Getting defrag running.

When you cannot get defrag to complete, because it keeps restarting, there are some steps you can take to make sure that defrag completes the task as quickly and efficiently as possible.  The most common cause for the Windows defragmenter to keep restarting, is some other program or process interrupting it - it must have uninterrupted access to the hard drive, otherwise there is a danger of data loss.  To help ensure that defrag is not interrupted, and that it does not have to defragment unnecessary files on your hard drive, carry out the following steps:

• Empty your temporary internet files.  For Internet Explorer users, close your browser and empty the cache from Control Panel / Internet Options.  Be sure to check the box to include 'All offline content'.  This deletes any sub folders from the Temporary Internet Files\Content.IE5 folder.
  
  Netscape or Mozilla users, choose 'Edit / Preferences / Advanced / Cache ... Clear Cache'.
  
  
• Download the 32bit version of defrag that comes with Windows ME, if you use Windows 95, 98 or 98SE.  It is fully compatible and far faster than the 9x version.  Rename your original defrag.exe and place the new version in the Windows folder.
  
  
• Disable Windows power management, any screensavers and your antivirus program.
  
  
• Delete the contents of the 'applog' folder in the Windows directory.
  
  
• Reboot and enter the BIOS.  Check your motherboard manual for help on how to enter your BIOS.  If you don't have a manual, try this page.  Turn off power management and virus checking.  Exit the BIOS and save your changes.  Immediately on re-entering Windows delete the contents of your Windows\Temp folder - the location of the temp folder may change from system to system.
  
  
• Empty your recycle bin.  Also empty the Norton Protected Recycle bin, if you have it installed.
  
  
• Cable Modem.  If you are using a cable modem, turn it off.
  
  
• Close all running programs except for Explorer and Systray, then run defrag.  Before you click OK, uncheck the option to 'Rearrange my programs' in 'Settings'.
  
  
• Do not touch the PC whilst defrag is running, not even to open an Explorer window - just leave it to get on with the job.
  
  
• If you still have problems with defrag restarting, see my page on system maintenance, follow the clean-up suggestions, and then try defrag again in Safe Mode.
  
  

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