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Do you find your computer performing sluggishly? It could be a number of things causing slow performance, such as lack of disk space, disk fragmentation, the development of bad sectors, and so on. Use your computer’s built-in tools to fix such areas and optimize its performance.

Clear Disk Space
A great way to clear up disk space on your hard drive is by using the Disk Cleanup tool. The tool allows you to choose which files you want to delete, such as:

• Temporary Internet files
• Downloaded program files (such as Microsoft ActiveX controls and Java applets)
• The Recycle Bin
• Windows temporary files
• Optional Windows components you don’t use
• Installed programs that you no longer use

To use the Disk Cleanup Tool, simply click Start, select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup. In the Disk Cleanup box, select each of the files you want to delete. It is safe to delete all items in the list, but read the description of each file type before doing so to double check. The process only takes a few moments to remove the files and replace disk space.

The process is the same for XP, Vista and Windows 7, but in Vista and Windows 7 you can simply type “disk cleanup” in the search bar to pull it up faster.

Disk Defrag
Another easy way to improve performance is to do a disk defragmentation.  A disk fragment happens when the data of a file is spread across several sectors of the disk, which requires your computer to search longer to piece the data together. By performing a disk defragmentation, your computer will rearrange the files on the disk so that they are stored closer together – thus, speeding up your access to the data.

To complete a disk defragmentation, click Start, select All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter. In the box that opens, click on the drives you want to defragment, and then click on the Analyze button. The Analyze option will let you know whether or not you should defragment the selected drive.

Once complete, Disk Defragmenter will display the results. You can see detailed information about the defrag by clicking on View Report.

Fix Disk Errors
Find and fix disk errors by using the Error Checking utility. Your computer can obtain bad sectors, which basically slows down its performance. One of the main attributes of a bad sector is that it makes file saving difficult, if not impossible. The Error Checking utility can scan your computer for bad sectors and file system errors, and can determine if you have files or folders out of place.

Microsoft recommends running this once a week to prevent data loss (for people who use their computers daily).

Before you run this program, be sure to close all open files. Click Start, and then My Computer. In the My Computer window, right-click on the hard disk you want to search for bad sectors, and then click Properties.  In the Properties box, click on the Tools tab, and click on the Check Now button.

In the Check Disk box that opens, you’ll want to select the Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors check box, and then click Start.  (This is called Error-Checking in Windows 7). If any bad sectors are found, choose to fix them.

We hope this information has been helpful. And remember, if you have any computer repair or computer support questions, call your Tech Helpline experts!