Defragmentation

Operating System places files and programs on a hard drive where there is space; one file will not necessarily be located in one physical place. Over time, a hard drive can become fragmented with hundreds of files broken up in many locations across the drive. Ultimately, this can slow down a computer’s response time because it takes longer for it to access information.

 

Defragmentation is the process of locating the noncontiguous fragments of data into which a computer file may be divided as it is stored on a hard disk, and rearranging the fragments and restoring them into fewer fragments or into the whole file. Defragmentation reduces data access time and allows storage to be used more efficiently. Some operating systems automatically defragment storage periodically; others require that the user occasionally use a special utility for this purpose.

 

The process of defragmentation places all parts of a file together in the same place on the drive. It organizes all directories and files according to how you use your computer. After this process is complete, your computer will most likely run faster. That's why using a defrag program can play an important role in speeding up your computer.

 

To begin this process, perform the following steps:

• Make sure your work is backed up to another media - copy or backup all work files, photos, email, etc., to another hard drive, CDROM, DVD or other type of media.
• Make sure the hard drive is healthy - use CHKDSK to scan and fix the drive.  
• Close programs currently open - including virus scanners and other programs that have icons in the system tray (right hand side of the task bar). 
• Assure your computer has a constant source of power.

 

Note: If your computer does shut off while defragmenting, it may crash the hard drive or corrupt the operating system, or both.

1. Click the Start Button
2. Click the Programs then
3. Click the Accessories
4. Then click the System Tools
5. Click the Disk Defragmentation, it will open the Disk Defragmentation program.

 Then determine if you need to Defrag

1. Click the Analyze button – the program will analyze your hard drive
2. Do what the result screen says – If it says your hard drive does not need defragmentation, you probably will not benefit from doing it. You can close the program. Otherwise, proceed to the next step.

Defrag the Hard Drive

1. If the program says your hard drive needs defragmenting, click on the Defragment button.
2. Allow the program to do it’s work. It will take anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours to defragment your hard drive depending on: the size of the drive, the amount of fragmentation, the speed of your processor, the amount of your operating memory, etc.,
3. When the program has completed, close the program window.