Remove Unneeded Files

No matter how big your hard disk, you'll eventually fill it up. The Windows 98/XP Disk Cleanup tool can help you free up some space when that happens . Disk Cleanup starts automatically under certain conditions--for example, if you copy a file to a hard disk with less than 3% free space. However, it's a good idea to use the program regularly, so you don't reach that 3% threshold in the first place.

To start the utility, choose Start, Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk Cleanup. The program opens a dialog with two tabs: Disk Cleanup and More Options. The Disk Cleanup tab includes a Files to remove list box; there are four basic check-box items -- Temporary Internet Files, Downloaded Program Files, Recycle Bin, and Temporary files -- though you may see others (for details, see the next tip). Choose More Options, and you'll see two choices -- Windows setup and Installed programs -- that you also can access through the Control Panel's Add/Remove Programs option. These let you remove unneeded Windows components or application programs. If your disk doesn't use the FAT32 file system, you'll also see an option for converting it to FAT32.