How to Defrag Your Disk Volumes in Windows XP-edited

People who own a computer must be aware of the fact that Disk Defragmentation is just part of the essential computer maintenance tasks. This is essential because, theoretically, it could improve the performance of a particular PC. This article describes how to defragment your disk drive volumes as well as describes the limitations of using Disk Defragmenter Microsoft Management Console (MMC) that is included with Windows XP.

Microsoft Management Console (MMC) is a component of Windows 2000 and its successors provide system administrators as well as provide advanced users interface for configuring and monitoring system.

Disk Defragmenter MMC is the free utility that comes installed with Windows XP. Because it does not require downloading and installation of a separate defragmenting program, it is convenient and adequate for most XP users. It is also based on the full retail version of Executive Software Diskeeper. The version that is included with Windows XP and later provides limited functionality in maintaining disk performance by defragmenting volumes that use the FAT, FAT32 and NTFS file system.

To start Disk Defragmenter MMC, use one of the methods that is described in this article.

Method 1: Use the Properties of Your Local Disk

1. Open My Computer
2. Right click the local disk volume that you want to defragment, and then click Properties.
3. On the Tools tab, click Defragment Now.
4. Click Defragment Now.

Method 2: Use Computer Management MMC

1. Start Computer Management MMC (Compmgmt.msc).
2. Click Disk Defragmenter.
3. Click the volume that you want to defragment and then click Defragment.

Method 3: Use Disk Defragmenter MMC

1. Start Disk Defragmenter MMC (Dfrg.msc).
2. Click the volume that you want to defragment and then click Defragment.

The version of Disk Defragmenter MMC that is included with Windows XP has the following limitations:

• It can defragment only any local volumes of disk.
• It can defragment only one volume at a time.
• It can’t defragment one volume while it is scanning other.
• It can’t be scheduled. If you need to schedule disk defragmentation, use the Defrag.exe command line tool.
• It can run only one MMC snap-in at a time.

The third party products that are discussed in this article are manufactured by companies that are independent of Microsoft. Microsoft makes no implied warranty regarding the performance and reliability of these third party products.