Disk defragmentation is the process of reorganizing files on the hard drive to reduce fragmentation. When a file is stored, the operating system attempts to find space to store the file. Sometimes files are not stored as a complete unit or entity because the space allocation is not available. Therefore, the files are stored in non-contiguous units or where space is available. This process results in fragmentation, and the files may be stored in a non-sequential fashion on the hard drive. This problem occurs when the files are of a larger size or when a significant number of files exist. Fragmentation results in performance loss because the system has to search in many locations to locate a file for retrieval. The computer user will notice slower response times as a result of fragmentation.

Disk defragmentation is the process of reorganizing the files and the contents of the hard disk drive to alleviate the problems associated with fragmentation. During the defragmentation process, files are relocated. Related files are stored in spaces close to one another or alternatively, they are stored in a contiguous file. Free space is created by this process to deter further fragmentation when storing files. Since smaller files are often accessed in a sequential fashion, the files are stored together to speed the process. After the defragmentation process, the computer user should notice faster response times.

Example of How Fragmentation Occurs

A disk drive consists of five files. These five files occupy 10 blocks. The blocks represent files of varying sizes. The five files are denoted File1, File2, File3, File4, and Five5. These files are listed in sequential order. For instance, File2 is deleted by the operating system. Therefore, the space where File2 was previously located is left blank. Either the files can be shifted to assume the blank space or the space can be left blank until another file can take its place.

If the first option is employed, this process may entail shifting several hundreds to several thousands of files. This process could be time consuming and memory intensive. Therefore, the latter option of leaving the space blank is employed. When the opportunity presents itself, another file can be located in the place of the deleted file.

If a new file, File6 consisting of seven blocks in size, is introduced it can be stored in the first 7 blocks of space that was previously held by File2. Since File2 was larger in size than File6, 3 blocks of file space will remain. When another file, File7, is introduced it can occupy the remaining 3 blocks of the file’s allocated memory. If File6 expands to a larger size, the space that was previously available has been occupied by File7. Therefore, File6 must either seek space elsewhere or File6 can be moved entirely to a new location. If the first option is taken, the file will be fragmented and cause problems with response time during retrieval. However, if File6 is moved, the entire file can exist sequentially as one contiguous file in a new location. If the file is larger than one complete unit, then File6 can occupy sequential locations.

In defragmentation, the goal is to get all related files sharing contiguous or sequential locations. This decision tree process is repeatedly completed until every portion of a file is located in sequential order. At the end of the process, free disk space will remain and each file will be reorganized.

Prepare to Defragment a Personal Computer

How to Defrag a Computer

For safety purposes, it is recommended to first make a backup copy of every file on the computer’s hard drive. The saved files can be copied to a CDROM, a removable drive, such as a thumb drive, a DVD, or another hard drive.

Run a check disk scan (CHKDSK) to determine if the drive is in full operational order. Fix any problems that are discovered during the scan. The CHKDSK scan can be found by opening the My Computer Menu. Select the disk that the user desires to scan. Under the File menu, select Properties. The Properties Menu will display the Tools tab, under the Error-Checking option. Select Check Now. An option for Check Disk will appear. Select the box marked “Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.“ The results will be displayed on the screen. Choose Repair, if repairs are needed.

Make sure that all active programs are closed before beginning the disk defragment process. A power outage during the defragmentation process may corrupt the operating system or cause the hard drive to crash. Therefore, make certain the computer has an adequate source of power during the process.

How to Defragment a Personal Computer

Locate the defragmentation program on the personal computer:

1. Go to the Start Menu.
2. Scroll and select the Programs Icon.
3. Locate the Accessories Menu. Double click to expand the menu.
4. Locate the Systems Tools Menu. Double click to expand the menu.
5. Double Click on the Disk Defragmentation Icon

Before the user begins the Disk Deframentation process, analyze the hard drive. The user can do this by clicking the Analyze button in the Disk Defragmentation program’s environment. After the analyzing process is complete, the user will receive a recommendation. The recommendation will instruct the user to complete the defragmentation process or not. If the disk does not need defragmentation, then close the program. If the disk does need defragmentation, then follow the instructions on the screen.

Select the Defragment button. The defragmentation process will begin. The time will vary depending upon the number of files that have to be shifted and relocated. If the process is completed on a regular basis, it may only take 30 minutes to an hour. However, the process may take longer, if it is not a regularly scheduled maintenance. When the process is complete, close the window.

The user should experience a remarkable difference in the response time of the computer. The process should become a part of the user’s regularly scheduled maintenance to assure the computer operates at its optimal performance levels.

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