To be done every 1-3 months for optimal computer performance.

• Web Maintenance
• Cleaning Temp & Cookies Folders
• Empty Recycle Bin
• Hard Drive Maintenance

Web Maintenance:

Clear Disk Cache: (should do once every month, or if you notice slowdown while online)

Netscape:

If you use Netscape: Open your Netscape browser (either online or offline), then go to Edit + Preferences. Click on the "+" bedside "Advanced," then click on "Cache"

• Press button labeled "Clear Disk Cache."

Internet Explorer:

If you use Internet Explorer: Open your IE browser. Go to Tools + Internet Options.

• Under the "Temporary Internet Files" section, click on the "Delete Files" button. Do not check the box to "Delete all offline content." Click the "ok" button.
• Under the "History" section, click on the "Clear History" button.

Clearing Temp Folders: (*make sure that all applications are closed before starting this section)

Any files that exist within your computer's "Temp" or "Cookies" folder are files that may slow down your computer (because these are files that are potentially running on your computer at all times).

Temp Folders:

1. Find all temp FOLDERS on your computer by opening the Find feature: Start button + Find + Files and Folders.
2. Type the word "temp" in the "Named:" box. Select "C:" from the "Look in:" box. Click the "Find Now" button.
3. A list of folders and files with similar names will appear in the window. 
   
   Double click ONLY on each FOLDER named specifically "Temp" and do the following to the contents within each of these such named folders:
4. Highlight all files (not folders) that exist and hit your delete key. If a file won't delete, then skip that file.
5. Empty your recycle bin (see below)

Cookies Folder:

1. Find the "Cookies" FOLDER on your computer by opening the Find feature: Start button + Find + Files and Folders.
2. Type the word "Cookies" in the "Named:" box. Select "C:" from the "Look in:" box. Click the "Find Now" button.
3. A list of folders and files with similar names will appear in the window. 
   
   Double click ONLY on the FOLDER named specifically "Cookies" and do the following to the contents within the Cookies folder:
4. Go to the Edit pulldown and select "Select All". Now hit your delete key. All contents should delete. If a file won't delete, then skip that file.
5. Empty your recycle bin (see below)

Empty Recycle Bin:

On your computer's desktop, double-click on your "Recycle Bin" icon. Select File + Empty Recycle Bin

Hard Drive Maintenance:

(Approximate run time is 1-10 minutes)
Run ScanDisk on your hard drive:

1. Start button + Programs + Accessories + System Tools + ScanDisk
2. Select your C: drive from the list of available drives.
3. Select a "Thorough" check (notice the description difference between the two checks).
4. Check the "Automatically fix errors" box.

(Approximate run time is 20 minutes to 1 hour)
Run Disk Defragmentor: (this is intended to be run after a successful ScanDisk has been run).

1. Start button + Programs + Accessories + System Tools + Disk Defragmentor
2. Select your C: drive from the list of available drives.
3. A message may pop up that your hard drive does not need to be defragmented. Ignore this message and continue the process.
4. Find a nice place to relax for 15-45 minutes. If ScanDisk does not finish, but starts over and over again, then contact IT Services.