Defrag Your Computer Hard Disk (Windows XP)

Defragging your hard disk on Windows XP is recommended and should be done frequently.

A new computer will tend to store all programs and files in one general area within the hard disk which allows it fast and efficient access to data. Over time as you install and remove programs from your computer, information becomes fragmented and it takes longer for your computer's read-write head to access the data on the hard disk drive. To reorganize the fragmented or scattered data, XP has a built-in utility called Disk Defragmenter. Disk Defragmenter will place the most commonly accessed data at the beginning of the disk. Running this utility on a frequent basis can help to keep your system running smoothly. Most users should defrag approximately every 3-4 weeks.

The Disk Defragmenter Utility Display

In Windows XP there are at least three ways to access Disk Defragmenter to defragment your hard drive. Here is the most common approach:

1. Click on "My Computer" to view all drives
2. Right-Click Local Disk (C:) and choose "Properties"
3. At the top of the Properties window you will see various tabs. Choose "Tools" click the "Defragment Now" button.

Access Disk Defragmenter from the START menu:

Click on Start >> All Programs >> Accessories >> System Tools >> Disk Defragmenter

Access Disk Defragmenter from command line (cmd.exe) in Windows XP:

Click on Start >> Choose Run >> Type cmd >>

From the command line you will have to choose a volume to defragment using the defrag command.

Syntax
      DEFRAG <volume> [-a] [-f] [-v] [-?]
-a    Analyze only
-f     Force defragmentation even if free space is low
-v    Verbose output

For example, defrag c: -a will analyze fragmentation of data on c: drive.