Gateway Profile 4 User Manual

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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 WindowsDisk 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...

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3Click Disk Cleanup. The Disk Cleanup dialog box opens.
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...

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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...

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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...

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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 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,...

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Managing hard drive space
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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 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...

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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 computer must be on during scheduled tasks. If your 
computer is off,...

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Cleaning your computer
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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 before cleaning any 
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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 
keyboard 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...