Defragging Hard Drive in Windows XP

Whenever you save a file or install a program to your hard drive, it is not generally stored as a single entity. Instead, it is divided up into a number of small packets. When you retrieve the file, the computer puts all the pieces back in the correct order so you can view your file or run your program.

As you save more files, delete unwanted files, install new programs and uninstall others the disk can become more and more fragmented. That is, the small file packets will become more scattered throughout your hard drive.

Deleting files and uninstalling software can leave empty pockets of various sizes amid your remaining data. Whenever you save new files, portions of these files will be placed in the empty sections.

Simply put, little parts of your file might end up spread all over your hard drive and your computer will take longer to find all the little file bits and put them back together when you need them.

Why do you need to Defrag
The computers performance may become sluggish as your hard drive becomes increasingly fragmented. Windows XP has a built in tool that can easily remedy problems caused by a defragmented hard drive.

This tool is the Disk Defragmenter. The tool "defrags" your drive by re-arranging all the packets of data so that files and programs can be retrieved more quickly.

In Windows XP, the Disk Defragmenter has an "Analyse" button. Clicking the button will generate a report that informs you if the disk needs to be defragged.

How to use Disk Defragmenter in Windows XP

• Shutdown all open programs
• Click Start / Programs / Accessories / System Tools, and then click on Disk Defragmenter
• The Defragmenter interface should open
• In the top part of the interface, make sure your primary drive is highlighted.(this is normally the C drive)
• Click on the button labelled "Defragment" to start the process. The process might take quite some time, depending on how large is your hard drive and how fragmented the drive is
• When defragging is complete, a message box will pop up and inform you.
• Exit from Disk Defragmenter and resume normal computing.

How often should I defrag?

To maintain peak performance, your computer's hard drive should be defragmented on a regular basis. Just how often defragging is necessary will depend on how much you use your computer and the sort of activities you use it for. At least once a month is a good rule and if it is not necessary the defrag program will tell you that it doesn't need doing at that time, so you can't go wrong. We always defrag after installing a new program and have a regular monthly maintenance schedule with involes not only defragging, routine cleaning and disk clean.