I just did a fresh re-install of Windows XP, Office 2003, all service packs and updates. Then downloaded and installed lastes versions of essential programs such as adobe, Java, Flash, Quicktime and Security software. Then imported settings and configured Outlook. I thought I should defrag the hard drive at this point (before installing all my other 3rd party programs and all my backup files) so that the Windows operating system would perform at optimal level. However, When I ran the analyzer tool it said I did not need to defrag at this time. Should I still defrag now or is it best to leave it alone and install all my 3rd party programs and backup files. Then wait until the analyzer tool reports the need to defrag.I look forward to hearing advice about this. Thanks !1 person needs an answerI do too

On 9/18/2010 10:17 PM, sjeb wrote:I just did a fresh re-install of Windows XP, Office 2003, all servicepacks and updates. Then downloaded and installed lastes versions ofessential programs such as adobe, Java, Flash, Quicktime and Securitysoftware. Then imported settings and configured Outlook. I thought Ishould defrag the hard drive at this point (before installing all myother 3rd party programs and all my backup files) so that the Windowsoperating system would perform at optimal level. However, When I ranthe analyzer tool it said I did not need to defrag at this time.Should I still defrag now or is it best to leave it alone and installall my 3rd party programs and backup files. Then wait until theanalyzer tool reports the need to defrag.I look forward to hearing advice about this. Thanks !It doesn't matter, it won't hurt or improve anything one way or the other so just do as you please, there is no need to defrag the drive so all you will lose is just a bit of your time waiting for the defrag to complete.John

The whole issue of defragmenting is still somewhat controversial. Many folks believe it is a valuable tool and needs to be done often to improve the performance.On the other side are those who feel that defragging is not only not unnecessary, but actually shortens the life of a hard drive.In the bad old days of FAT and Windows 3.x, files got fragmented quickly and with the speed of the hard drives, this caused a significant degradation of retrieving files, thus slowing the system performance. Frequent defragging was mandatory. With the arrival of NTFS, the file, however, the file system became a lot more resistant to fragmentation. This reduced the need for defragging often. With the speed of modern drives, the impact of (and need for) fragmentation has significantly been reduced.As John John has pointed out, it doesn't do any harm to defrag. I wouldn't count on the assessment of Windows in judging whether to defrag or not. If it's been a while, go for it. In your case, it's not a bad thing to do it.I actually use a program called Diskeeper that automatically detects and prevents fragmentation and also will defrag if it detects it is needed and does it when there is no demand on the CPU or hard drive. Does it do a good job? You bet. It's so transparent that you aren't even aware of it unless you check Task Manager. Is it necessary? That's open to debate. I like it and use it. Regards,Hank ArnoldMicrosoft MVPWindows Server - Directory Serviceshttp://it.toolbox.com/blogs/personal-pc-assistant/On 9/18/2010 9:17 PM, sjeb wrote:I just did a fresh re-install of Windows XP, Office 2003, all service packs and updates. Then downloaded and installed lastes versions of essential programs such as adobe, Java, Flash, Quicktime and Security software. Then imported settings and configured Outlook. I thought I should defrag the hard drive at this point (before installing all my other 3rd party programs and all my backup files) so that the Windows operating system would perform at optimal level. However, When I ran the analyzer tool it said I did not need to defrag at this time. Should I still defrag now or is it best to leave it alone and install all my 3rd party programs and backup files. Then wait until the analyzer tool reports the need to defrag.I look forward to hearing advice about this. Thanks !Regards, Hank Arnold (MVP - DS)