There are several tasks you can perform to ensure that your computer runs efficiently:

• Disk Cleanup
• Disk Defragmenter
• Scandisk with Error Checking

You should perform each of these tasks on a regular basis, such as once per week.  The longer you wait between performing these tasks, the poorer your system will run and the longer each task will take when it does run.

You should also be aware of proper procedures for handling your computer and taking care of your battery.

UDSL supports the Windows XP Professional operating system. These directions are written specifically for Windows XP. If you are using a different operating system there may be some variation in the instructions.

Disk Cleanup

The disk cleanup searches your computer for files that you do not need, such as files in the recycle bin and temporary internet files. After scanning your computer for unnecessary files, disk cleanup presents you with different file categories, such as Downloaded Program Files and Temporary Internet Files, which you can select for the task to delete.. The disk cleanup removes these files from your computer, giving you more free space and keeping your computer from running slower because it’s storing information you do not need.

We recommend that you do not delete the Office Setup Files. If you do, you may be asked to supply the CD you used for installation when you do updates or upgrades.

If you want, you can schedule you computer to run disk cleanup on a regular basis. 

How to Run Disk Cleanup:

1. On your desktop, double-click the “My Computer” icon or click it once from the Start Menu.

2. Right-click the “Local Disk (C:)” icon

3. Select “Properties” from the pop-up menu

4. Click the “Disk Cleanup” button on the Properties dialog box

5. A dialog box will appear that indicates disk cleanup is “calculating how much space you will be able to free” on your hard drive.  Wait for the scan to finish; this could take a few minutes

6. When the “Disk Cleanup” panel appears, check all boxes in the window that have files associated with them to tell the process to delete them 

7. Click OK once you have selected all the files you wish to delete

8. Click Yes when prompted “are you sure you want to delete these files?”

Disk Defragmenter

When your computer saves files, it splits them up and stores them in different physical places on your hard drive.  To a degree, this storage method speeds file access time, because for large files your computer can access different parts at the same time in order to bring up the entire file faster.  Over time, however, files can get overly fragmented and access time degrades. 

The disk defragmenter goes through your computer to find these fragmented files and then compresses them, storing the files physically closer together on the hard drive.  When disk defragmenter is finished, your computer’s file access time will improve.

How to Run Disk Defragmenter:

1. On your desktop, double-click the “My Computer” icon or click it once from the Start Menu.

2. Right-click “Local Disk (C:)” icon

3. Select “Properties” from the pop-up menu

4. Click the “Tools” tab in the Properties panel

5. Click the “Defragment Now” button 

6. The “Disk Defragment” box will appear, with an approximate comparison of your hard drive before the defragmenter runs and after.  Click the “Defragment” button at the bottom to begin the process

Scandisk

Scandisk will check your computer for any errors on your computer’s hard drive that could cause problems with your computer’s data, and then attempt to repair any errors it finds.

How to run Scandisk with Error Checking:

1. On your desktop, double-click the “My Computer” icon or click it once from the Start Menu.

2. Right-click “Local Disk (C:)” icon

3. Select “Properties” from the pop-up menu

4. Click the “Tools” tab in the Properties panel

5. Click the “Check Now” button under “Error-checking”

6. In the dialog box that appears, click both the “Automatically fix file system errors” and “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors”

7. Click the “Start” button.  Scandisk will go through your computer in several phases; you can watch the progress in the dialog box

8. Once the process has finished, a dialog box will appear informing you that “Disk Check is Complete.”  Click “OK”

9. Restart your computer
Note – This process may take a while to complete.

Moving and Handling Your Notebook PC

Your notebook computer is a piece of sensitive electronic equipment and requires particular care and handling. If your computer becomes damaged due to improper care, your warranty may not cover the repairs. Some examples of damage that you may have to pay for to repair yourself: if a beverage (including water) has been spilled on your notebook, if it has been dropped on the ground, if something else had been dropped on it, or if it was left in a hot car or confined area.

Other Considerations:

• You should take special care as to how your notebook computer is stored in your locker and bookbag, since you also have many heavy law books you likely store in these areas
• You should not move your computer more than a few feet while it is turned on
• Your screen should only be cleaned with water or an approved computer cleaner; anything else can damage the display

Battery Care

You should take particular care of your battery to ensure the longest possible life for it. See your owners manual for specific instructions for your battery to optimize battery life. Most batteries are only warrantied for less than 90 days. If you purchase a laptop from Dell under the UD Law program, we have spare replacement batteries for the D630s.

To Ensure Battery Life:

• If you will not use your computer or if you use it with the A/C adapter for an extended period of time, remove the battery
• When your battery power begins to run down, it is best to let it run out completely before recharging it. When you do recharge it, you will know it is completely recharged when the charge light turns off or turns solid green (each system is different)
• You should store the computer/battery in a cool, dry place
• You should condition the battery pack – fully discharge and then fully charge the battery -- every 30 days