The #1 way to boost your Windows XP performance

Data is stored on your hard drive in chunks. For your hard drive to perform it’s best, these chunks should line up likes links in a chain. Adding and removing files to your hard disk breaks up these chunks into many small chains.

In order for your system to perform optimally, you should periodically run disk defagment software. This software will rearrange the files on your disk, eliminating the fragments.

Windows includes disk defragment software. It is built into the Computer Management snap-in. To access the snap-in perform the following:

1. Open the Control Panel (Start->Control Panel)
2. Double-Click the Administrative Tools folder
3. Double-Click the Computer Management snap-in

You should see a display something like this:

On the left hand side of the Window, select Disk Defragmenter. This will display a list of fixed drives with buttons for Analyze and Defragment. Select a drive and click Analyze.

As you can see, I have some fragmented files. When the analysis is finished, the software will recommend the next step. In this case I’ll have to run Defragment. Click the Defragment button and go get something to eat. Depending on how fragmented your drive is, this could run for a few hours.

For even better performance, invest in a commerical defragmenter like Diskkeeper, it offers enhanced functionality.