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Defrag Explained |
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When you add
a file or a new program to a brand new computer, the hard disk is relatively
empty so new data is written to the hard disk in one contiguous block. When you
need to use that information, the computer can quickly access it because it is
all in one place.
As you use your computer adding files and programs, the hard disk begins to fill up.
Deleting files or removing programs creates small empty areas among the other
data that the computer will reuse. After awhile, the computer is no longer
saving information in large blocks. Instead, it stores information in the many
little empty nooks and crannies of your hard disk. The result is that one
program or file is broken up, or fragmented, into little pieces and stored in
many different areas of the hard disk. The computer ingeniously keeps track of
the addresses of each piece of data and puts it all together when it is needed.
Yet, obviously, the more broken up the information is, the longer it takes to
access the data and the slower the computer becomes.
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Finding the Defrag
Utility |
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The solution is a simple
one. Your Windows computer comes with a program that will defragment your hard
disk. This process reunites all the data into large blocks and gathers all the
free space on the hard disk into one block making data retrieval faster and
easier for the computer.
Most of you will be able
to find the disk defrag program by clicking on the Start button, then choosing
(All) Programs, Accessories, System Tools, and finally clicking on the Disk
Defragmenter. If you have any trouble finding it, simply click on Start, then
Help. Click on the Search tab and type in the word "defragment." The computer
will give you a link to the defrag program.
Depending on your
computer and your hard disk, defragmenting the hard disk can take a bit of time.
After you defrag, you will see no difference in your computer, except for a
little faster speed if the disk was very fragmented. Yet, getting into the
routine of defragging every now and then is a good habit to form since it keeps
your computer running smoothly. Some programs, like video editing
software, will crash if the disk is too fragmented.
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Trouble Shooting
Defrag |
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Before you start the
defrag process you will want to turn off any programs that you are running,
including those running in the background like firewalls and anti-virus
programs. If you try to defrag when these programs are running, the defrag
process will constantly be stopped.
If you turn off the
major programs that you have running and still find that the defrag routine is
constantly interrupted, you can defrag from safe mode. Safe mode is a
troubleshooting mode for Windows. In normal Windows operations, many individual
programs may be automatically started along with the Windows operating system.
In safe mode, only the operating system and drivers are loaded. Since no other
programs are loaded, there is nothing running in the background to interfere
with the defrag process.
To start your computer in safe mode, simply turn the computer off, and when it
starts to reboot, press the F8 key. The exact time that you should press the F8
key varies with different Windows versions and it is always difficult to
pinpoint. Sometimes pressing the F8 key and holding it down during the boot
process will work. Continuously tapping the F8 key during the boot process seems
to work the best for most computers. Once the safe mode screen comes up, use the
arrow key to choose “Safe Mode”. You can verify that you are in safe mode by
noting that the computer screen says “safe mode” in each corner. You may notice
that the screen looks different, perhaps grainy or pixilated. That is normal for
safe mode. Once in safe mode, start the defrag process as noted above. When the
process is complete, click Start/Shutdown to restart the computer.
How often you defrag your computer depends on the size of your hard drive, the
amount you use your computer, and type of use you give it. Once a month is a
good practice for most average users. Whether you decide to defrag once a month
or just a few times a year, defragging can help your computer run smoother and
faster.
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