what i mean is; i have never defragged before. do i have to back up all my files and stuff? is there ANY chance i could lose anything? thanks!!
2007-01-21 14:30:36 · 16 answers · asked by poof 1 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
As many have said, don't worry about defragging. BUT, just a little piece of advice; don't do it on a stormy day when there's a possibility of a power outage, no matter how brief. In the process of defragging, a power loss can definitely mess up your FAT (file allocation table), and possibly necessitate a complete reformat of the system. Other than that, though, just go ahead and do it.
2007-01-21 15:19:13 · answer #1 · answered by Jolly 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
After a defrag your system will be more responsive. Ideally you should have a defrag program running all the time or at least scheduled to automatically defrag on a regular basis, i.e. every Sunday at 3:am etc.
As you use your system files become scattered across the hard drive which makes retrieval slower when you wish to use a program. Defragging doesn't require a backup of your system but if you are afraid of problems...do a back up...this should actually be a part of your maintenance as well and if you are a frequent user of programs that carry important or irreplaceable data, backups to a CD-R, DVD-R/RW are preferrable. In the event of a crash or loss of file useage, you always have a retrievable copy. Some people, myself included, keep documents that if lost due to a crash, fire or breakin (theft), and it is almost imperative in that case to have a back up which is located off site (a relatives home, office, etc) so that it is always an accessible option...you may never need it but if you have it you are "insured". If you don't use the system for important information...this type of backup safety net isn't necessary but the system should still have a backup done at least monthly.
Deep scan viral/adware/spyware runs are also very much an important task as well...this is done through the safe mode (F8) and if there is anything on your system, this should locate and irradicate it. Have a few really good programs to work with in these categories and you'll find your system working very well for the most part.
Good luck...
2007-01-21 14:45:40 · answer #2 · answered by dustiiart 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Don't be worried
Defrag is good
It places all your files together and towards the front of the Harddrive
so that your system doesn't have to work as hard to find the same files
Notice the graph in the defrag window
the blue and the red is all over the place
Defrag puts these all together
RUN DEFRAG Overnight IT WILL TAKE SOME TIME and can get real boring just sitting there watching it.
2007-01-21 14:47:59 · answer #3 · answered by Çlïgér4™ ♂ 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, don't be worried at all. Defragging will only help your computer.
The best way to describe Defragmenting is to think of your computer's files as a series of bricks that make up a brick wall, and as you move and delete files the wall has holes and gaps in it, and when you defragment it, it goes back through and fills the holes and gaps, so your brick wall works efficiently again.
2007-01-21 14:36:23 · answer #4 · answered by Ashley R 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
LOL!!! Sorry, but i had to laugh there. No, dont be scared to defrag and dont backup you wont lose anything. Defragging a computer is a way for it to index its files so everything starts up and runs faster and mor efficently. Takes up to 3 hours sometimes though so you cant be doing anything on it. Hope this helped and have fun! =)
2007-01-21 14:34:03 · answer #5 · answered by Zezima 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No don`t be afraid or scared to de-frag your computer. And you don`t have to back up any of your file`s when you de-frag a computer. All it does is find all the fragment`s of your file`s and put`s them back together and make`s your computer run faster. de-fragment of your computer is good for it I de-frag my computer every week rather it need`s it or not you can never de-frag your computer to much.
2007-01-21 14:54:44 · answer #6 · answered by timothy b 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
don't fear the defrag! i've had Macs and PCs since 1990 and have defragged millions of times and never lost A THING! So go to it!
2007-01-21 14:37:20 · answer #7 · answered by Cleo V 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
it's healthy for your computer to de-frag, it makes your computer run faster and more efficent.
You don't have to worry about backing up before hand, but speaking from experince you may want to back up if you haven't done so in a while. It really sucks to lose everything.
2007-01-21 14:39:21 · answer #8 · answered by Fishgc 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
you should REGULARY back up your data, because there is ALWAYS a possibility to loose data, not just when you defrag.
having said that, you should also regulary defrag, how often depends on how much downloading/deleting stuff on your PC. i never lost data while defraging, it is pretty save procedure. but like i've said, if you have something of great importance on your PC that you haven't backed up recently - do it now. not because you're going to defrag, but because its THAT important.
2007-01-21 14:38:47 · answer #9 · answered by flamey 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
No, you shouldn't be afraid to defrag. It needs to be done because it will help your computer run a little faster.
2007-01-21 14:35:13 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋