How to speed up access to data in your PC

When files become fragmented, the computer must search the hard disk when the file is opened to piece it back together. This may cause a lag in performance and speed. Use Disk Defragmenter to compile fragmented files and folders on your computer's hard drive. Disk Defragmenter is a Windows utility program that is part of your operating system.

To use Disk Defragmenter:

1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.

Click Analyze to start the Disk Defragmenter.

2. In the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the drives that you want to defragment, and then click the Analyze button. After the disk is analyzed, a dialog box appears, letting you know whether you should defragment the analyzed drives.

3. To defragment the selected drive or drives, click the Defragment button.

After the defragmentation is complete, Disk Defragmenter displays the results.

4. To display detailed information about the defragmented disk or partition, click View Report.

When to run Disk Defragmenter
It is recommended to perform Disk Defragmenter at regural monthly intervals. Also you should run it whenever you install any new software, or if you copy large folders from a disk or drive unit.

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