Why Does Defragmenting Take So Long?
The time that the hard disk defragmentation process takes depends upon a variety of factors as well as the specifications of the computer itself. As a computer goes through its daily tasks it writes sections of these files to the hard disk whenever it is necessary without any regard for storing them sequentially. Eventually files can be spread out over a large expanse of the hard disk which requires significantly more time for the computer to load these files when they are called upon. The purpose of disk defragmentation to properly arrange files into contiguous blocks on the hard disk.
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Computer Specifications
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The hardware specifications of the computer will dictate how long the defragmentation process will take to complete. If a computer is equipped with a relatively slow processor and a minimal amount of RAM the defragmentation process will take significantly longer to complete when compared to a system equipped with a powerful CPU and generous amounts of RAM. As would be expected, a 160 gigabyte drive that is filled to capacity will take longer to defragment than a relatively empty 40 gigabyte drive. It should also be noted that a high-RPM hard disk will lower the length of time necessary to complete the defrag process.
File Structure
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The amount of time that the defragmentation process takes depends upon the amount of fragmentation of the various files is on your computer. If a hard disk defragmentation program is run regularly the task will complete in a relatively short period of time.
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Running Programs
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It is critical that no other programs be running during disk defragmentation. Should another application save a file to the hard disk during disk defragmentation the process will get interrupted and will then start all over again.
Other Factors
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If the disk defragmenter is being run for the first time in a long time, it is going to take many hours to complete. Defragment the hard disk a minimum of once a week to keep the computer running at optimal performance levels.
Tips
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Before running disk defragmentation use the Task Manager and terminate all processes which are not absolutely required. Antivirus programs should also be disabled during the defragmentation process as a scheduled scan might interrupt the defragmentation process. Also, a screensavers that activates during disk defragmentation will slow the process down considerably as they consume valuable computing resources.
Operating Systems
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Microsoft Windows based systems as well as Apple Computers will require regular disk defragmentation. The Linux OS does not require disk defragmentation nor is a disk defragmentation program provided as part of a Linux install.
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