The MS Windows operating system for PC computers consists of hundreds of files that are concentrated in the root directory "C:\" and the folders "C:\Windows\" and "C:\Program Files\"
The most important files in the operating system should be backed-up regularly. These are:
- C:\Command.com
- C:\Io.sys
- C:\Msdos.sys
- C:\Autoexec.bat
- C:\Config.sys
- C:\Windows\System.ini
- C:\Windows\Win.ini
- C:\Windows\User.dat
- C:\Windows\System.dat
The last file (System.dat) is called the Windows Registry, which is a large, complicated database containing the settings for hardware, software and user options.
System problems arise when incorrect hardware drivers are installed, when software is improperly uninstalled, and when user options are improperly configured.
Look for these symptoms of other system problems: - The computer takes several minutes to boot. Correct this problem by removing unnecessary programs from the Windows Startup options.
- Appearance of the Error message "Disk Full". The expensive fix is to add a larger Hard Drive. But first run ScanDisk, delete all temporary files, uninstall programs that are never used, empty the Recycle Bin, and run Disk Defragmenter. Then run ScanDisk again, using the "Standard Test" and turn on the "Advanced Option" to "Always Display Summary". If the summary shows at least 400MB free, then you will be fine.
- Appearance of the Error message "Out of Memory". The expensive fix is to add more memory. But if there is room on the Hard Drive, setup a permanent windows swap file (Win386.swp), using the "Virtual Memory Settings" in the Control Panel.
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