Working off a slow, disorganized computer can be frustrating—and it happens to the best of us. This article is designed to give you some easy-to-follow guidelines on how to keep your computer on the right track using tools in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP.

1. Organize your foldersWe all know how easy it is to dump files into the wrong folder when we’re in a hurry. But one way to make sure you’ll keep your files organized is to remove the clutter with a filing system that makes sense for the way you use your computer. Here are a few tips to get you started:

•Start clean

Begin by deciding which files you no longer need on your hard drive.

•Think it through

Take the time to plan the best way to organize your files. How do you spend your time on the computer and what do you create? Do you work with photos and image editing software, surf the Web, write short stories, research school projects, or play games? The folders you create in Documents (called “My Documents” in Windows XP) can be easily tailored to show you just the kind of data about your files that you need to track.

•Use subfolders

After you have an idea of the kinds of items you produce and want to save, create folders and subfolders to store your files. Be sure to use logical, easy-to-understand names. For example, within Documents, you might create additional folders called Projects, HR Benefits, and Career. Then, within the Projects folder, you could create subfolders for each different project.

•Clean your files periodically

After you have set up your file system, inspect and clean it regularly. Routine maintenance tasks such as deleting old or duplicate files and folders and making sure that important files are in the right folders can save you a lot of time and frustration.

Windows Tip

To create a new subfolder with Windows 7, Windows Vista, or Windows XP, simply right-click anywhere in the folder, select New, and then select Folder. Type the name for the new folder and press Enter. In Windows 7, you can also click New Folder at the top of any Documents Library folder to automatically create a new folder. For more tips about creating a well-organized filing system, see 7 tips to manage your files better.

Windows 7 screen with New Folder command circled and New Folder ready to be named
2. Clean up your hard diskNow that you’ve organized your files and folders, and cleaned up your desktop, you can organize the data itself. Windows includes two utilities—Disk Cleanup and Disk Defragmenter—that help you free up more space on your hard drive and help your computer work more efficiently.

•Disk Cleanup compresses your old files so you can free up storage space.

•Disk Defragmenter scans your hard drive and consolidates files that may be scattered across the disk.

Not sure how often to run these utilities? It’s really up to you—some people like to run both weekly, others prefer monthly, and a few only run them every few months. It’s not a bad idea to do both at least once a month. Windows Vista users take note: Disk Defragmenter is automatically scheduled to run once a week (Sunday at 4 a.m.). You can change the scheduled time for this feature or turn it off, if you prefer.

•To find both programs in Windows Vista and Windows XP, click Start, point to All Programs, then point to Accessories, and then choose System Tools.

3. Use System Restore
System Restore is one of those programs that can be a life-saver when you’ve been the unfortunate recipient of unstable software, a badly timed power outage, or a damaging thunderstorm. System Restore records important documents, settings, and preferences on your computer. If the unthinkable happens and your computer files are damaged or inaccessible, you can use System Restore to restore your computer back the same state it was in before the data was lost.

System Restore creates restore points daily, and whenever you install device drivers, automatic updates, and some applications. Still, it’s a good idea to get into the habit of creating a system checkpoint (called a restore point) whether you’re about to install new software or take any action you suspect might make your computer unstable. That way, if there’s any conflict at all, you can restore your computer to the point just before you began the installation.

Windows 7
Click Start . In the search box, type system restore. Under Programs, click System Restore. Follow the directions in the wizard to restore your computer to the point you want.
First page of the Windows 7 System Restore Wizard
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Windows Vista and Windows XP
Click Start, and choose All Programs.
Point to Accessories, then point to System Tools, and then choose System Restore.
When the program begins, choose Create a restore point and click Next.
Enter a description of the restore point and click Create. After a few seconds, the program will tell you the date, time, and description of the new restore point.
Click Close.
System Restore screen with a restore point created for a specific date before data was lost

4. Keep Windows and Office up-to-dateComputer programs are continually improved based on customer feedback and continuing product testing. As problems are resolved, you should benefit from those improvements. By checking Microsoft Update regularly, you can make sure you’ve got the most recent Windows and Office improvements available to you.

Windows 7 and Windows Vista users don’t need to sign up for Microsoft Update: an account is automatically created for you during the registration process and Windows Update is automatically installed on your computer with default settings that you can change later if you wish.

If you’re using Windows XP, you have to visit Microsoft Update to start the update process. If it’s your first time to visit Microsoft Update, you might need to sign up for the service.

Use Microsoft Update to install the update process for all Microsoft products on your XP-based computer

After you’ve visited the Microsoft Update site, you should also configure your Windows XP-based computer to receive critical updates automatically. This free service is called Windows Update in Windows 7 and Windows Vista and Automatic Updates in Windows XP.

Learn how to turn automatic updating on in Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP

Windows 7

Windows Vista

Windows XP

Important If you do not select the automatic updating option we recommend, you must download and install every critical update. If you download the updates, but forget to install them, your computer will not be protected with all the latest enhancements.

5. Run antivirus software AND a spyware detection and removal toolUpdating your Windows software is just the first step in keeping your computer safe. Next, you’ll want to download and install antivirus software and keep it up-to-date. Your computer may have come with a free trial of antivirus software, but if you don’t renew your subscription, you won’t be protected from all the latest threats.

If your computer seems sluggish or if you begin to see lots of pop-up advertisements, even when you’re not surfing the Web, your computer may be infected with spyware, adware, or other unwanted software. Learn more about spyware and what it can do to your computer.

Do you find yourself fighting the urge to press your nose against the screen because you can’t see text and images clearly?

If so, it might be time to check out some of the features in Windows and Internet Explorer that can improve your view.

Magnify your screen
Windows has a built in Magnifier that lets you magnify your computer screen. Magnifier is a lot like built-in bifocals you can adjust. You see two screens, one the way you’ve customized it, and one that shows the larger font.

You can move your mouse pointer anywhere on the non-magnified part of the page, and then type your changes in the magnified section. This is especially helpful when you have your font set to a smaller size to see everything on one screen but need to have an enlarged view for specific areas.

Here’s how to use Magnifier in Windows 7 or Windows Vista:

1.Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, click Ease of Access, and then click Magnifier.

2.Move the pointer to the part of the screen that you want to magnify.

3.The Magnifier dialog box appears on the task bar. To close the magnifier, enlarge the dialog box, and click Close

Here’s how to use Magnifier in Windows XP:

1.Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, point to Accessibility, and then click Magnifier.

2.Move the pointer to the part of the screen that you want to magnify.

3.The Magnifier dialog box appears on the screen. You can minimize it so it’s on the taskbar. When you want to close the Magnifier, restore the dialog box, and click Exit

About Magnifier in Windows 7
Magnifier in Windows 7 includes full-screen and lens modes. Full-screen mode lets you magnify your entire screen and follow your mouse pointer. In lens mode, the area around the mouse pointer is magnified. When you move the mouse pointer, the area of the screen that is magnified moves along with it. Learn more about Magnifier in Windows 7.

Zoom in and see the Web more clearly
Internet Explorer Zoom lets you enlarge or reduce the view of a Web page. Unlike just changing the font size, Zoom enlarges or reduces everything on the page, including text and images. You can zoom from 10% to 1,000%.

1.Click the Start button, and then click Internet Explorer.

2.On the lower-right of the Internet Explorer screen, click the arrow next to the Change Zoom Level button .

3.To go to a predefined zoom level, click the percentage of enlargement or reduction you want.

4.To specify a custom level, click Custom. In the Percentage zoom box, type a zoom value, and then click OK.

Mice and keyboards with Zoom and Magnifier
Many Microsoft mice and keyboards come with built in Zoom and Magnifier features, making zooming and magnifying as easy as clicking a button.

The Zoom feature makes it a breeze to read small print in documents and spreadsheets and tiny text in e-mail and Web pages, such as disclaimers. The Zoom feature is as intuitive as adjusting the lighting in a room by using a dimmer. All you do is slide a lever on the keyboard to zoom in and zoom out. To learn more details, visit Microsoft keyboard products with Zoom.

The Microsoft mouse products that contain the Magnifier are like a magnifying glass that is held up to your computer screen. With a simple press and hold motion, the Magnifier enlarges the area of your screen that fits inside the lens. To learn more, visit Microsoft mouse products with Magnifier.