Windows Vista Configuration MCTS : Maintenance and Optimization

Resource View

Performance Monitor

Reliability Monitor

Windows Task Manager – Performance Tab

Windows Task Manager – Processes Tab

Optimizing the Disk Keep the hard drive optimized to keep your system performing well. Monitor free disk space, check your drive for errors, and defrag your hard drive on a regular basis. Monitoring Disk Space When a system drive fills up, performance and reliability are reduced. Use the Disk Cleanup tool to reduce disk space usage. Running Check Disk Use the Check Disk tool (Chkdsk.exe) to check the integrity of disks.

Defragging the Hard Drive Overtime files become fragmented as they are spread across the disk. Reading and opening fragmented files cause wear and tear on the hard disk. Disk Defragmenter automatically defragments disks periodically. By default it runs at 4:00PM every Sunday.

Memory Usage and the Paging File Two types of memory RAM also known as physical memory Virtual memory also known as a paging file If you have low memory, you should consider Installing more memory Increasing the size of the paging file Determining whether a program overuses memory

ReadyBoost and ReadyDrive Windows ReadyBoost Boosts system performance using USB flash devices as additional sources for caching. Caompatible USB flash devices include USB 2.0 flash drives, Secure Digital (SD) cards, and CompactFlash cards. Windows ReadDrive Boosts system performance on mobile computers equipped with hybrid drives. A hybrid drive is a drive that uses both flash RAM and a physical drive for storage.

Common Support Problems Hardware error conditions Failing disks Degraded performance Failure to shut down properly Memory problems Problems related to installing drivers and applications Problems related to using drivers and applications

Memory Diagnostic Tool Test Mix Choose what type of test you want to run. Cache Choose the cache setting you want for each test. Pass Count Type the number of times you want to repeat the tests.

Network Diagnostic Tool Resolves network related issues. Runs when a user is unable to connect to network resource. Can be run manually using the Diagnose option on the Local Area Connections Status property sheet.

Accessing Advanced Startup Options If your computer has a single operating system installed, repeatedly press the F8 key as your computer restarts. If your computer has more than one operating system, use the arrow keys to highlight the operating system you want to start in Safe mode, and then press F8.

Advanced Startup Options Repair Your Computer Safe Mode Safe Mode with Networking Safe Mode with Command Prompt Enable Boot Logging Enable Low-Resolution Video (640x480) Last Known Good Configuration (advanced) Directory Services Restore Mode Debugging Mode Disable Automatic Restart on System Failure Disable Driver Signature Enforcement Start Windows Normally

Startup Repair Tool Corrupted system files are a common cause of startup failure. Startup Repair tool (StR) fixes common problems: Incompatible drivers Missing or corrupted startup configuration settings Corrupted startup files StR is included on the Windows Vista installation disc.

Event Viewer

Problem Reports and Solutions Tool Works with the Windows Error Reporting to provide a history of attempts to diagnose problems. Users are prompted if they want to send error information to Microsoft. Also checks for solutions over the internet.

Restore a Driver to Its Previous Version The Device Manager allows you to roll back a driver if you encounter problems. The Roll Back Driver button is located on the Driver tab of the Device Manager. Button will be unavailable if there is no previous version of the driver installed If the machine won’t boot, try loading Safe Mode.

System Restore A way to undo system changes to your computer without affecting your personal files. Uses a feature called System Protection to regularly create and save restore points on your computer. Not intended for backing up personal files. Restore points are created automatically every day, and just before significant system events. Automatically recommends the most recent restore point created before a significant change.

Remote Desktop and Remote Assistance Remote Desktop Similar to Terminal Services in Windows Used to access another computer remotely, connected to the same network or to the Internet. Computer must be turned on. Both computers must be running Windows. Remote Assistance Used to give or receive assistance remotely. Both users see the same computer screen and both can control the mouse cursor. Encrypted connection is created between the two computers.