Computer Maintenance, Part 1

Don't let the word maintenance scare you - you don't have to open up the case to your computer. There are a few procedures you can do that will keep your computer functioning smoothly - at least most of the time.

ScanDisk This utility comes with all Windows versions except NT. It is scans for errors on your hard drive. Sometimes parts of your files get "misplaced." Scandisk can find these lost parts and put them back where they belong. Before you run this utility, be sure you've closed any other programs that are running.

For Windows 95/98/ME, go to:
Start/Programs/Accessories/System Tools/ScanDisk
You'll see a box like figure 1. My hard drive is partitioned into 2 sections, C and D which act like separate drives. If this is true of yours or you have more than 2 partitions, you'll need to use ScanDisk on each drive separately. The Standard scan doesn't take as long, and you may want to do that first. If that finds many errors, or stops and won't go on, then you'll need to do the Thorough scan. I usually do that one whenever I run ScanDisk.

If you click on Options, you'll see figure 2. If you haven't scanned your disk before or it's been a long time, be sure to choose the top option. Otherwise, you might want to only scan one of the others. I always do the top one.

If you click on Advanced, you'll see figure 3. I suggest you check the ones checked in the illustration.

Back at figure 1, you see the choice "Automatically fix errors." This should be checked also. Then click on start, and sit back to wait. The rest is taken care of for you. If may take a while or even start over a few times.