How to Run Disk Cleanup

Over time, your hard disk gets cluttered up with unnecessary files, which then take up disk space. Removing these files should be part of your regular computer maintenance. The process is simple and is the same for WinXP and Vista.

1. Click the START button
   
2. Open MY COMPUTER
3. RIGHT Click on the Local Disk"C" drive and select PROPERTIES (a new window comes up)
4. Click the DISK CLEANUP button.
5. If asked if you want to remove the files for all users or just your own, click the option to remove all files.
   

After clicking the DISK CLEANUP button, the computer will search for files that can be cleaned up (this process takes a couple of minutes). When the computer is done searching, a window will pop up that shows you which files can be safely removed.

Place a check mark next to the files you wish to remove. For the most part, you want to make sure the following boxes are checked:

• Temporary Internet Files
• Recycle Bin
• Temporary Files
• Web/Client Publisher Files

I tend to leave the SETUP files unchecked to minimize uninstallation problems down the road. And although I like to remove downloaded programs, others don't. So this is a personal preference. But make sure the items above are checked at least.

When all the boxes are checked, click the OK button to remove the files.


I recommend running Disk Cleanup at least quarterly. It's also a good idea to run it before you Defrag your hard drive so that process is more efficient.

Click here to learn how to Defrag your hard drive.

Norton System Works Really Works

One of my favorite programs is Norton System Works. I've been using for years on my own computer as well as my client's computers.

In addition to fixing problems found in Windows, it also has some other useful utilities. One of these utilities is called, Speed Disk - which is similar to Defrag, only it works a little more efficiently. Disk Cleanup is another nice utility. There are more utilities that come with the Norton System works that make it worth it's money.

The only complaint some people have about the software is that it slows down their computers some because it runs in the background. I've never noticed these problems on my computer. But the nice thing is that even if you install it, you can disable the program from running in the background - and only use it when you want to. This will solve the problem of it slowing down the computer.

I've been using Norton System Works for years and highly recommend it to others.