Getting your Windows squeaky clean: breathing new life into Windows 3.x - B.E Technology Workshop, part 3

Black Enterprise, Sept, 1997 by Melissa Lawrence-Corbett

Two years after the release of Windows 95, Windows 3.1 has still not relinquished its title as the most widely used operating system. Although Microsoft is hoping users will upgrade to Windows 95, many still haven't. If you're among the millions still using Windows 3.1, with a few tweaks you can keep it running smoothly. "Windows 3.1 is not as flexible as Windows 95," says Nathan Brennan, vice president of marketing and consulting at NT Communication Consultants Inc. in Atlanta, which specializes in telephone, computers and network integration and Web site design. "Windows 95 can fluctuate its settings according to the application you're running. With 3.1, you have a cap."

To optimize performance within that cap, Windows 3.1 comes with several built-in tools including SMARTDrive, disk-caching software and CHKDSK, diagnostic software. SMARTDrive speeds access to information stored on the hard disk. It creates a map that guides the CPU to the information it needs to run applications residing on the hard disk. This map is stored (or cached) in an area of extended memory. When an application asks for information on the disk, SMARTDrive intercepts the request and checks the map to see where the data resides. If found, the information is passed on to the application. If not, SMARTDrive retrieves the data, along with its location on the hard disk, and stores this data for future use. However, your system allocates 1MB to 2MB of extended memory to SMARTDrive, which takes real memory away from your Windows applications and forces them to use the much slower disk-based swap file.

In Mastering Windows 3.1 1, a comprehensive manual for both Windows 3.1 and 3.11 (SYBEX Inc. 1993, $39.95), Windows expert Robert Cowart explains how to set the size of the SMARTDrive cache. First, go to the C:\prompt in DOS. Then type SMARTDRV.EXE followed by the number of kilobytes you want for the maximum cache size, followed by the number of kilobytes you want in the cache at a minimum. For example, to create a cache that is 2 MB (2048K) maximum and 256K minimum, you would type SMARTDRV.EXE 2048 256. A good S SMARTDrive-to-RAM ratio 5 is 1 meg for each 5 megs of installed RAM.

Increasing virtual memory settings can also enhance system performance. Brennan suggests adjusting virtual memory settings to double the amount of RAM you have. Therefore, if you have 8 megs of RAM, your virtual memory should be set to 16 megs, which makes the computer perform as if it has 24 megs.

Another way to enhance performance is to create a permanent swap file. Swap files become an issue when you run out of RAM. Windows uses them to store files not currently in use to make room for immediately needed data. The less RAM you have, the larger your swap file should be. To check the impact your applications have on your swap file, go to Help/About in Program Manager. If you're showing 2MB or more free memory, you have plenty of space and should set the swap file to its minimum. If you have less memory, you should try a larger swap file.

To access your swap file settings, open the Control Panel, double click on the 386-enhanced icon and click the virtual memory button. This displays the current swap file settings. To make changes, click change. Select permanent and use the recommended size for the file. A permanent swap file allows Windows to run faster because it occupies an unbroken stretch on your hard disk and ensures that Windows never runs out of space for the swap file; guaranteeing space for virtual memory.

Before you adjust your SMARTDrive or set up a permanent swap file, Brennan suggests running CHKDSK, a defragmenting program that helps prevent corruption in the system by retrieving errant data. This errant data can occur when you turn your computer off without properly shutting down or you frequently install and delete software. "A`defrag' is the best method to monitor your SMARTDrive and swap file components," says Brennan. "You don't want to have extra memory lying around somewhere."

To run CHKDSK, exit Windows and switch to your DOS directory. Enter CHKDSK/F at the DOS prompt. If CHKDSK finds any lost data, it will ask you if you want it converted into a file. Type N if you want the data deleted. Type Y if you'd like to keep it. If you Type Y, CHKDSK will save the information into one or more files named something like FILE0000.CHK. You can later view these files through the Windows Word Pad or Write applications to decide whether you really need them. Run CHKDSK at least monthly.

Also make a habit of sifting through all data files stored more than a month or longer. Copy the ones you think you'll use someday onto a floppy and delete the rest. You can do this through your File Manager. You'd be surprised at how much space you have available. You can find many solutions to specific Windows 3.1 problems in the Knowledge Base page at www.microsoft.com.

But if you can afford it, the best way to optimize your system's performance would be to upgrade to Windows 95. "Windows 95 is more user-friendly, flexible and dynamic than 3.1," says Brennan.