Show Me Microsoft Windows XP (2nd Edition)

When you delete files from a disk, you create empty spaces that might be fragmented over different areas of the disk. When you create a new file on a fragmented disk, parts of the file are stored in these empty spaces, resulting in a single file that is broken into many parts , which takes longer to retrieve or store when you open or save the file. A file broken up in this way is called a fragmented file , which is undetectable to the user . You can use Disk Defragmenter to place all of the parts of a file in one contiguous , or adjacent, location. This procedure, which efficiently arranges all of the files and unused space, is called optimization . Optimization makes your programs run faster and your files open more quickly. While the Disk Defragmenter works, you can use your computer to carry out other tasks ; however, your computer will operate more slowly. The Analysis display shows you the defragmentation process.

Defragment a Disk

Click the Start button, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Disk Defragmenter.

Click the drive you want to defragment.

Click Analyze, and then click Close.

Click Defragment.

To pause and resume the process, click Pause and Resume.

To stop the process, click Stop.

When it's done, click Close.

Click the Close button.