Windows XP includes basic disk maintenance utilities which can be used to check for errors, defragment, and clean junk files.  These utilities are similar to the disk programs we are familiar with in Win 9X/ME.  There are, however, important differences that you should be familiar with.  This training introduces you to the following basic Windows XP disk utilities:

Error Checking in the GUI
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-  Open My Computer.
-  Right click on the hard drive (c:) and click on the "Tools" tab.
-  Under the "Error Checking" header at the top, click "Check Now".
-  Click "Check Now" below:

-  The Error Checking dialog opens.
-  Check "Automatically fix file system errors" and "Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors".
-  Click "Start" below:

-  The next dialog appears after a wait of what could be a few minutes.
-  The utility needs to reboot, because it needs exclusive use of the hard disk.
-  The error check will take place upon reboot, in an XP command screen.  Thus, click "Yes".

Chkdisk  /f - Error Checking in the Command Prompt
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-  You may also access disk error checking and fixing in the command Window.
-  Go to Start > Run, and type "cmd".
-  At the prompt, type "chkdsk /f".  The 'f' is for Fix.
-  You will be prompted to reboot.  Do so manually.

Disk Defragmenter
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-  Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
-  The top field contains the volumes (drives) you may choose for defragmentation.
-  The middle field displays the chosen drive in its current state of fragmentation.
-  The bottom field displays the files as they are moved for defragmentation.
-  Click on "Analyze" to display the disk in its current state.   The program will recommend defrag or no defrag.
-  Click on "Defragment" to initiate the process.





Disk Cleanup
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-  Performs the same function as Disk Cleanup in Win 9X/ME.
-  Can remove more file types than the Win 9x/ME version.
-  May take quite a bit longer than the Win 9X/ME version.
-  Go to Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.
-  Click OK after all boxes have been checked, and confirm the "Are you  sure" prompt.




 

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