Hard disk is one of the components that works very hard, maybe it will be right if I call it as the most hardworking component of a computer. It stores the operating systems, data, software, drivers for all the hardwares and software installed.
Hard disk is a combination of electromechanical components that are precisely fabricated and assembled in one casing. Since so many components are involved, it is prone to physical damages and other damages if not handled with care which results in the poor performance and erratic behaviour of the computer.
When the hard disk is new, all the data stored was in one place, the reason why the hardisk could serve it up quickly when you asked for it. But as time passes and more and more data gets accumulated and it saves the new programs, data on different clusters, which are quite far away from each other. So when you ask for the same data now, it takes more time to furnish it.
Also, all the software you keep loading and deleting makes the hard disk a very messy place. There´s data scattered all over, and it could be hiding viruses that can crash your system and make life difficult for you . So, now its time for you to clean up the hard disk.
Now with all this kind of mess around, you are running out of space on the hard disk, you don’t know what to do? Well here are some tips for you to clean up your hard disk.
Organise storing of your files:
Many people don´t keep their files in a more organised fashion. Most of the time they don´t even keep track of where they´re saving a document, file. Do you do this too?, and later get into trouble, wasting hours looking for a single misplaced file whose name you´ve forgotten? Avoid this problem by creating separate folders for different categories and saving all related files accordingly. It only takes a couple of clicks.
Clean Using the Right tools:
Use some of the cleaning tools available.( A list of few tools is enclosed) They will let you decide which files you would like to keep and which you would like to delete. Use the Windows System Tools(they are bundled with windows software)( Accessories - System Tools) like the clean disk utility . This utility will check for unnecessary files, temporary file in your computers in the Temp folder, temporary internet files, cookies which are of no use. You can choose to delete them. This is a very good utility to clean up files.
Generally a minimum 200 MB of free space is required at all times, irrespective of the hard disk size. It would be best if you get into the habit of deleting unnecessary files and folders from the system on a weekly basis. Some files that I could usually do without are temporary Internet files, cookies and folders and files in the Temp folder.
Keep Backups:
While you are on a deleting spree or on a cleaning spree, you are bound to come across some strange files which you are not sure whether you should keep them or delete them. Some files may be important ones which may be vital in running a software or hardware and deleting such files may prove costly. It is therefore better you make a backup of such files either on a floppy or any other portable media and after making a sure back up you can ahead with the deletion. Once the deletion is over, restart your computer and check if all the software and hardwares are performing properly. If everything is running fine, then obviously the files were useless, else just check the error message which will tell the file that is missing to run a application, load this file from your back up. Other way could be open the recycle bin and restore the file which you want, as the files you deleted may be available in the recycle bin. This activity of taking backups should be done every time you remove files.
Note: Regularly empty the recycle bin as this too takes up space.
Defragment your disk:
With more and more data being stored on the hard disk, the data is scattered all over making the retrieving process take longer time and makes things disorganized. Run the disk defragmenter from your system tools(Accessories - System Tools). This process may take some time, be patient and once this is done, your hard disk will perform well. Defragmantation of the disk should be done once in 15 days atleast to keep the hard disk upright.
Run Scan Disk:
Your hard disk may not perform well if it has bad sector, which is a sector that gets jarred and damaged.
This can occur due to many reasons, like a scratch on the platters that store information, contamination or demagnetisation.
The remedy for bad sectors is a useful little program called ScanDisk, which scans the disk surface for errors and fixes them. This utility comes with the Windows operating system. You can access it from Accessories - System Tools. The’Thorough´ test allows ScanDisk to scan the surface of the disk, find and repair errors, and to mark unusable damaged areas.
Once this is done, the area is quarantined so it does not cause a problem in the future. All you need is to be patient and wait till ScanDisk completes the test. Remember to close all programs, especially the screen saver, which interferes with and delays the entire process.
Shut down the System Properly:
Another thing that would go a long way in keeping the hard disk fit is switching off the computer the correct way. Improper shutting down or power failure can lead to the FAT table getting damaged, clusters getting lost or orphaned and files getting cross-linked.
Files being used at that time may be lost. On the other hand, shutting your PC from the Start menu allows all the files to close, unwanted files to be deleted, and important files such as system registry files to be copied to the FAT table.
Run Antivirus
Run the antivirus( update your antivirus software regularly) to remove viruses from your hard disk. Do this every day if possible
Some Cleaning tools available:
System Tools(in Windows)
Disk Defragmenter
ScanDisk
System Utilities(freeware and shareware)
Disk Optimiser
CleanDisk Pro
Space Odyssey
TidyDisk
ReprMan
Regclean
Norton SystemWorks
McAfee
Health Tips for your Hard Disk
Do you
Empty the Recycle Bin on a regular basis?
Scan your hard disk after an improper shutdown?
Always shut down your computer from the Start menu and not by shutting off the power?
Not open and work with an excessively large number of applications simultaneously?
Always logically organise your files? If need be, store all your documents on a separate partition so as to facilitate easier backups. Otherwise, at least keep them in a separate directory
Avoid storing files and documents in the root directory of your hard disk?
Preferably, activate the setting’Do not show hidden/system files’ to avoid accidentally erasing crucial files?
Having done all these, your hard disk shall be healthy fit. Happy computing!