note: it's best to run these in the order listed

1. chkdsk Using XP

Brief Description-checks for file and/or system errors-specifically bad clusters


Part One
1. left click start
2. left click run
3. type cmd and press enter

Part Two
1. in the black box type chkdsk /f
(...the /f is a paremeter that tells chkdsk to fix any errors)
2. you will recieve an error message along the lines of "chkdsk cannot run because the volume is in use..."
3. press the key "y" on your keyboard
4. restart your computer
5. done

2. Disk Cleanup Using XP
Brief Description-gets rid of useless files

1. left click start, then go to all programs
2. left click on accessories (usually at the top)
3. select system tools
4. and then disk cleanup
5. disk cleanup will calculate what can be cleared and presents you with options of what you can clear.....some will already be ticked (for the purpose of this-stick with the defaults already ticked)
6. select yes to permanetly delete files
7. done

3. Disk Defragmenter Using XP
Brief Description: makes access to files easier for the computer
1. left click start, then go to all programs
2. left click on accessories (usually at the top)
3. select system tools
4. and then disk defragmenter
5. you have 2 choices at this stage, you can either analyse to check if you actually need to defragment or just defragment anyway
6. whilst your here, just hit defragment
7. done.

NOTE: all these tools are available in vista but have slightly different paths and/or features

and hopefully thast a dandy first little blog. cheers for reading.