The basic software tools for keeping your system humming are Disk Cleanup, Scan Disk, and Defrag (explained below). Before running Defrag, the other 2 steps should be performed first. Be sure all programs are closed when performing these steps.
Weekly Maintenance
Disk Clean Up
The disk Clean up should be performed weekly and will delete all of your unused and unwanted files. It will also delete your garbage and old Internet files. Just click on Start, Programs, Accessories, and then System Tools and then Disk Cleanup.
Delete .tmp files that have been created prior to the current day. It will surprise most people to learn how much hard drive space .tmp files have used. Delete files that begin with a tilde (~). Again, make sure that all your application programs, such as word-processing, spreadsheet, and graphics programs, are closed first since sometimes the temporary file you are currently viewing do use a tilde (~). If the application programs are closed, the tilde files can be deleted. Some users find they have a lot of these on their systems!
Delete old .zip files. Users tend to unzip the files but then leave the zipped file on their computer.
Scan Disk
Use the scandisk program located in your system tools under Accessories to check for any possible problems with the logical configuration of your hard disk(s). This cannot only speed up your machine but spot potential errors as well. The easiest way to find this utility in all Windows Operating Systems is to go into My Computer and click on the drive you want to scan. Then right click on it and click Properties. Then click Tools.
Disk Defragmenter
This utility helps you increase performance and reclaim lost speed of your system. Over time, files get scattered all over the hard drive and then get moved, deleted, copied and so on and fragments of unused space get left over. It then takes longer for your system to look up information because it is looking over Defragmenter will put all of the pieces back into their original package. This should be performed every couple of weeks. To defrag a hard drive just go to Programs, Accessories, and System Tools. Select the Drive and click Start. If you have rarely done this, it can take a very long time, even overnight but the results will be remarkable in most cases.