• Scandisk – This utility is included with both DOS and Windows. It is used either to check the integrity of files and folders or to do a more thorough check of the system by scanning the disk for physical errors. It can be used on any formatted disk that is readable by the operating system. Run this program whenever the system is not shutdown properly or at least once a month. 
• Defrag – When a program in installed on a computer, it may be stored in more than one place on the hard drive. This is known as fragmentation. The performance of a fragmented drive is less than if it is not fragmented. The defrag utility was created to reorganize programs on the hard drive so that programs execute faster. Common practice among many technicians is to run this utility after running the scandisk utility. 
• CHKDSK /f – This command is used to check the file system for errors and can be compared to the scandisk for Windows 2000/XP. 
• REGEDIT – This command is for advanced technicians. It provides access to the registry in a view similar to Windows Explorer. If anything is changed in the registry, there is no undo button. System errors or malfunctions could result. Extreme caution is advised when using this program.

User Procedures
There are a few things that the end user of a computer can do in order to make the system work properly. Using the CHKDSK and defrag utilities is one way of making a system run smoother. How files and programs are managed also has a big effect on system performance.

• Managing applications – When installing applications, use the Add/Remove Programs control panel utility. Certain applications may not use an install shield, and if the setup program crashes in the middle of the install, it could cause the system to fail. Also, use the Add/Remove Programs utility to uninstall programs that are no longer required by the user or programs that may cause system crashes. Simply deleting the folder where the application resides will not remove it completely from the system.
• Managing files and folders – When working with files and folders, it is important to remember that computers have a failure rate. Even though it might seem like the system is running smoothly, disaster could strike. It is highly recommended that personal files be backed up regularly. The best way to backup data is to make a copy of it on a form of removable media (floppy disk, CD, or zip drive) and then store that media in a place away from the computer, preferably in a different building. If the building or house burns down and all of the backed up data is right next to the computer, everything is lost. Do not use the same disk over and over. Use multiple disks and create multiple copies of the same data, just in case one fails.
   

Lab Activity  (PDF, 9 KB)   This lab covers how to use the Scandisk and Defrag utilities to help maintain system integrity.