Computer question: defrag

tccox

My computer has started slowing down and I want to defrag. What steps do I take to get there? Thanks, Tom

iluvguns

start button...all programs...accessories...system tools..disc defragment...

Do it at night or when you won't be using your computer for a while, because if it is badly fragmented, and your drive is fairly large, it will take a WHILE to finish. I set mine to do it once a week in the middle of the night.

BTW...the above works for windows XP...should be similar in other versions though.

harleyrider

Start, then programs, then system tools, if there is a scan disc, do it first then go thru the same steps and then defrag.
Hope this helps
Tom

rider

Just a suggestion....delete all your temporary Internet Files and cookies before beginning. It will speed up the process considerably. [:)][:)]

rider

Colt Super

That's how I do it.

D.

n/a

Also do a disk cleanup before you defrag![;)]

tccox

Thanks to you all. I have defraged but it did not speed me up. I think I will reset to an earlier date and see if that helps. Thanks again. Tom

LKB3rd

Every now and again a complete format and reinstall of windows is necessary. Back up all of your stuff (a usb external hard drive works well for this), and insert your windows cd, reboot, and follow the prompts to format and reinstall windows. You may have to go into the bios (usually it is done by hitting delete at a certain point during bootup, but some bios's are different). look around for bootup options, and make sure "boot from cd" is listed first. I do it once every year or so, and it keeps everything running smooth.
IUf you don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, any of the rent a geek services could do it for you, but it isn't too too hard if you are able to follow prompts carefully, and know where to find and back up the stuff you can't re-download or install again.