Defragmenter will put files and folders back into continuous units. This will improve hard disk performance. Even if your system does an automatic defrag using the Scheduler, we recommend a manual defragmentation at least once or twice a week. When Disk Defragmenter is run on the Scheduler, Windows samples the drive first, and only runs if fragmentation is high on that sample (which may not accurately reflect how fragmented the rest of the drive is). Running Defrag manually will remove all fragmentation without relying on a sample, thus ensuring a proper defrag.

First, close AOL and any other TPA programs you may be running.

Then, be sure that NO PROGRAMS ARE RUNNING except Explorer and Systray.  If you aren't sure what programs might be running, press CTRL + ALT + DEL ONE time, and look at the task list. If there is a program running, highlight it, then click on End Task.

Instructions for Windows 95/98/ME

1. Click the Start button on the Windows taskbar.
2. Select Run.
3. Type in the word DEFRAG.
4. You will then be asked to select a drive, select your hard drive, usually C: , then click OK.
5. You might get a message saying you do not need to defrag your computer at this time...do it anyway!  Click Start.  Potentially, this could take a little while so kick back and relax!  :)

Instructions for Windows 2000/XP

1. On your Taskbar, click the START button, then click All Programs , then Accessories, then System Tools, then Disk Defragmenter icon.
2. Under the category "Volume" select your C: drive, then click on Defragment.  :)

When Defragmenter is complete, reboot your computer.

When you are online a lot, you should run the Disk Defragmenter every 2-3 days. This will not harm your computer in any way.