- The hardware specifications of the computer will dictate how long the defragmentation process will take to complete. If a computer is equipped with a relatively slow processor and a minimal amount of RAM the defragmentation process will take significantly longer to complete when compared to a system equipped with a powerful CPU and generous amounts of RAM. As would be expected, a 160 gigabyte drive that is filled to capacity will take longer to defragment than a relatively empty 40 gigabyte drive. It should also be noted that a high-RPM hard disk will lower the length of time necessary to complete the defrag process.
- The amount of time that the defragmentation process takes depends upon the amount of fragmentation of the various files is on your computer. If a hard disk defragmentation program is run regularly the task will complete in a relatively short period of time.
- It is critical that no other programs be running during disk defragmentation. Should another application save a file to the hard disk during disk defragmentation the process will get interrupted and will then start all over again.
- If the disk defragmenter is being run for the first time in a long time, it is going to take many hours to complete. Defragment the hard disk a minimum of once a week to keep the computer running at optimal performance levels.
- Before running disk defragmentation use the Task Manager and terminate all processes which are not absolutely required. Antivirus programs should also be disabled during the defragmentation process as a scheduled scan might interrupt the defragmentation process. Also, a screensavers that activates during disk defragmentation will slow the process down considerably as they consume valuable computing resources.
- Microsoft Windows based systems as well as Apple Computers will require regular disk defragmentation. The Linux OS does not require disk defragmentation nor is a disk defragmentation program provided as part of a Linux install.
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