Full Version: Defrag, Scandisk, Disk Cleanup
I've never used the defrag function on my computer...or the scan disk...or disk cleanup. I imagine that could be the source of some of my PC problems. Has to be pretty simple but I have no idea how they work. Can someone give me instructions or point me toward a tutorial on how to perform these tasks? Thanks.
Hello PCIlliterateGal
This is a link to a detailed tutorial on Defraging and running Scan Disk:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial55.html
You should first go into SafeMode before doing eiether. And run ScanDisk first, then DeFrag.
Link on how to get into SafeMode:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial61.html
If you have any more questions, be sure to ask.
One more thing, if you have never Defragged, it may take some time.
This is a link to a detailed tutorial on Defraging and running Scan Disk:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial55.html
You should first go into SafeMode before doing eiether. And run ScanDisk first, then DeFrag.
Link on how to get into SafeMode:
http://www.bleepingcomputer.com/tutorials/tutorial61.html
If you have any more questions, be sure to ask.
One more thing, if you have never Defragged, it may take some time.
QUOTE(PCIlliterateGal @ Nov 12 2005, 10:16 AM) 
I've never used the defrag function on my computer...or the scan disk...or disk cleanup. I imagine that could be the source of some of my PC problems. Has to be pretty simple but I have no idea how they work. Can someone give me instructions or point me toward a tutorial on how to perform these tasks? Thanks.
Hi,
Its good to be regular with these maintenance tasks as they help keep the system stable and smooth.
Scarlett has given you all the info u need and run a disk cleanup, scandisk and then defrag. As said the defrag might take a long time esp if the drive is badly fragmented. If its a pain i would suggest you download a third party tool that will do it faster. Also here is another link you could read- How to maintain your HDD, it includes all the things u mentioned.
http://www.pctechguide.com/tutorials/HDDMaint.htm#Scope
Thanks y'all. I checked out the BC tutorial on defragging, but where's the one on ScanDisk? Or are they the same thing?
OMG I am so sorry. No the tutorial is just for Defrag. Gee whiz, lol I am so used to typing the two terms together I mixed Scan Disk in w/ Defrag in regards to the tutorial I had linked you to.
Scan Disk:
> Start
> Programs
> Accessories
> System Tools
> Scandisk
> Check to see that your Windows Drive is highlighted.
> Check > Thorough test
> Check > Automatically fix errors
Then press Start.
* Remember to do this in Safe Mode
Then run Defrag
Scan Disk:
> Start
> Programs
> Accessories
> System Tools
> Scandisk
> Check to see that your Windows Drive is highlighted.
> Check > Thorough test
> Check > Automatically fix errors
Then press Start.
* Remember to do this in Safe Mode
Then run Defrag
Thanx Scarlett...will try it out.
Darn it...ScanDisk couldn't complete...I got an error message saying "This program has performed an illegal operation and will be shut down. If the problem persists, contact the program vendor."
I wasn't able to collect the additional info from the error message because I couldn't copy the pasted info to Notepad -- I got another "This program has performed an illegal operation..." message when I tried to open Notepad. And another one for Explorer when I clicked restart.
It seems like I always get an error message when I try to do anything in Safe Mode. It won't even let me restart or shut down without that annoying message, I have to use the restart button on my computer. I haven't been able to scan my computer with AVG or WinPfind because of the error messages, and now I can't do ScanDisk.
What should I do now?
I wasn't able to collect the additional info from the error message because I couldn't copy the pasted info to Notepad -- I got another "This program has performed an illegal operation..." message when I tried to open Notepad. And another one for Explorer when I clicked restart.
It seems like I always get an error message when I try to do anything in Safe Mode. It won't even let me restart or shut down without that annoying message, I have to use the restart button on my computer. I haven't been able to scan my computer with AVG or WinPfind because of the error messages, and now I can't do ScanDisk.
What should I do now?
In all honesty I have no answers. Im posting to this in order to "bump" it back to the top. As it has been 5 days now. Hopefully someone with the know how will come along and help.
Does anyone have an idea that would help?
Does anyone have an idea that would help?
Go to F5 and boot to Safe Mode with command line only. Then run scandisk if '9x/ chkdsk if XP.
You should also defrag in command line mode.
You should also defrag in command line mode.
QUOTE
Go to F5 and boot to Safe Mode with command line only. Then run scandisk if '9x/ chkdsk if XP.
You should also defrag in command line mode.
You should also defrag in command line mode.
Will that work with 98? I have Win98...sorry, forgot to mention.
Yes. As your computer boots just repetly tap the F5 key. A menu will appear select command line/prompt.
Thanks, I'll try.
Is there is a tutorial for Disk Cleanup?
Is there is a tutorial for Disk Cleanup?
Disk Cleanup is actually very easy to use, I'd always run it before Scandisk then Defrag. There are just a few options to check, the essential ones being temp internet files, recycle bin, and temp files.
An alternative to running in safe mode is to boot into Win98 as normal, then with no applications open, hit alt+ctrl+delete (you may have to do this several times), and terminate all processes, EXCEPT for Explorer & Systray.
Oh and have any screensaver switched off.
Let us know how you get on.
An alternative to running in safe mode is to boot into Win98 as normal, then with no applications open, hit alt+ctrl+delete (you may have to do this several times), and terminate all processes, EXCEPT for Explorer & Systray.
Oh and have any screensaver switched off.
Let us know how you get on.
QUOTE(Floydoid @ Nov 28 2005, 07:30 AM)
Oh and have any screensaver switched off.
Good tip. Often overlooked.
'K...can't wait to get to it. I've been busy having other things fixed on this clunker.
QUOTE
Yes. As your computer boots just repetly tap the F5 key. A menu will appear select command line/prompt.
It just boots into Safe Mode (w/o a menu) when I use F5. I pressed F8 but the option on the menu says 'command prompt'...is that the same as command line/prompt?
In safe mode command line and prompt are the same.
'K...
I started in 'safe mode command prompt only'...I got the 'Windows is bypassing your startup files' message...didn't have time to let it finish. I'll try it again soon. Is it normal to take many minutes to bypass startup files?
I did Disk Cleanup...temp internet files, recycle bin, and temp files. Should I do anything with the 'Old ScanDisk files in the root folder'? There is 101.60 mb there.
I started in 'safe mode command prompt only'...I got the 'Windows is bypassing your startup files' message...didn't have time to let it finish. I'll try it again soon. Is it normal to take many minutes to bypass startup files?
I did Disk Cleanup...temp internet files, recycle bin, and temp files. Should I do anything with the 'Old ScanDisk files in the root folder'? There is 101.60 mb there.
Hi again, PCIlliterateGal... those old scandisk files, can be safely disposed of... 101.6 MB does seem quite a lot tho... but as I say, get rid of them.
QUOTE
those old scandisk files, can be safely disposed of... 101.6 MB does seem quite a lot tho...
Well, I've never done Disk Cleanup before and it's a really old computer. Might be the reason.
Yeah, the more clutter you remove the better it should perform.
PCIlliterateGal
There is a great program CCleaner, that many here at Bleeping Computer recommend and use. I use it my self.
CCleaner quick tour
CCleaner download page
Warning
Unless you are an expert, please steer clear of the Issues option.
As it involves editing the registery. Being as you are fairly new to all of this, it would be best if you did not use this option.
I also leave Recycle Bin unchecked. Just in case there are some things I may need to restore to thier previous location.
I just delete files/folders manually from within my "Recycle" bin.
Take my word for that, I learned the hard way.
There is a great program CCleaner, that many here at Bleeping Computer recommend and use. I use it my self.
QUOTE
Program Summary:
CCleaner is a freeware PC optimization tool. That removes unused and temporary files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster, more efficiently and giving you more hard disk space. The best part is that it's Small, Fast and Free!
Cleans the following:
Internet Explorer
Temporary files, URL history, cookies, Autocomplete form history, index.dat.
Firefox
Temporary files, URL history, cookies, download history.
Windows
Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files and Log files.
Registry cleaner - Which is in the Issues option *Note: See Warning below
Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more... also comes with a comprehensive backup feature.
Third-party applications
Removes temp files and recent file lists (MRUs) from many apps including Opera, Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, MS Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and many more...
100% Spyware FREE
This software does NOT contain any Spyware, Adware or Viruses.
CCleaner is a freeware PC optimization tool. That removes unused and temporary files from your system - allowing Windows to run faster, more efficiently and giving you more hard disk space. The best part is that it's Small, Fast and Free!
Cleans the following:
Internet Explorer
Temporary files, URL history, cookies, Autocomplete form history, index.dat.
Firefox
Temporary files, URL history, cookies, download history.
Windows
Recycle Bin, Recent Documents, Temporary files and Log files.
Registry cleaner - Which is in the Issues option *Note: See Warning below
Advanced features to remove unused and old entries, including File Extensions, ActiveX Controls, ClassIDs, ProgIDs, Uninstallers, Shared DLLs, Fonts, Help Files, Application Paths, Icons, Invalid Shortcuts and more... also comes with a comprehensive backup feature.
Third-party applications
Removes temp files and recent file lists (MRUs) from many apps including Opera, Media Player, eMule, Kazaa, Google Toolbar, Netscape, MS Office, Nero, Adobe Acrobat, WinRAR, WinAce, WinZip and many more...
100% Spyware FREE
This software does NOT contain any Spyware, Adware or Viruses.
CCleaner quick tour
CCleaner download page
Warning
Unless you are an expert, please steer clear of the Issues option.
As it involves editing the registery. Being as you are fairly new to all of this, it would be best if you did not use this option.
I also leave Recycle Bin unchecked. Just in case there are some things I may need to restore to thier previous location.
I just delete files/folders manually from within my "Recycle" bin.
Take my word for that, I learned the hard way.
Thanks, Scarlett. I think I'll download that program...looks neat.
CCleaner, or to give its full (but misleading) name, Crap Cleaner, is the bees knees as far as housekeeping applciations are concerned.
Do I 'open' or 'save' when I'm downloading the program?
"Open" it as it downloads. Set it up in the "recycle bin" and nowheres else. There is no need to have it all over, in taskbar, desktop, startup menu.
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