As files are deleted and moved around on the hard disk open spaces are created.  Then as more files are saved to the disk they are broken into parts and saved in different locations. Defragment brings all the parts of a file together and moves all the files to the front of the hard disk. It moves the empty space to the rear of the disk. This makes the computer run faster because the files are in the front of the hard disk and the files are in one piece. To run Defragment (at least every 30 days) follow these instructions:

Windows XP

1. Click on the Start button
2. Click on My Computer
3. Right click on C: drive
4. Click on Properties
5. Click on the Tools tab
6. Click on Defragment Now
7. Click on Defragment button
8. Wait, this can take as long time depending on how badly your computer is fragmented.

If you have any trouble running defragment try running it in Safe Mode as described below.

Windows 95/98/ME

1. Double click My Computer on the Desktop.
2. Right-click the C: drive.
3. Click Properties.
4. Click Tools tab.
5. Click the Defragment Now button.
6. In Windows 95 a window will pop up saying "Drive C: is X% fragmented". Click Start even if Windows says you do not have to defragment at this time. (In Windows 98 and ME Defragment will start automatically.)
7. Wait, this can take as long time depending on how badly your computer is fragmented.
8. Click Yes when you are asked if you want to quit Defragmenter.
9. Click OK.

If you have trouble defragmenting try it in Safe Mode

From time to time you may have trouble defragmenting.  If for some reason it will not finish on its own then try running Defragment in Windows Safe Mode.  Safe Mode is a trouble shooting mode of Windows which is a bare bones version.   When in Safe Mode no other software is running in the background preventing Defragment from finishing.

To start Windows in Safe Mode you have to press the F8 key before Windows starts.  It is a bit tricky to press the F8 key at just the right time; too soon and the computer will think there is something wrong with the keyboard, too late and Windows will start.  To start your computer in Safe Mode:

1. Turn on your computer
2. After the DOS commands flash on the screen keep pressing the F8 key.   Do not hold down the F8 key just repeatedly press it.
3. A Windows Start menu will appear.
4. Use the Down Arrow key to highlight Safe Mode
5. Press the Enter key
6. Wait until Windows starts in Safe Mode.  A message will pop up telling you that you are now in Safe Mode.
7. Click OK
8. Now try running Defragment following the instructions above.
9. After Defragment has finished, restart your computer to return to regular Windows mode.