This easy preventative maintenance tip can goes a long way when it comes to improving performance of your Windows-based desktop and laptop computers. All Windows operating systems come with system tools that you can use to help keep your pc running at its best. One such tool is the Disk Defragmenter (defrag) which works to optimize fragmented files on the hard disk drive.
Fragmentation describes the state of your hard drive when files are divided into small pieces and scattered around the disk randomly. Fragmentation occurs naturally over time just by doing basic tasks on your Windows PC.
A fragmented hard drive can slow down the speed of your computer. Running the Disk Defragmenter will optimize your computer’s hard drive by unfragmenting the data files.
How to Access the Disk Defragmenter program:
In Windows XP, Windows Vista and Windows 7 you can access the Disk Defragmenter program through the following steps:
Click Start, select Programs, select Accessories, select System Tools, click Disk Defragmenter.
In the Disk Defragmenter tool box select the hard drive you want to defragment. A graphical interface will show you the progress as you run Disk Defragmenter.
The Disk Defragmenter program can take anywhere from several minutes to several hours to finish defragmenting your hard drive. If the process is going to take an extended amount of time, it is recommended to start the Disk Defragmenter and let it run overnight.
Tips for Getting the Best Results:
— Make sure that you have no applications running when you start the Disk Defragmenter, also be sure to turn off your screensaver.
— Run “Disk Cleanup” to remove unused and unnecessary files.
To access “Disk Cleanup”: Click Start, select Programs, select Accessories, select System Tools, click Disk Cleanup
— Run the Disk Defragmenter at regular intervals.