Over time, files and applications become scattered in various places on your hard disk. Disk Defragmenter brings these scattered pieces together to improve speed and help prevent errors.
- Close all applications. Disable screen savers, anti-virus utilities and other constantly running programs.
- Open the Start menu and choose Programs, then Accessories.
- Click on System Tools.
- Click on Disk Defragmenter.
- When the Select Drive window appears, click on Settings.
- Check both “Rearrange program files so my programs start faster” and “Check the drive for errors.”
- Click OK to defragment drive C: (the physical drive).
- Run the program once a month or so.
Tips & Warnings
- Run ScanDisk beforehand for best results. This is best done by restarting the computer in MS DOS and typing “scandisk” at the C:\> prompt. Return to Windows afterwards to defragment your hard disk.
- If you`re having difficulties, press Ctrl+Alt+Delete to make sure you haven`t left any applications running. Highlight each application in the screen that appears and click on “End Task” to close the application.
- Windows NT requires you to install a third party disk defragmenter such as Diskeeper.
- Run Disk Defragmenter after installing or downloading new software.
- Read and follow any warning message Disk Defragmenter gives you.