[Joeaksa]

How old is it? How old is the load of the OS (windows) on the computer? If its been more than a year its worth saving everything, then reloading Windows (if thats what you are using) again. Defrag is a good way to start getting it back into shape but if your load of Windoz is over a year old you might look at doing it right.

Backup all your data then put in the laptops rescue disks, which will reload all the OS and apps. Then before adding all your data and programs, delete all the crap you do not need. All the AOL, "Get a free credit report" and so on that clutters up your computer, desktop and hard drive.

Also, if the hard drive is large enough I like to partition it into two sectors. One "C" and one "D." Put Windoz on the C drive along with the various programs. Put your data and such on the D sector. This way when the computer starts up its not sorting through all your data to find the OS, and as well if you ever have a problem in the future, format your C drive and reinstall. Your personal data is sitting on the D drive section and still there.

This does not keep you safe from a complete hard drive failure and you should always back everything up on another hard drive, computer or where-ever.

After you do all that, run Defrag once a week if you take the laptop around with you, otherwise at least once a month.

If you need help with it, I will be in London by mid to late week next week.

JoeA