Regularly defragging files on your hard drive is one way that you can optimize and improve the performance of your computer. The Disk Defragmenter utility in Windows 7 rearranges fragmented data so your hard disk can work more efficiently.

By default, Disk Defragmenter is scheduled to run at regular intervals when your computer is turned on. Windows 7 automatically defrags your hard disk every week, which means little to no effort is required on your part. However, what you may want to do is change the default schedule to specify a different day and time for Disk Defragmenter to run.

To change the default Disk Defragmenter schedule:

1. Click Start, All Programs, Accessories, and System Tools, and click Disk Defragmenter.
2. If prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
3. From the Disk Defragmenter dialog box, click the Modify schedule button.
4. In the Disk Defragmenter: Modify Schedule dialog box, use the drop down boxes to choose how often, what day, and at what time of the day Windows 7 should run the utility.
5. Click OK.
6. Click OK again.

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