouchPad gesturesTapping ScrollingPinching/zooming Edge swipesRight-edge swipe Top-edge swipeUsing the keyboard and mouse Using the keysUsing the action keys Left-edge swipeUsing Microsoft Windows 8 shortcut keys Icon Key DescriptionUsing the integrated numeric keypad Using the hot keysShortcut Key Description Function Hot key DescriptionInitiating Sleep and Hibernation Managing powerIntel Rapid Start Technology select models only Initiating and exiting Sleep Setting password protection on wakeupEnabling and exiting user-initiated Hibernation Selecting a power plan Using the power meter and power settingsRunning on battery power Finding battery information Removing a user-replaceable batteryConserving battery power Identifying low battery levels Resolving a low battery levelStoring a user-replaceable battery Disposing of a user-replaceable batteryReplacing a user-replaceable battery Running on external AC powerTroubleshooting power problems HP CoolSense select models only Shutting down turning off the computerPage Using a USB device Connecting a USB deviceManaging and sharing information Type DescriptionInserting and removing a digital storage card Connecting a powered USB deviceRemoving a USB device Sharing data and drives and accessing software Select Open Network and Sharing Center Handling drives Maintaining your computerReplacing a hard drive Page Using HP 3D DriveGuard select models only Using Disk Cleanup Using Disk DefragmenterImproving performance Adding or replacing memory modules Page Updating programs and drivers Cleaning your computer Cleaning the display, sides, and coverCleaning the TouchPad and keyboard Traveling with or shipping your computerPage Computer risk Security feature Using passwordsSecuring your computer and information Using Internet security software Setting Windows passwordsSetting Setup Utility Bios passwords Password FunctionInstalling software updates Using antivirus softwareUsing firewall software Installing Windows updatesUsing an optional security cable lock Securing your wireless networkBacking up your software applications and information Using Setup Utility Bios and System Diagnostics Starting Setup Utility BiosUpdating the Bios Determining the Bios versionUsing System Diagnostics Downloading a Bios updatePage Backing up, restoring, and recovering Creating recovery media and backupsCreating HP Recovery media Restore and recovery Using Windows Refresh for quick and easy recovery Remove everything and reinstall WindowsRecovering using HP Recovery Manager What you need to knowUsing HP Recovery media to recover Removing the HP Recovery partitionChanging the computer boot order Input power SpecificationsOperating environment Electrostatic Discharge Bios IndexWlan LAN