Defragging can be kind of a lengthy task. Try minimizing this by doing a little “prep” work:

Delete Unneeded Files

1. Get rid of Compressed files (zip, etc..)
Do you have a folder where you download program installation files? They are probably large files over 10mb, that ends with msi or zip. You most likely don’t need them, especially if you are already organized enough to already have your software serial numbers, etc., in a list or database. You could then, later if you need, connect to the company website and re-download that registered file. Why keep it on your drive? They have a big enough hard drive to keep it :)

(I once downloaded Google Earth for the fun of it, and had installed it.. but I had also noticed that I kept the installation file on the drive - over 11 MB )

2. Audio Files -

Do you download audio clips of tele-seminars that you’ve never listened to?

Then Delete them before defragmenting, unless you want to listen to it first. But if you do, maybe you want to take notes in your word processor so that you not only definitely have the green light to delete, but you can actually implement a new marketing tip that it been sitting there unheard in that audio interview)
3.Browser files and Email files
- In I.E. or Firefox, delete cached files.

- In your Email, use a “compress” option if it has one.

Also, delete your Trash folder (first back it up if want to keep it - if you use Outlook, check the Backup Page)

4.Empty your Recycle Bin

If at this point, you deleted several files but you didn’t use Shift-Del, than these files are still there, as you probably know with at least a basic knowledge of Windows. So find that recycle bin icon and select “Empty” from right click menu.

Other

5. Disable virus-protectors, or other tsr (terminate and stay resident) utilities that you would normally see on your system tray.

I simply turn off the modem, so that I’m not open to anything, while the resident anti-virus programs or zonealarm are inactive.
I personally don’t like all of these utility software programs alive in memory that are constantly monitoring hard drive activity, while defragging is going on.

Start defragging.

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