Defragmenting

[beenee]

I've never defragmeted my 1 yr old laptop and keep hearing that I should. What does this mean and why should I do it? Also how can I do it and will I be able to use the computer while its happening? I have Windows ME.

[rahbar]

Most computer systems (and particularly Windows ones) suffer from fragmentation of the files stored on your hard disk. Rather than being stored in one contiguous file, each of your documents, folders and system files could be split into a number of segments and stored on different parts of the disk. This all means that the hard disk has to physically move around a lot more to read the file, which can slow things down considerably. This is a problem that tends to get only worse as time goes on. Defragmentation' refers to the process of rearranging the files on the disk such that each file is physically stored as one contiguous stream. Depending on a range of factors, this process can take some time (possibly a few hours), and whilst you can possibly work on it at the same time, I would recommend that you just leave it to churn away.

[j2buttonsw]

When Windows writes a file to your hard drive it fragments it then scatters the file across the disk. When it comes to read the file it must search for all of the fragments then piece them together. Obviously this is not the most efficient way of dealing with storing data. De-fragmenting the drive reshuffles the fragmented pieces to make a drive of contiguous files which makes it easier to read. Thus, I would defrag you hard drive but I would do it overnight when running in safe mode. Press F5 or F8 when booting windows to get the safe mode menu. The problem is that if you continue to write to the disk you create more defragmented files and it slows the system up. Running in safe mode stops any applications loading up at startup and writing to the disk without you knowing.

[darth vader]

Both explanations given are accurate but are possibly leaving you wondering "why does windows split the files up in the first place?" - the answer being that for example if you put a file on a new hard drive of say 32K in size then it will take up a 32K block of space. If you delete it then the hard drive is left with a 32k "hole" of unused area. rather than sit waiting for a time in the future when you copy a 32k file onto the hard drive (in which case the hole can be filled) Windows will attempt to fill this hole with part of a new file, then shove the rest somewhere else. As you can see, in time you will delete more files, and copy/create more files, and the hard drive will get more and more fragmented.

[darth vader]

...and i wouldn't recommend doing anything with your machine while it's de-fragging (no matter what the software says about it being safe to do so)

[beenee]

Thanks for the information! Now can you tell me how to run the defragmentation in Safe Mode? I have noticed my comp is slower than it used to be. Im terrified of viruses and losing info etc. the defrag wont damage my stuff in any way will it?

[j2buttonsw]

As I said, press F5 or F8 when the computer starts up and you should boot into safe mode. Then run it as normal (Start-Programs-Accessories-System Tools). Your data will be fine but you should always back it up as a matter of good housekeeping. You can replace a computer but sometimes your data is irreplaceable.

[xyzzyplugh]

I defrag every day. No safe mode, takes 20 minutes on XP if you keep on top of it; 98 and ME is a bit slower due to older defrag app. Suspend screensaver b4 you begin, and all other apps. Take mouse off pad; any input can tend to annoy 9x defrag.

[darth vader]

...if you're worried about possibly having a virus then try http://www.mcafee.com/ who will do a free online scan of your machine (take around half an hour depending on number of files/hard drive size)

[xyzzyplugh]

P.S. WindowsME is part of the 9x series.