How do I run ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter?

To troubleshoot issues that occur with Windows operating systems, you can run the ScanDisk and Disk Defragmenter utilities. ScanDisk checks your hard drive for errors, while Disk Defragmenter reorganizes all the information on the disk, optimizing system performance.

Scan your hard drive for problems

To run ScanDisk:

1. Exit all programs.
2. Click Start, choose All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, and then ScanDisk.
3. Select your hard drive.
4. Click Standard.
5. Click Start.

If ScanDisk discovers any problems with your hard drive, it will report them. Fix any problems discovered. If you are unsure about fixing any specific problem, contact your computer manufacturer or Microsoft for advice.

Defragment your hard drive

The Disk Defragmenter utility can take a long time to optimize your hard drive. The amount of time required depends upon the size of the drive and the amount of fragmentation. You cannot use your computer while it is being defragmented.

To defragment your hard drive:

1. Exit all programs.
2. Click Start, choose All Programs, then Accessories, then System Tools, and then Disk Defragmenter.
3. Select your hard drive.
4. Click OK.

If you are unable to locate the ScanDisk or Disk Defragmenter programs in the System Tools folder, you can access them manually:

1. Click Start, and choose Computer or My Computer on the right side of the window that opens.
2. Right-click your C: drive.
3. Choose Properties from the shortcut menu.
4. Click the Tools tab.
5. Click Check Now to start ScanDisk, or Defragment Now to start Disk Defragmenter.