How to Optimize Performance for Disk Drives

Windows 98 uses tools called "read-ahead optimization" and "write-behind caching" to improve performance of your hard disk and removable disks.

Things You'll Need

• Computers
• Microsoft Windows

Instructions

1. Right-click My Computer.

2. Click Properties.

3. Click the Performance tab.

4. Click File System.

5. Click the Hard Disk tab.

6. Drag the "Read-ahead optimization" slider all the way to the right.

7. Click the CD-ROM tab.

8. Drag the "Supplemental cache size" slider all the way to the right.

9. Click the down arrow to the right of "Optimize access pattern," and select "Quad-speed or higher."

10. Click the Removable Disk tab.

11. Click to check the box to the left of "Enable write-behind caching on all removable disk drives" if it isn't already checked.

12. Click OK.

13. Click Close.

Tips & Warnings

• You will need to restart your computer before changes take effect.

• Settings have different terminology in Windows 95. Check Related Sites for instructions for optimizing disk drives in Windows 95.