How to Troubleshoot Defragmentation
The Windows Disk Defragmenter utility is used to group together file subsections and move them to a contiguous area that is easily accessible to the computer. If you are having trouble with the Disk Defragmenter utility (like freezing or terminating before completion), try these troubleshooting steps.
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Instructions
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Close all other running programs. When you have another active program, Disk Defragmenter cannot access the files associated with that program. This can lead to the utility halting before completion or freezing. Make sure all programs (including programs running in the background, like anti-virus software) are closed.
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Run the Disk Cleanup utility and empty the Recycle Bin. If you have a very large volume of files to be defragmented, your computer may be wasting time defragmenting trash files. Run Disk Cleanup (found in the "System Tools") and then empty the Recycle Bin to get rid of trash files.
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Turn off the screen saver. If you have a screen saver that automatically comes on after a few minutes, it will need to be deactivated so it doesn't interfere with the defragment utility. Right-click the desktop and select "Properties," then go to the "Screen Saver" tab and make sure that the screen saver is deactivated.
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