- Delete all unwanted files before using the disk defragmenting tool. Clear the history and cache of every browser installed on your computer system. Manually launch each browser to gain access to the settings that store your temporary Internet files. Open your "Recycle Bin" and browse through its stored files. Decide if there are any you'd like to restore to their original places or completely delete.
- Backup your computer data before making any major system changes. Protecting your computer files in case of a computer crash is extremely important. Place the backup on removable media such as a CD, DVD or USB flash drive. Choose to upload your files to an online backup system for extra protection, as well.
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Open the "My Computer" folder to view the connected drives on your computer system. The folder is available via your "Start" menu or the desktop icon. Select a drive to defragment by right clicking it.
Browse through the listed options and click the "Properties" link. As soon as the pop-up window appears, click the "Tools" tab. In the "Defragmentation" section, press the "Defragment Now" button to begin the process. -
Create a regular schedule for defragmenting your hard drive. The overall speed of your computer can improve because it spends less time searching for files all over the place. Keeping your files appropriately grouped together also helps to maximize your disk space. Manually perform your defragmenting sessions, or enable the automatic function built into your computer system.
Weekly scans monitor the status of your connected hard drive and also rearrange scattered data for you. Depending on the size of your chosen hard drive, it may take as little as a few minutes or as much as several hours to complete the defragmenting. During the scan, you'll still have full access to your computer applications.
