User Manual Part 5

225
Managing hard drive space
www.gateway.com
Defragmenting the hard drive
When working with files, sometimes Windows divides the file information
into pieces and stores them in different places on the hard drive. This is called
fragmentation, and it is normal. In order for the computer to use a file,
Windows must search for the pieces of the file and put them back together.
This process slows the hard drive performance.
The Disk Defragmenter program organizes the data on the drive so that each
file is stored as one unit rather than multiple pieces scattered across different
areas of the drive. Defragmenting the information stored on the drive can
improve hard drive performance.
While the Disk Defragmenter program is running, do not use your keyboard
or mouse because using them may stop and restart the defragmenting process.
Also, if you are connected to a network, log off before starting Disk
Defragmenter. Network communication may stop the defragmentation
process and cause it to start over.
To run Disk Defragmenter:
1 Double-click the My Computer icon. The My Computer window opens.
2 Right-click the hard drive that you want to defragment, then select
Properties. The System Properties dialog box opens.
HelpSpot For more information on defragmenting your hard drive,
double-click the HelpSpot icon on your desktop.
Solo9550.book Page 225 Tuesday, June 19, 2001 3:18 PM