When running a system defrag in Windows XP Home Edition 2002 version with service pack 2 the thing stops and goes and seems to go on forever. I've turned off the obvious things like screensaver but I know there are other things that must have to be turned off in order for the defrag to run in a timely manner. Could someone please advise me as to what I need to shut down in order to do this? I've gone to ctrl/alt/delete and there's a lot in there. What needs to be shut down to run a timely defrag? Or better still, what needs to be left on? Thanks in advance.
2007-03-23 07:54:45 · 12 answers · asked by Mike Z 2 in Computers & Internet ➔ Other - Computers
Try starting your System in Safe Mode, and then running the defrag. Safe Mode will load just the bare minimum things to start the computer, so you won't have all kinds of other stuff running in the background and the defrag should be able to run unimpeded.
To get into Safe Mode, press the F8 key several times while the computer boots up. Then choose Safe Mode from the list of startup options. Good luck!
2007-03-23 08:00:16 · answer #1 · answered by Navigator 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Win XP home (SP-2?) I use the same.. It is best to close down any programs running in the background while doing a defrag. I don't run much in the background, it slows things down too much. Also, a defrag in XP doesn't do a very good job with Windows 'pre-fetch' being used. It is very hard to get a good contigous defrag using that program. I actually took pre-fetch out of service on my XP, I notice no difference in performance, but a very good, clean defrag...Defrag does take some time. Mine, about 3 minutes.. With the 'pre-fetch' turned on, the defrag still leaves files all over the place.. A good defrag makes files quick and easy to access, on a very contigous block of files, all right next to each other.
2007-03-23 08:11:29 · answer #2 · answered by RICH 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you are experiencing a very lengthy defrag process this is a clear sign that you have definate NEED OF the defrag---and if it's been some time since you've done this--- it may take a good while for it to complete--- the process involved in this little action is not that simple !!! So, you are going to have to rein in your ideas of the double quick easy fix and ride this roller coaster to the end--- it's for your own good and the good of the system--- once this thing is complete---don't be putting this off for half of forever and the next run will be a whole lot simpler and a whole lot quicker !!
Also, you may assist the defrag process by first running the "Disk Cleanup" utility--- this will compact a lot of files and clear a lot of "temporary" garbage and ease the defrag process considerably !!!
2007-03-23 08:09:56 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It sounds like you didn't defrag it for ages and now you're upset that it's taking so long. You're just gonna have to let it do it's work. This can take up to two days depending on your comp, the length of time it's been since your last defrag, and how much stuff you put on and take off your comp in the time between. Best I can recommend is start a regular defrag schedule after letting it take as long as it needs this first time around.
2007-03-23 08:03:29 · answer #4 · answered by gilgamesh 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The longer the time and more activity that takes place (adding programs, Windows updates, etc.), the longer it takes to defrag. Leave it running sometime when you will be away from your computer for an hour or longer.
Although it costs $$, I have found DiskKeeper to do a better/faster job of defragging! It definitely improves performance!
2007-03-23 08:21:06 · answer #5 · answered by texaskelt 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
usally when you goto ctrl alt del you get a list that has local service network sevice an the others either have your name or they say admin next to them the only 1 you really need to have on is task manager untill your finished an you need to leave the explore on but in any case if it is taking a long time it could be that it hasnt had a defrag an needs a major 1 so what i recomnd you do is disc clean up clean the cookies and then try your disc defrag good luck my friend
2007-03-23 08:02:19 · answer #6 · answered by deano d 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If it is defragmenting but is defragging as an amazingly slow rate, then just let it run, the next time you do it it should speed up, after all, that's what it's for.
2007-03-23 07:59:13 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to buy Diskeeper Pro and run it on your computer. You can download a free trial. That is about the only program out there that will actually properly defrag a WinXP drive. WinXP does not defrag it properly at all on its own.
2007-03-23 08:03:43 · answer #8 · answered by MrKnowItAll 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
http://www.pctipp.ch/downloads/dl/14146.asp
go here..download 0&O defrag...scroll down to bottom..select english version..it is free and great
or if u know about torrents
here is one of the best
disk trix ultimate defrag
http://www.mininova.org/tor/615646
0&O DEFRAG
http://www.mininova.org/tor/558875
here are some free defragers
http://www.kessels.com/JkDefrag/
http://www.auslogics.com/disk-defrag/index.php
http://iobit.com/AdvancedWindowsCarePersonal/download.htm
actually..they are all freee
one of the post above me is correct about the error checking..i would do that first.....windows defrag could take up to 72 hrs....where as disk trix would take about 1 hr to do same thing..if that long
2007-03-23 08:26:18 · answer #9 · answered by a_honky_with_skillz 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
no no no. the problem is that your hard drive has errors on it.
you must remove them first with scandisk then you can run defrag.
you cannot do anything else with your computer when either scandisk or defrag is running. i know you don't want to hear this but it could take over 24 hours to run scandisk.
set scan disk up to run in the thorough mode and to fix errors automatically.
2007-03-23 08:06:49 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋