Vista Disk DefragmenterVista Disk Defragmenter takes all of your fragmented files spread out on your hard disk and consolidates them into a contiguous file segments. This reduces hard disk search time and improves performance. The Vista Disk Defragmenter is quite a bit different from the Windows XP version. It has been streamlined significantly and for most users will be very easy to use. To get to the Disk Defragmenter utility click on the Windows (START) button and type "disk defrag" in the Search box. You'll then see the Disk Defragmenter listing as shown below.
Click on the Disk Defragmenter listing and you will be taken to the main window shown below. Here you will notice a much more streamlined application, very different from Windows XP. Looking at the window, you will notice that the default setting is "Run on a Schedule". You'll also see some information about the last time your system was defragmented and when the next one is scheduled.
If you click on the "Modify Schedule" button to the right you'll be taken to the Modify Schedule window shown below. Here you setup your defragmenting schedule. For "How Often" you have Daily, Weekly, and Monthly for choices. For "Day" you have all of the days of the week, and finally the "Time" setting.
You can also click on the "Defragment Now" button if you want to defrag right away. You'll see the message that the disk is defragmenting but you won't see the graphical interface like you did in Windows XP. Vista is all business.
If you decide that you would like to run the defragmenter manually instead of automatically, just de-select the checkmark next to "Run on a Schedule". Down at the bottom of the window click on the "Defragment Now.." button. The first thing you'll see is an analysis of the disk or disks to see if a degragmentation is even necessary.
If the analysis of the drive(s) shows that your disk(s) do not need defragmentation, then you'll see the window shown below. The message says: "Your file system performance is good. You do not need to defragment at this time."
If the analysis of the drive(s) shows that your disk(s) do need defragmentation, then the defrag process will begin and you'll see the window shown below. The message says: "Defragmenting Hard Disk (C:).. This may take from a few minutes to a few hours". The time depends on how big your hard drive is and how degragmented it is.
As a general rule, I defragment my hard drive after performing a Disk Cleanup, which is about once per week. If you are a "light" user, once per month may be enough. Return From Vista Disk Defragmenter to Windows Vista Tutorials New! CommentsHave your say about what you just read! Leave me a comment in the box below. |
