Defragmentation

In the context of administering computer systems, defragmentation is a process that reduces the amount of fragmentation in file systems. It does this by physically reorganizing the contents of the disk to store the pieces of each file close together and contiguously. It also attempts to create larger regions of free space using compaction to impede the return of fragmentation. Some defragmenters also try to keep smaller files within a single directory together, as they are often accessed in sequence.

how to defragment
Launch the Defragmenter Tool, either via ........
Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools ........
......... or by double-clicking My Computer, right-clicking any hard disk drive, clicking Properties ......
.......... and selecting the Tools tab.
The resulting display will list your hard disk drives, showing the capacity and amount of free space for each.
Select the drive you want to defragment and click Analyse.
The drive is scanned and a visual representation of the degree to which it is fragmented displayed.
Depending on the the results of the analysis, you will be advised as to whether of not the volume should be defragmented.
Even if it's not strictly necessary, you can choose to Defragment.
The length of time the defragmentation takes will depend on the size of the drive, the degree to which it's fragmented and the amount of free space it has. Be prepared to to allow it to run for several hours, if necessary.
The dialogue box will indicate when the process is complete .............
.......... and give a visual representation of the now defragmented drive.
Click View Report ...........
........... to see a defragmentation report.