To maintain and optimize an operating system, you can access various tools within Windows. Some of these tools include hard drive defragmentation, which consolidates files for faster access, and disk error checking, which scans the hard drive for file structure errors.
Several utilities included with Windows help maintain system integrity. Two utilities that are useful tools for preventive maintenance are Disk Defragmenter and the Disk Error-Checking tool, or CHKDSK.
Disk Defragmenter
As files increase in size, some data is written to the next available cluster on the disk. In time, data becomes fragmented and spread over nonadjacent clusters on the hard drive. As a result, it takes longer to locate and retrieve each section of the data. A disk defragmenter gathers the noncontiguous data into one place, making the OS run faster. In Windows 7, the Disk Defragmenter tool, as shown in Figure 1, is automatically scheduled to run on Wednesday morning or the next time the computer is powered on.
NOTE: It is not recommended to perform Windows disk defragmentation on SSDs. SSDs are optimized by the controller and firmware they use. Determine if a hard drive is an SSD by viewing available disk drives in device manager, as shown in Figure 2.
To access the Disk Defragmenter in Windows 7, use the following path:
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
In Windows Vista, use the following path:
Start > Computer > right-click Drive x > Properties > Tools
In Windows XP, use the following path:
Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter
Disk Error-Checking Tool
The Disk Error-Checking tool checks the integrity of files and folders by scanning the hard disk surface for physical errors. If errors are detected, the tool repairs them. You can access CHKDSK through the Disk Defragmenter or by entering CHKDSK on the command line. Alternatively, you can check a drive for errors using the following steps:
Step 1. Click Start and select Computer.
Step 2. Right-click the drive to check and select Properties.
Step 3. Click the Tools tab.
Step 4. Under Error-checking, click Check Now.
Step 5. Under Check disk options, select Scan for and attempt recovery of bad sectors.
The tool fixes file system errors and checks the disk for bad sectors. It also attempts to recover data from bad sectors.
NOTE: Use the Disk Error-Checking tool at least once a month and whenever a sudden loss of power causes the system to shut down.
To maintain and optimize an operating system, you can access various tools within Windows. Some of these tools include hard drive defragmentation, which consolidates files for faster access, and disk error checking, which scans the hard drive for file structure errors.
Several utilities included with Windows help maintain system integrity. Two utilities that are useful tools for preventive maintenance are Disk Defragmenter and the Disk Error-Checking tool, or CHKDSK.