Improving Hard Drive Performance; Using Disk Defragmenter; Using Disk Cleanup; Using External Drives - HP Notebook PC User Manual

Improving hard drive performance

Using Disk Defragmenter

As you use the computer, files on the hard drive become fragmented. Disk Defragmenter consolidates
the fragmented files and folders on the hard drive so that the system can run more efficiently.
After you start Disk Defragmenter, it works without supervision. Depending on the size of your hard drive
and the number of fragmented files, Disk Defragmenter may take more than an hour to complete. You
may want to set it to run during the night or another time when you do not need access to your computer.
HP recommends defragmenting your hard drive at least once a month. You may set Disk Defragmenter
to run on a monthly schedule, but you can defragment your computer manually at any time.
To run Disk Defragmenter:
1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.
2. Click Defragment disk.
NOTE:
computer. You may be prompted for your permission or password for tasks such as installing
software, running utilities, or changing Windows settings. Refer to Windows Help and Support for
more information.
For additional information, access the Disk Defragmenter software Help.

Using Disk Cleanup

Disk Cleanup searches the hard drive for unnecessary files that you can safely delete to free up disk
space and help the computer to run more efficiently.
To run Disk Cleanup:
1. Select Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions.

Using external drives

Removable external drives expand your options for storing and accessing information.
USB drives include the following types:
● 1.44-megabyte diskette drive
●
Hard drive module (a hard drive with an adapter attached)
●
DVD-ROM Drive
●
DVD+/-RW SuperMulti Double-Layer LightScribe Drive
● Blu-ray ROM DVD+/-RW SuperMulti Double-Layer LightScribe Drive

Using optional external devices

NOTE: For more information about required software and drivers, or to learn which computer port to
use, refer to the manufacturer's instructions.
To connect an external device to the computer:
64 Chapter 6 Drives
Windows includes the User Account Control feature to improve the security of your