Using Windows Tools

Windows XP Starter Edition offers several tools which can help you maintain your Windows work environment.


To empty the Recycle Bin

Emptying the Recycle Bin permanently deletes all items.

  1. On the desktop, double-click Recycle Bin.
  2. On the File menu, click Empty Recycle Bin.
  3. Click Yes when the Confirm File Delete message box appears.

To determine the available space on a disk

  1. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
  2. Point to the disk you want to check. The total disk capacity and the amount of free space will appear as a tool tip.
  3. You can also view the free space and other disk properties by right-clicking the disk and then clicking Properties.

To make more disk space available

Use Disk Cleanup to remove unneeded files.

  • Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Cleanup.
    –or–

    Use Add or Remove Programs to remove programs or operating system components that you no longer use.

  • Click Start, click Control Panel, and then double-click Add or Remove Programs.

To update your program or drivers

If your program does not run correctly after adjusting the compatibility settings, check the Web for updates or other fixes.

  • Check the Web site of the program's manufacturer to see if an update or a patch is available.
  • Check Windows Update to see if a fix is available for the program.

Using System Restore

System Restore is a component of Windows XP that you can use to restore your computer to a previous state without losing your personal data files (such as Microsoft Word documents, browsing history, drawings, favorites, or e-mail).

System Restore monitors changes to the system and some application files, and it automatically creates easily identified restore points. These restore points allow you to revert the system to a previous time. They are created daily and at the time of significant system events (such as when an application or driver is installed). You can also create and name your own restore points at any time.

If you restore to a restore point before a program was installed, that program does not work after restoration. If you want to use the program again, you must reinstall it.

To run the System Restore wizard

  1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and click System Restore.
  2. Follow the directions on the System Restore wizard.