Windows XP

Defragging your computer means that you are taking files that might be scattered across your hard drive. When you save a file, the computer saves the file in the next available spot on the hard drive. You can think of these spots as parking spaces in a parking lot. After a while, parking spots are not available in a line any more and you have to start parking cars in different spots.

That in the computer realm would mean that a file is fragmented. What defragging means to do is, take the files and line them up again so that the computer does not have to work as hard to find the files and they are in a nice line in the hard drive.

To defrag your computer you must be, logged on to your computer as the administrator. To open the defragging program supplied with Windows XP you will need to left click start, open all programs, hover over accessories, and then again over systems tools. Then left click on disk defragmenter. Near the bottom, you will see two options that have not been, grayed out.

Analyze and Defragment. Analyze will check to see if the disk is fragmented badly and tell you if it thinks you need to defrag and Defragment starts the defragmenting process. If you do need to defrag just click the Defragment button.

Before you begin the process be sure that you have set a side an hour or so, and that the computer will not be in use during the defragmenting process. In most cases, it is best to let the computer Defragment overnight. Once you have set aside the time for the computer to be defragmented then you will want to left click the Defragment button and let it begin.

Do not install anything during this time or mess with any files as it might hurt them or your computer. If you happen to move, a file while it is defragmenting that file it will most likely make the file unattainable and you might lose the file forever.

Using these tips, you can defrag your computer yourself and probably save yourself fifty bucks instead of having a computer tech or shop doing it for you. If your computer were slowing down this would be one the first things to try. This can help your computer speed up opening of programs and applications that seem to be taking longer than they should. This is one way; you can help your computer, to run properly.