Workstation Tuneup for Windows Computers
Clear Temp Files
Temporary files are created through normal use, and can fill up your hard drive. DO NOT install CCleaner at this time. There is a current security issue with CCleaner.
Fix Errors on the Hard Drive
There are several types of errors that can occur in normal use of your computer hard drive. Folders become cross-linked, file names get invalid or unknown characters or become damaged, or file names and their files become disassociated. ScanDisk can fix these and other problems for you. It's a good idea to run ScanDisk on a regular basis.
- Open the Computer icon, right click on C:\,
- Select Properties > Tools, and click Check Now. Leave both boxes unchecked.
Defragment the Hard Drive
Through normal use, files and applications on your computer's hard disk drive become divided into smaller units and scattered around the hard disk rather than be stored in one block.
On a fragmented hard disk, a computer has to work harder to gather all of the small units to perform the commands you give it; this slows down its ability to access files and run applications. Running Disk Defragmenter helps by putting all like files and applications into contiguous groups so the computer can access them quickly. If you use your computer a lot, it's a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter on a regular basis. It's also a good idea to run Disk Defragmenter after you install a lot of applications to enable them to run at top speed.
- Open the Computer icon, right click on C:\,
- select Properties > Tools, and click Defragment Now.
The Analyze button will determine if the volume requires defragging. Windows will make a recommendation about whether defragging is necessary, but if you see lots of red on the Analysis chart, consider running the Defrag anyway.
Clicking the Defragment button will begin defragmenting your drive.
Run Windows Update Weekly
Run Windows Update once a week to make sure you have the latest patches and service packs for Windows. Updates are usually released once a week, but may come out at any time. Your computer should automatically run Windows Update, but you may need to acknowledge a dialog button or there may be some other reason an update might not run. Some updates are exclusive items and need to be installed individually with a restart after install.
Note that on-campus workstations run Windows Updates at least monthly on the third Tuesday night of the month during the overnight maintenance window. Additional updates will be installed as necessary during any maintenance window.
Verify Your Anti-virus is up to date
The anti-virus icon will be in the system tray, on the lower right of screen. Right-click the icon to open and check the Virus Definition file version. It should report the current date.