The document discusses how to defragment a hard drive or USB drive to improve computer performance. It explains that over time, as files are saved in different locations on the drive, fragmentation occurs which slows access speeds. The defragmentation process organizes all parts of files together to improve access times. It provides steps to prepare by backing up files and checking disk health, and then guides on using Windows tools to select the drive and start the defragmentation process.

1. Locate equipment,Locate equipment,
system and softwaresystem and software
faults:faults:
DefragmentationDefragmentation

2. The Windows operating system places files andThe Windows operating system places files and
programs on a hard drive where there is space.programs on a hard drive where there is space.
One file may not necessarily be placed in oneOne file may not necessarily be placed in one
physical place.physical place.
Over time, a hard drive can becomeOver time, a hard drive can become
fragmented (or scattered) with hundreds of filesfragmented (or scattered) with hundreds of files
broken up in many locations across the drive.broken up in many locations across the drive.

3. As a result, this can slow down the computer’sAs a result, this can slow down the computer’s
response time because it takes longer for it toresponse time because it takes longer for it to
access information.access information.
Therefore, if your computer’s response time isTherefore, if your computer’s response time is
slower than usual, a simpleslower than usual, a simple defragmentationdefragmentation
process may help counter this fault.process may help counter this fault.

4. What isWhat is
defragmentation?defragmentation?
It is a process that reduces the amount ofIt is a process that reduces the amount of
fragmentationfragmentation in file systems.in file systems.
It is achieved by physically organising theIt is achieved by physically organising the
contents of the disk to store pieces of each filecontents of the disk to store pieces of each file
close together and contiguously.close together and contiguously.

5. What isWhat is
defragmentation?defragmentation?
The process of defragmentation places all partsThe process of defragmentation places all parts
of a file together in the same place on the drive.of a file together in the same place on the drive.
It organises all directories and files according toIt organises all directories and files according to
how you use the computer.how you use the computer.
After this process is complete, your computerAfter this process is complete, your computer
will most likely run faster.will most likely run faster.

6. Preparing for the defragPreparing for the defrag
1.1. Ensure your work is backed up to anotherEnsure your work is backed up to another
mediamedia
•
Copy or backup all work files, photos, email, etc. to another hard drive,Copy or backup all work files, photos, email, etc. to another hard drive,
CD-ROM, DVD or other type of media.CD-ROM, DVD or other type of media.

7. Preparing for the defragPreparing for the defrag
2.2. Make sure the hard drive is healthyMake sure the hard drive is healthy
•
Use CHKDSK to scan and fix the drive.Use CHKDSK to scan and fix the drive.

8. Preparing for the defragPreparing for the defrag
3.3. Close all programs currently open.Close all programs currently open.

9. The defrag processThe defrag process
Locate the hard drive or removable device thatLocate the hard drive or removable device that
you wish to defrag. In this scenario we will beyou wish to defrag. In this scenario we will be
defragging a USB drive.defragging a USB drive.

11. The defrag processThe defrag process
Right-click the device or hard drive and clickRight-click the device or hard drive and click
“Properties”“Properties”

13. The defrag processThe defrag process
A new window will open, displaying the capacityA new window will open, displaying the capacity
of your hard drive or device.of your hard drive or device.

15. The defrag processThe defrag process
Click the “Tools” tab and click “DefragmentClick the “Tools” tab and click “Defragment
Now...” from the Defragmentation section.Now...” from the Defragmentation section.

17. The defrag processThe defrag process
A new window will open, displaying the volumesA new window will open, displaying the volumes
you may defragment.you may defragment.
Click the device or hard drive you wish toClick the device or hard drive you wish to
defrag, and click the “Defragment” buttondefrag, and click the “Defragment” button
toward the bottom of the screen.toward the bottom of the screen.

19. The defrag processThe defrag process
Once you click “Defragment”, a representationOnce you click “Defragment”, a representation
of your fragmented files will appear, and theof your fragmented files will appear, and the
Defragmenter will begin defragging.Defragmenter will begin defragging.

23. The defrag processThe defrag process
When the defragment is finished, a newWhen the defragment is finished, a new
window will open asking you to view the reportwindow will open asking you to view the report
of the defragment.of the defragment.

25. The defrag processThe defrag process
When you click “View Report” a report of theWhen you click “View Report” a report of the
defragment will appear with information of thedefragment will appear with information of the
fragmentation.fragmentation.

28. Congratulations! You have successfullyCongratulations! You have successfully
defragmented your own hard drive/device.defragmented your own hard drive/device.
Remember to do this on a regular basis toRemember to do this on a regular basis to
improve its speed and performance.improve its speed and performance.

29. By Zara SirboughBy Zara Sirbough