For the average PC user, there are three basic Windows diagnostics that they can run to help speed up a computer.  Found under the “tools” menu, these functions are defragment, scandisk, and backup.

Finding the Diagnostic Menu
To reach the diagnostic menu:

• Start by entering My Computer
• Right click on a drive and select “properties”
• At this point, you will be able to see the tools tab.
• When you click upon the tab, you will be presented with the diagnostic menu.

Defragment the Computer
The hard drive is where you save all of your information each time you click save.  The drive isn’t fussy, it will place folders of data anywhere there is room.  The result can be a mess.  Bits and pieces of programs can be found all over the place.  The more scattered they are, the longer it takes to access the information.

Defragmenting your drive is a two-fold process.  First, evaluate the drive of your choice.  The defragmenter will assess the number and frequency of fragments and prepare a report.  This will take a few minutes.

Secondly, the defragmenter will make a recommendation about defragmenting.  If it does suggest you run a defragmenting cycle, do so.  You can also set up a regular defragmentation of the drive to occur in the middle of the night once a week and then never have to do it again.

At this point, the computer will move files and folders into more logical places and reduce the amount of the hard drive devoted to fragmented files.  It won’t take any less space, it will just be better organized, and an organized drive is a faster drive.

Scandisk or Error Checking
This diagnostic function will check your hard drive and operating system and fixes errors and missing files.  If you have started seeing random errors crop up when your computer is running, booting up, or shutting down, this is a wonderful way to try to correct them.

Backup
Backup is pretty self-explanatory.  This utility will lead you through the steps needed to create a backup of the information on your hard drive.  You should perform a backup regularly, either onto an external drive or onto another form of media, such as CDs.  This will save you much heartache when, not if, something happens to your hard drive.

Another Great Choice for Computer Maintenance
If all this fiddling with a computer seems overwhelming, pass the job onto another utility.  It does much the same thing.  It goes through your operating system, cleans up any fragments, old programs that have been left behind, and corrects errors.  The result is a highly functional, optimized PC in a matter of a few minutes.  Learn more about the benefits of a registry cleaner paired with Windows Diagnostics.

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