Slow Defragmentation

When your computer begins to slow down, disk defragmentation is one of the most commonly suggested solutions to regain some lost speed. Defragmenting a hard drive commonly takes a long time, but certain issues can cause additional slowdown of the process.

Disk Fragmentation

As you save, change and delete files over time, you are left with a growing number of fragmented files--that is, parts of each file are saved to different areas on the hard drive. Defragmenting is a naturally slow process because it rearranges this fragmented data into a more logical, space-saving manner.

Causes--Hardware

If you've got an old computer, the problem with a slow defragmentation may lie in the hardware, not the software. Today's operating systems and programs take up more system resources than those of 10 years ago.

Causes--Software

The defragmenting software you've chosen may be the culprit for an overly slow defragmentation. Many free choices are available, some better than others. So if you're unsatisfied with how long your program takes, simply download and try another.

Solutions

Defragmenting takes up system resources--try doing something else while the hard disk gets defragmented. Many defrag programs also allow you to schedule defragmentation--you can set the program to defragment your computer's hard drive when you know you won't be using the computer.

Considerations

Regularly defragmenting your hard drive will provide you with the most space possible and make individual defragmenting sessions quicker. Likewise, the more data you have on your computer, the longer defragmenting sessions generally take.

References

• Cross Loop: Slow Defragmentation
• Microsoft: What is Disk Defragmentation