Windows XP for Home Users, Service Pack 2 Edition

IN THIS CHAPTER

Cleaning Up Unnecessary Files 442

Defragging Your Disk 443

Performing a Hard Disk Checkup with ScanDisk 445

Viewing System Performance 446

Viewing More System Information 447

Displaying Key System Properties 449

Managing Your Devices 450

Accessing More System Information and Utilities 453

Scheduling Your Maintenance 457

Backing Up and Restoring Critical Files 457

Managing the Windows Registry 458

The Bottom Line 461

Windows XP includes several utilities to help you keep your system running smoothly. These utilities are mainly unchanged since Windows 98, when Microsoft completely overhauled almost all of Windows' system maintenance features.

One thing that has changed in XP is that some of these system tools are a little easier to get to. Although you can still find most of these tools by clicking Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, you can also find some of the key tools in the Help and Support Center (as discussed in Chapter 22, "Getting Help"). When you click the Use Tools to View Your Computer Information link in the main Help and Support window, Windows displays a list of the most popular support tools. Click any of these links to launch the tool.

(In fact, the Help and Support Center is the only place to find some of the most popular tools. If you're looking for a tool or utility that used to be on the System Tools menu and isn't there anymore, open the Help and Support Center and look for it there.)

In this chapter I'll discuss the most important system maintenance utilities found in Windows XP. You should use these tools not only when your system is having problems, but also as part of a regular maintenance routine. A little preventive medicine now can save you from costly computer problems in the future!