When you delete files from a disk, you create empty spaces that might be fragmented over different areas of the disk. When you create a new file on a fragmented disk, parts of the file are stored in these empty spaces, resulting in a single file that is broken into many parts , which takes longer to retrieve or store when you open or save the file. A file broken up in this way is called a fragmented file , which is undetectable to the user . You can use Disk Defragmenter to place all of the parts of a file in one contiguous , or adjacent, location. This procedure, which efficiently arranges all of the files and unused space, is called optimization . Optimization makes your programs run faster and your files open more quickly. While the Disk Defragmenter works, you can use your computer to carry out other tasks ; however, your computer will operate more slowly. The Analysis display shows you the defragmentation process. Defragment a Disk -
| Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter. | -
| Click the drive you want to defragment. | -
| Click Analyze, and then click Close. | -
| Click Defragment. | -
| To pause and resume the process, click Pause and Resume. | -
| To stop the process, click Stop. | -
| When it's done, click Close. | -
| Click the Close button. | Did You Know? You should run Check Disk before the Disk Defragmenter . For best results, run Check Disk to check for errors on your disk before you start the disk defragmentation process. You can view a defragment report . In Disk Defragmenter, click View Report. | |