How to Do a Boot Defrag in Windows XP
When a computer saves data to a hard drive it may store bits and pieces of files on different parts of the disk if there is not enough space available in one contiguous location. Files that are broken up on different parts of a disk are called fragmented files. They can take longer to access because the hard disk must read pieces at different spots on the disk. Disk defragmentation or "defragging" is a process that can reverse file fragmentation by reorganizing hard drive data. Defragmenting the boot drive may improve overall computer performance.
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Instructions
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Click "Start" and then open "My Computer."
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Right-click on your boot drive in the drive list and click "Properties." Typically the boot drive will be drive "C."
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Click the "Tools" tab and then click "Defragment Now."
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Click "Defragment" and then wait several minutes to several hours as the process runs.
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Tips & Warnings
Defragmenting once a month will help maintain hard drive performance.
The longer you wait between defragmenting the longer the process is likely to take.
