Maintaining the system
Maintaining the hard drive
Hard drives need regular maintenance because running the software divides files, creates spaces between data, and otherwise decreases the hard drive performance. Windows 95 and Windows NT provide maintenance tools that help prevent hard drive problems. The two most important tools for hard drive maintenance are the programs ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter. (Windows NT does not include Disk Defragmenter.)
Using ScanDisk
ScanDisk is a program that lets you check the hard disk for damaged areas and then repair them. We suggest that you scan the hard drive at least once a week to once a month, depending on how often and how much you use the computer.
To Start ScanDisk
1.In Windows 95, Click on the 7XEVX button. Then click on 4VSKVEQW, then %GGIWWSVMIW, then 7]WXIQ 8SSPW, and then 7GER(MWO.
The ScanDisk window opens.
In Windows NT, Scandisk is accessed through the 8SSPW tab of the drive 4VSTIVXMIW sheet.
2.In the ScanDisk window, click on the drive you want to scan.
3.If you only want to check the files and folders for errors, select the 7XERHEVH option button. If you want to do a more thorough scan for errors, select the 8LSVSYKL option.
Because the thorough option takes more time than the standard option, we recommend you normally use the standard option and do a thorough check at least once a month.
18 Gateway ALR 8300 User’s Guide