How To Run Check Disk and Defrag On Win2k and XP

The proper procedure when cleaning a hard drive is to run check disk then defrag.  This allows the integrity of the drive to be checked before the drive's fragmented files are defragmented. 

1.  Double click the "My Computer" icon on the desktop.

 2.  Right click the drive you wish to check and select "Properties".  Select the "Tools" tab then click the "Check Now" button.

3.  When the "Check Disk" window comes up check both boxes then click start.  When the message shown below pops up answer yes then restart the computer.  This process will take anywhere from 10 to 15 minutes to complete once the computer has been restarted.  Do not press any keys during the restart, as this will cancel the check disk operation. 

4.  After the computer has completed the check disk operation and the computer has rebooted normally repeat steps 1 and 2, but select "Defragment Now" in order to defragment the drive.

5.  This will bring up the following window.  Click the "Defragment" button to begin defragmentaton of the drive. 

If any problems arise while performing any of the tasks mentioned in this FAQ please contact Information Services for assistance.