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3Click the To o l s 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 
HelpSpot 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 computer 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 touchpad 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 run Disk Defragmenter:
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 To o l s tab.
4Click Defragment Now.
5If Disk Defragmenter does not start automatically, click Defragment or Start.
Disk Defragmenter shows its progress on the computer 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 HelpSpot 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 (if you have a recordable 
drive) or to diskettes. Use a backup device, such as a recordable drive or Zip 
drive, to do a complete hard drive backup. For more information, see “Using 
a recordable CD drive” on page 119. 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 our Accessory Store at accessories.gateway.com
.
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 HelpSpot Search box 
, then click the arrow. 
						

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Using the Scheduled Task Wizard
The Scheduled Task Wizard lets you schedule maintenance tasks such as 
running Disk Defragmenter and Error-checking.
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. 
						

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3Click Next, then click the task or program you want to schedule and follow 
the on-screen instructions to customize the task.
ImportantYour computer must be on during scheduled tasks. If your 
computer 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 
HelpSpot Search box  , then click 
the arrow. 
						

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Cleaning your computer
Keeping your computer 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 computer 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 computer and other peripherals, then remove the battery 
before cleaning any components.
Use a damp, lint-free cloth to clean your computer and other parts of your 
system. Do not use abrasive or solvent cleaners because they can damage the 
finish on components.
Your computer is cooled by air circulated through the vents on the case, so keep 
the vents free of dust. With your computer 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 
computer.
WarningWhen you shut down your computer, the power turns off, 
but some electrical current still flows through your 
computer. To avoid possible injury from electrical shock, 
unplug the power cord and modem cable from the wall 
outlets. 
						

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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 computer and turn the unit 
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 computer screen
Use a soft cloth and water to clean the computer 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 computer 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 computer screen is made of specially coated glass 
and can be scratched or damaged by abrasive or 
ammonia-based glass cleaners.
Help and 
SupportFor a video tutorial about cleaning the mouse in 
Windows XP, click Start, then click Help and Support.
Type the keyword Video tutorials in the HelpSpot Search 
box  , then click the arrow.
Click Cleaning the mouse. 
						

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To clean your trackball mouse:
1Turn the mouse upside down.
2Rotate the retaining ring on the bottom of the mouse counter-clockwise, 
then remove the retaining ring and mouse ball.
3Remove any dust, lint, or dirt from the mouse ball with a soft cloth.
4Clean the mouse rollers with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol.
5Replace the mouse ball and lock the retaining ring into place.
Mouse rollers 
						

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Restoring
Software
Read this chapter to learn how to:

Reinstall device drivers

Update device drivers

Reinstall programs

Reinstall Windows