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Managing hard drive space
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Managing hard drive space
Windows provides several utilities you can use to manage your hard drive.
Checking hard drive space
To check hard drive space:
1In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer 
window opens.
- OR -
In Windows 2000, double-click the 
My Computer icon. The My Computer 
window opens.
2Right-click the drive that you want to check for available file space, then 
click 
Properties. Drive space information appears. 
						

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Using Disk Cleanup
Delete unnecessary files, such as temporary Windows files, to free hard drive 
space.
To use the Windows Disk Cleanup program:
1In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer 
window opens.
- OR -
In Windows 2000, double-click the 
My Computer icon. The My Computer 
window opens.
2Right-click the hard drive that you want to delete files from, for example 
Local Disk (C:), then click 
Properties. The Properties dialog box opens at the 
General tab.
3Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.

 
						

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4Make sure that the check box beside each file type you want to delete is 
selected. For more information about file types you can delete, read the 
descriptions in the Disk Cleanup dialog box.
5Click OK, then click Ye s.
Checking the hard drive for errors
The Error-checking program examines the hard drive for physical flaws and file 
and folder problems. This program corrects file and folder problems and marks 
flawed areas on the hard drive so Windows does not use them.
If you use your notebook several hours every day, you probably want to run 
Error-checking once a week. If you use your notebook less frequently, once a 
month may be adequate. Also use Error-checking if you encounter hard drive 
problems.
To check the hard drive for errors:
1In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer 
window opens.
- OR -
In Windows 2000, double-click the 
My Computer icon. The My Computer 
window opens.
2Right-click the hard drive that you want to check for errors, for example 
Local Disk (C:), then click 
Properties. The Properties dialog box opens.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about keeping the hard drive space 
free of unnecessary files in Windows XP, click Start, then 
click Help and Support.
Type the keyword disk cleanup in the Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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3Click the Tools tab.
4Click Check Now.
5Click the options you want to use, then click Start. For help, press F1. 
Windows checks the drive for errors. This process may take several minutes. 
After Windows has finished checking the drive for errors, it provides a 
summary of the problems that it found.
6Correct any problems that are found by following the on-screen 
instructions.
7Click OK.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about checking the hard drive for 
errors in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and 
Support.
Type the keyword checking for disk errors in the Search 
box  , then click the arrow. 
						

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Defragmenting the hard drive
When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information into 
pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called 
fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for your notebook to use a file, 
Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together. 
This process slows the hard drive performance.
The Disk Defragmenter program organizes the data on the drive so each file is 
stored as one unit rather than as multiple pieces scattered across different areas 
of the drive. Defragmenting the information stored on the drive can improve 
hard drive performance.
While the Disk Defragmenter program is running, do not use your keyboard 
or mouse because using them may continuously stop and restart the 
defragmenting process. Also, if you are connected to a network, log off before 
starting Disk Defragmenter. Network communication may stop the 
defragmentation process and cause it to start over.
To defragment the hard drive:
1In Windows XP, click Start, then click My Computer. The My Computer 
window opens.
- OR -
In Windows 2000, double-click the 
My Computer icon. The My Computer 
window opens.
2Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, for example Local 
Disk (C:), then click 
Properties. The Properties dialog box opens. 
						

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3Click the Tools tab.
4Click Defragment Now.
5If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Defragment or Start.
Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the notebook display. When 
finished, Disk Defragmenter asks if you want to quit the program.
6Click Close or Ye s, then click the X in the top-right corner to close the 
Disk Defragmenter window.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about defragmenting the hard drive 
in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword defragmenting in the Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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Backing up files
Backing up files and removing them from the hard drive frees space for new 
files on the hard drive. It also protects you from losing important information 
if the hard drive fails or you accidentally delete files.
You should back up your files regularly to a writable CD or DVD (if you have 
a recordable disc drive) or to diskettes (if you have an external diskette drive). 
Use a backup device, such as a recordable disc drive or Zip drive, to do a 
complete hard drive backup. For more information, see “Creating CDs and 
DVDs using Nero Express” on page 117. If you do not have a high-capacity 
backup device and you want to purchase one, you can contact Gateway’s 
Add-on Sales department or visit the Accessories Store at 
accessories.gateway.com
.
Using the Scheduled Task Wizard
The Scheduled Task Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as 
running Disk Defragmenter and Error-checking.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about backing up files in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword saving files in the Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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To start the Scheduled Task Wizard:
1Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, then click Scheduled 
Ta s k s
. The Scheduled Tasks window opens.
2Double-click the Add Scheduled Task icon. The Scheduled Task Wizard 
opens.
3Click Next, then click the task or program you want to schedule and follow 
the on-screen instructions to customize the task.
ImportantYour notebook must be on during scheduled tasks. If your 
notebook is off, scheduled tasks will not run.
Help and 
SupportFor more information about using the Scheduled Tasks 
Wizard in Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and 
Support.
Type the keyword Scheduled Task Wizard in the Search 
box  , then click the arrow. 
						

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Cleaning your notebook
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Cleaning your notebook
Keeping your notebook clean and the vents free from dust helps keep your 
system performing at its best. You may want to gather these items and put 
together a notebook cleaning kit:
■A soft, lint-free cloth
■An aerosol can of air that has a narrow, straw-like extension
■Isopropyl alcohol
■Cotton swabs
■A CD or DVD drive cleaning kit
Cleaning the exterior
Always turn off your notebook and other peripherals, then remove the battery 
before cleaning any components.
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your notebook and other parts of your 
system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the 
finish on components.
Your notebook is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so 
keep the vents free of dust. With your notebook turned off and unplugged, 
brush the dust away from the vents with a damp cloth. Be careful not to drip 
any water into the vents. Do not attempt to clean dust from the inside of your 
notebook.
WarningWhen you shut down your notebook, the power turns off, 
but some electrical current still flows through your 
notebook. To avoid exposure to dangerous electrical 
voltages and moving parts, turn off your notebook and 
unplug the power cord and modem and network cables 
before opening the case. 
						

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Cleaning the keyboard
You should clean the keyboard occasionally by using an aerosol can of air with 
a narrow, straw-like extension to remove dust and lint trapped under the keys.
If you spill liquid on the keyboard, turn off your notebook and turn your 
notebook upside down. Let the liquid drain, then let the keyboard dry before 
trying to use it again. If the keyboard does not work after it dries, you may 
need to replace it.
Cleaning the notebook screen
Use a soft cloth and water to clean the notebook screen. Squirt a little water 
on the cloth (never directly on the screen), and wipe the screen with the cloth.
Cleaning the mouse
If you have a mouse and the mouse pointer begins moving erratically across 
the notebook screen or becomes difficult to control precisely, cleaning the 
mouse will likely improve its accuracy.
Clean your optical mouse by wiping the bottom of the mouse with a damp 
lint-free cloth.
WarningThe notebook screen is made of specially coated glass 
and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or 
ammonia-based glass cleaners.