Windows Defragment Tools
- As your computer ages, you need to keep the machine maintained in order to help it continue to run and respond well. As you download, move and delete files on your computer’s hard drive, the data files slowly become more and more fragmented. Fragmented data may cause the hard drive to respond more slowly when retrieving files, reading data and running programs. You can use defragment tools to help clean up the fragmented files on your computer and keep your computer running faster.
- Windows operating systems all include a built-in defragment tool. Depending on which operating system you use, you will be able to launch a visual defragment utility that can scan and report how defragmented your system’s hard drive is. You can also choose to allow the tool to run a full system defrag. You can find this tool in under the “Programs” option on your "Start" menu. You will need to navigate to the “Accessories” folder and choose “System Tools” to locate it.
- The Defraggler is a free downloadable tool that does not require a lot of system resources to run. Defraggler is different from the regular defrag tool because it allows you to choose what you want to defrag. You can defragment the full hard drive or choose to just defrag certain files. The program also defragments empty space on your hardrive to help prevent future file fragmentation.
- The Ultradefrag program is a free, open-source tool with many options for defragging your hard drive. You can set the program to defrag on startup to allow for defragging of registry hives and other files that are usually locked while the computer is fully in use. You can set the program to shut down upon completion for overnight defragmenting sessions. Ultradefrag also offers an optimization program that places data at the beginning of the hard drive to help your system run more stable.
- The Page Defrag tool is a Microsoft-supported tool for Windows XP, Windows Server 2003 and higher. The normal defrag utility cannot defrag files that are in use by a running computer. This leads to paging and registry file fragmentations. The Page Defrag tool can scan, report fragmentation and defragment these files. The program can also defragment log files used when your laptop goes into hibernation state.
