Creating Data Backup Discs, Removing Unused Programs

PC Maintenance

This section includes information about tasks you can perform to help ensure the trouble-free operation of your PC, and to ease the recovery of important information on your PC should problems arise in the future.

Creating Data Backup Discs

You can use the CD or DVD burning software included on your PC to create backup discs of important information including personal files, e-mail messages, and Web site bookmarks.

When writing data to a backup disc, you should use software that includes write verification functionality. This verification feature compares the data on your hard disk drive with the data copied to the disc to ensure it is an exact copy. Depending on your disc burning software, you may need to manually enable this feature.

Creating System Recovery Discs

This is a one-time step that you should perform while your PC is working properly. If you later encounter problems with your PC, you can restore it to its original configuration using the System Recovery discs that you create.

Before creating recovery discs, read “System Recovery Overview” on page 17, and then create the discs as described in “Creating System Recovery Discs” on page 18.

Removing Unused Programs

1Click Start, and then click Control Panel.

2Double-clickAdd or Remove Programs. The Add or Remove Programs window opens.

3Select the program you want to remove, and click the Change/Remove button.

4Follow the onscreen instructions.

NOTE: Some programs have their own uninstall features. If you cannot uninstall a program from the Control Panel, try using the program to uninstall.

Running the Disk Cleanup

Program

The Disk Cleanup program frees up space on your hard disk drive by removing temporary and unused files (including Temporary Internet Files and files in the Recycle Bin). You can run Disk Cleanup manually, or you can set it up to run automatically.

Running Disk Cleanup manually

1Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.

Disc Cleanup searches for files to delete and calculates how much disk space can be saved.

2Choose the files to delete by placing a check mark in the check box next to the file types listed.

3Click OK, and then click Yes to finish deleting the selected files.

Scheduling Disk Cleanup to run automatically

1Click Start, and then Run, and type the following into the open field (note there is a space between the r and the /): cleanmgr /sageset:100

2Select the types of files that you want removed (for example, temporary files, Temporary Internet Files, and the files in the Recycle Bin).

3Click OK to save the settings.

4Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Scheduled Tasks.

5Double-click Add Scheduled Task and then click Next.

6Select Disk Cleanup from the application list and then click Next.

7Accept the default task name or type a name for the task, select when the task is performed, and click Next.

8Select the time and reoccurrence (if available), and click Next. Disk cleanup may take a long time, so select a time when the PC is on but not in use.

9Enter your login name and password and click Next.

If you do not have a password, leave the Password field blank and click Next.

PC Troubleshooting and Maintenance Guide 1