What are Systems Tools?
Do some basic maintenance from time to time to keep Windows XP running smoothly. Luckily, Windows XP provides you with some basic tools to make the maintenance process as painless as possible. You can access these tools via the System Tools menu.To open the System Tools menu:
- Choose Start
All ProgramsAccessoriesSystem Tools. - A cascading System Tools menu opens.
Disk Defragmenter
All Windows XP computers have at least one hard disk. The hard disk acts as your computer's storage area. Almost everything installed on your computer - applications, files, folders, and operating system - is stored here.With general use, (creating new files, deleting files, installing new software, etc) your hard disk can become fragmented. This means that parts of the same disk file become scattered over different areas of the disk. A fragmented hard disk slows down your computer and hinders its performance.
To keep your hard disk running smoothly, you must routinely defragment or "defrag" the hard disk. The Disk Defragmenter tool can help you do this.
To use Disk Defragmenter:
- Choose StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesSystem ToolsDisk Defragmenter.
- The Disk Defragmenter opens.
Disk Cleanup
Disk Cleanup is another tool that helps keep Windows XP operating as it should. It inspects your hard disk and looks for files that can be safely deleted. Deleting unnecessary files frees up valuable disk space.To run Disk Cleanup:
- Choose StartAll ProgramsAccessoriesSystem ToolsDisk Cleanup.
- The Disk Cleanup window opens. Click the Disk Cleanup tab if it's not showing.
- Disk Cleanup lists several potential files that can be deleted and the amount of disk space you'll gain by emptying each one.
- To learn more about a file category, click it and click the View Files button. A description appears.
- Click the checkboxes next to the categories you want to delete and click OK.
- A dialog box appears, stating, "Are you are sure you want to perform these actions?" Click Yes or No as appropriate.
