how to defragg computer properly?

[bhome83]

haven't defragged in a few months and was wondering what is the best way of doing it? Should i use the defragmenter that comes with winxp professional or use speed disk that norton systemworks 2003 has? what are the difference between the two if any? also do i have to have my computer in safe mode and screensaver off to run defragmenter? just want to make sure i do it right. thought i heard that in winxp you don't have to do anything prior to defragging. just start it up that's it. is that right? thanks for any help.

[Nuclear Krusader]

You don't have to have it in safe mode, but you do need to turn off the screensaver, as everytime it starts will cause the defragmenter to restart since it is a HD access.

[bhome83]

do you know if there is a way to defragg both my C: drive and F: drive at the same time? or is there a way to have them start automatically after one another? asking this becuz was going to defrag before went to bed but will i only be able to defragg one drive and have to do the other one manuelly? thanks.

[mike breck]

If you're gaming and looking for optimal performance, then you should be defragging every one-two weeks. Not only will this keep your games smooth, each drive will defrag in a fraction of the time.

I do mine every week, and the longest defrag time for my most used drives (C: and E: for games) is five minutes.