How to Use Disk Defragmenter in Vista

Fragmentation of data on a computer occurs through standard disk operations. As new data is written to the hard drive, it is partially recorded in areas where old data once resided. This leads to a break in continuous data. Over time this process reduces the performance of a computer system. This happens because the read armature of the hard drive skips to different areas of the disk to retrieve information, leading to longer retrieval times for files. All versions of Windows, including Windows Vista, come with a defragmentation utility to reorder data and regain computer efficiency.

Instructions

1. Launch the Windows Disk Defragmenter utility, located by selecting "All Programs'' on the Start menu, then "Accessories" and "System Tools."

2. Select the disk you wish to defragment from the list provided in the center of the defragmentation software window.

3. Click the "Defragment Now" button in the lower right portion of the software window. Alternatively, click this button when the software opens to defragment the entire computer.

Tips & Warnings

• Run Disk Defragmenter at the end of the day, when you are finished using your computer. The process takes several minutes to several hours, and is best run when the computer is not in use.

References

• Windows: Improve Performance by Defragmenting Your Hard Disk
• Microsoft Support: Features of the Windows Vista Hard Disk Defragmentation Utility