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Correct Order to Run: Chkdsk, Clean, Defrag - Or?

by NorthBeachnik | December 21, 2007 1:15 PM PST

Here's a real newbie question from someone who's been computing for 20 years. For some reason tonight I can't remember the correct order for running chkdsk (check disk), cleaning the drive, and defragging. I'm helping a friend to get started with maintenance on a relatively new laptop running XP SP2.

Thanks and Happy Holidays whatever you celebrate!

Alex

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Just think of what makes sense
by Steven Haninger | December 22, 2007 2:37 AM PST

What does chkdsk do? Well, nothing unless you add an option such as /f
What does cleanup do? Gets the junk off your PC
What does defrag do? Does some mysterious realignment and organization of data that's supposed to improve disk performance as well as refresh the magnetic media.

Would you want to defrag all the unneeded crap on your PC and then delete it? Don't think so. That junk slows down the whole defrag process and deleting it later fragments the drive.

I'm not sure how often Chkdsk /f is worthwhile doing. Maybe in the event of unexplained problems with the drive. My two cents. Hope it sounds logical. Happy

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I Clean Up, Defrag, Then Chkdsk, Although...
by Grif Thomas Forum moderator | December 23, 2007 8:39 AM PST

...I only run Error Checking/Chkdsk about every 3 or 4 months, primarily to identify/fix any minor errors/sectors on the drive.

Hope this helps.

Grif

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Clean then defrag...check disk whenever or on schedule
by Dango517 | December 23, 2007 1:30 PM PST

If you clean first the time needed to do the defragmentation is less.

Check disks whenever is appears to be a problem or on a schedule, maybe every two weeks, it really depends on usage. I think it is better to go by hours this is more accurate and flexible then days or weeks. In this case every 80 hours. (Bring on the debate. For those of you that don't know there is some controversy and disagreement round these procedures)

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