Article by George Norman

On 01 Sep 2009

The Microsoft developed Windows operating system (OS) handles new data in a manner that is not exactly friendly to your hard disk drive – new data is stored wherever the OS finds a bit of free space. This causes the data to be spread across the entire disk, which in turn causes the HDD to have a hard time reading it. Because the read/write head has to move back and forth to read the data, you will experience longer load times. This is where the defragmentation process comes in. It takes all these pieces of data that are scattered all over the HDD and arranges them in a contiguous manner.

The Windows operating system comes with a built-in defragger application, which is quite simple to use. If you do not want to use this default program, there are numerous defraggers available for download out there – some come free of charge, others come with a price tag. No matter what software application you use, the outcome is the same: errors are prevented and speed is improved.


How to defragment your computer from the Start Menu

Step 1. Close all open windows and applications.

Step 2. Start -> Programs -> Accessories -> System Tools -> Disk Defragmenter

Step 3. Select the partition you want to defragment and let the process run its course.

How to defragment your computer from My Computer

Step 1. On your computer’s desktop, locate the My Computer icon and double click it.

Step 2. Select a partition -> right click it -> select Properties -> Tools -> Defragment Now.

How to defragment your computer from Run

Step 1. Close all open windows and applications.

Step 2. Start -> Run -> type in dfrg.msc -> press OK.

Step 3. Select the partition you want to defragment and let the process run its course.

There’s an alternative means to defragment your computer with Run

Step 1. Close all open windows and applications.

Step 2. Start -> Run -> type in cmd -> type defrag drive letter (something like defrag C:). For additional help type in defrag C: [-?]

Step 3. Hit Enter and let the process run its course.

Tips and warnings
Because data becomes defragmented over time, you are well advised to defragment your computer on a regular basis. You need not stress yourself about defragmenting too much. Once a month or so should be enough to keep your computer running smoothly.
The most noticeable performance differences are obvious on computers with large HDDs that have not been defragmented over long periods of time.
Defragged disks, say data recovery experts, are much easier to restore.
It would be a good idea to run Disk Cleanup before defragmenting a drive.
It would be best to defragment overnight because the process can take a long period of time, especially when large HDDs are involved, and especially because it is best not to do anything on your computer while the defragger does its job.



Tags: Microsoft, Windows, HDD, Data, Defragment, Defragger

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