Computer TIP

Don’t Forget to Defrag

When writing information to your hard disk, Windows isn’t the most careful shelf stocker. It often breaks files into pieces, stuffing them into different nooks and crannies. When rummaging around for all the parts, Windows subsequently takes longer to retrieve the files.

To fix the problem, choose the Control Panel’s Performance and Maintenance category and select Rearrange Items on Your Hard Disk to Make Programs Run Faster.

When the Disk Defragmenter window appears, click the Analyze button. Windows inspects your computer’s hard drive and reports back. If it says your hard drive doesn’t need defragmentation, click the Close button, close the program, and move on. But if it says you should defragment, click the Defragment button.

The Disk Defragmenter does its job in the background as you work, sometimes finishing in a few minutes, other times working through the evening. When it’s finished, your computer runs more quickly when opening and closing files.

Run the Disk Defragmenter once a month or so, especially if your computer seems to be running slowly or you can hear your hard drive making frantic rummaging noises.

For a shortcut to the Disk Defragmenter, call up My Computer from the Start menu, right-click on your hard drive, and choose Properties. Then click the Tools tab and click the Defragment Now button.

Note that if, for some reason, you can’t find the Disk Defragmenter in your list of options, you can always search for “defrag” and the program will show itself.