When your hard disk is first formatted, all the system files and program files are recorded in contiguous tracks. This helps your computer to access and read the files quickly.
Over time, files are added to, modified and deleted from the disk drive. Over time, tracks are used and then freed up for re-use, new files and programs become split up into non-contiguous pieces. Reading such split-up files, it takes longer than reading files that in one piece. As a result, your computer seems to slow down over time.
You can reorganize your disk so that files are put back into contiguous tracks. This is done using a process called defragmentation. To defragment your hard drive, do the following:
- Click on the start program,
- Click the “All Programs” choice,
- In sequence, choose “Accessories”, “System Tools” and “Disk Defragmenter”
- Choose the drive to defragment (usually the C: drive)
- Click the “Defragment” button
The process takes a while, so just let it run to completion. Note: If your drive is very full, the process takes longer.
Once your drive is defragmented, you should notice that programs and files (especially larger ones) will load more quickly.
