How to Do Disk Defragmentation in Windows 98

The Disk Defragmenter is a computer program that has come with all versions of Windows since the inception of the Windows operating system. Defragmentation is designed to speed up and improve the performance of the computer by rearranging files in contiguous locations. An often overlooked function, disk defragmenting is highly recommended for every computer user. Although the style as changed over the years, the format of the Windows Disk Defragmenter has stayed generally the same.

Instructions

How to Do Disk Defragmentation in Windows 98

1. Go to the Start Menu, and choose Programs. Click on "Accessories" then "System Tools."

2. Click "Disc Defragmenter." Select the drive which you want to defrag, such as your physical C drive or back up D drive.

3. Click "Analyze" to see if your computer needs to be defragmented. If you have downloaded or deleted any big files recently, then your computer will state that you need to defrag it.

4. Click "Defragment" to start the process. Click "Stop" to cease the defragmentation or "Pause" to pause it. Your computer will start compacting files and will show its progress on the bottom of the screen. This could take up to an hour or more to complete.

5. View the report when finished. The band of colors on the screen represents the estimated disk usage before and after defragmentation. Look at the color key on the bottom of the screen. The fragmented files are represented by red, free space is represented by white, unmovable files are represented by blue and contiguous files are represented by green. Restart your computer when done.

Tips & Warnings

• Although performance is affected, it is still possible to use the computer during the process. It is recommended to defragment once a week.

Resources

• Disk Defragmentation in Windows 98
• Disk Defragmenting Trouble Shooting