Windows: free more disk space by removing backup files

Windows XP and Windows Vista automatically backup the old system when you install new software or updates. They create restore points for the backups. So if you want, you can return to any of the previous restore points.

If you have used the system for quite a while, you would see that your disk C: is getting full because Windows keeps all those restore points from the day you bought your computer. If your system runs quite stable and you don't need to return to the ancient restore points, you can remove all but the most recent restore point.

Here is how you can do that in Windows XP (Windows Vista is similar).

- Login as Adminstrator.
- From the Start button, select Accessories|System Tools|Disk Cleanup.
- In the Disk Cleanup dialog, click the More Options tab.
- Click the Clean up button in the System Restore section.
- A warning pop-up asks whether you really want to remove all but the most recent restore point. Click the Yes button.

Capture screen shots with Windows Vista Snipping Tool

In the old days, if you want to capture some pictures on your screen, you have to use the Print Screen button of your keyboard and save the image from the clipboard. Now, if you are using Windows Vista Home Premium edition, or other editions of Business, Ultimate or Enterprise, you can use the free Snipping Tool to capture screen shots.

The Snipping Tool can be accessed from the Start button at the desktop's left-buttom corner: All Programs->Accessories->Snipping Tool.

If you are like me who could not see it, you should add it via the Control Panel: select  Programs->Programs and Features->Turn Windows feature on or off (you need Administrator privilege to do it). In the dialogue, check the Tablet PC Optional Components.

Now you have the Snipping Tool installed.

See? We should not blame ourselves not having this useful tool installed. Who would know that a regular PC should install Tablet PC optional components? I guess only Microsoft knows.