Vista has automated some of its maintenance tasks, such as defragmenting your hard drive and backing up key system files and documents. To keep your hard drive defragged regularly:

  • Click on Start
  • Click on Computer
  • Right-click on the hard drive you want to schedule
  • Open its Properties menu
  • Click the Tools tab
  • Click Defragment Now
  • Check the "Run on a schedule" box
  • Use the Modify Schedule button and drop-down menus in the next screen to set your schedule