dellxps420
banned
whats the best defrag software does this clean up your pc makes it pretty quicker ? thanks.
best defrag software
- Thread starter dellxps420
- Start date
Okedokey
Well-Known Member
gamblingman
VIP Member
I prefer Defraggler from Piriform.
Defraggler
But, defragging is not the only step to maintenance, or even the first step. If you're just asking about a program then OK. However, there is a process to making a computer faster and a defrag alone will not necessarily make your computer "faster".
Defraggler
But, defragging is not the only step to maintenance, or even the first step. If you're just asking about a program then OK. However, there is a process to making a computer faster and a defrag alone will not necessarily make your computer "faster".
jamesd1981
Active Member
my first choice would be as above piriform defraggler and also iobit smart defrag
dellxps420
banned
can you tell me more please about making my computer faster cleaner and maintaining it.
gamblingman
VIP Member
When someone asks me to "make their computer faster", I do a lot of things and you may not know how to use some of the tools I reference below.
Some people may believe my process overkill, but this is what I do. I also take meticulous notes throughout this process of the date I worked on the system, anything unusual, when I begun the cleaning, when I finished, how long each process took. I prefer to use a xx/xx/xxxx date format and a 24-hour time format for my records.
To Begin:
1. Unplug the computer and all accessories, then press and hold any and all the power buttons for at least 6 seconds. This is to dissipate any residual electrictal charge.
2. Open the case and clean all the dirt/dust/grime off the computer case, fans, heat-sinks, connector ports, case exterior, accessories, and whatever stand/furniture the computer sits on or under. I use lint free rags, compressed air, pipe cleaners, q-tips, water and also alcohol. Now is also a good time to vacuum and take out the trash! (LOL)
3. I check and secure all: cable connections, cards (RAM, Video, Audio, etc...), power plug-ins to the computer, monitor, surge-protector/UPS, and to the wall, check all cable/Ethernet/LAN/phone-line cables/cords.
4. Before going any further, I turn on the computer to check and record vital statistics such as:
5. Update OR install, then run HWMonitor, Malwarebytes AntiMalware, SuperAntispyware, and HiJackThis to check for infection(s). I also update their Anti-Virus and empty the virus vault (if needed). I do not proceed to step 6 until I have removed all infections.
6. Schedule CheckDisk to run the next time I boot the computer. Then restart the computer. I pay attention to whether or not CheckDisk finds anything wrong, if anything bad is found I run CheckDisk again.
7. Then uninstall all programs unneeded/unwanted/or just not used in a long time. I also check for updates and install any found for: Java, Adobe, Office, DivX, all browsers and the add-ons, Windows, and also any applications which may require periodic updating. I also organize the desktop and delete unneeded/unwanted folders/files/shortcuts.
8. Run CCleaner's "Cleaner" function.
9. Go through msconfig and disable all startups/services unneded or unwanted. Then if needed I go to services.msc to stop processes from the ability to run.
10. I then restart and run a defrag on all hard drives (as I said before I use Defraggler), one at a time beginning with the hard drive used most, EXCEPT for flash memory types. Do not defrag a flash memory type hard drive or a flash drive, doing so can shorten their longevity. Note that you need 15% free space on the hard drive for the defrag program to work
11. I then Restart and let the computer idle for about 30 minutes while monitoring ProcessExplorer and HWMonitor to watch for anything out of the ordinary.
Then I am done cleaning.
- Please do not use these tools/utilities if you lack the knowledge of how to use them properly.
Some people may believe my process overkill, but this is what I do. I also take meticulous notes throughout this process of the date I worked on the system, anything unusual, when I begun the cleaning, when I finished, how long each process took. I prefer to use a xx/xx/xxxx date format and a 24-hour time format for my records.
To Begin:
1. Unplug the computer and all accessories, then press and hold any and all the power buttons for at least 6 seconds. This is to dissipate any residual electrictal charge.
2. Open the case and clean all the dirt/dust/grime off the computer case, fans, heat-sinks, connector ports, case exterior, accessories, and whatever stand/furniture the computer sits on or under. I use lint free rags, compressed air, pipe cleaners, q-tips, water and also alcohol. Now is also a good time to vacuum and take out the trash! (LOL)
3. I check and secure all: cable connections, cards (RAM, Video, Audio, etc...), power plug-ins to the computer, monitor, surge-protector/UPS, and to the wall, check all cable/Ethernet/LAN/phone-line cables/cords.
4. Before going any further, I turn on the computer to check and record vital statistics such as:
- CPU speed/number of cores/type
- RAM amount and type
- Hard Drive size/type/brand/model/free space
- I check event logs for anything catastrophic which may have occurred recently
- I also look through Device Manager for any driver/hardware issues
5. Update OR install, then run HWMonitor, Malwarebytes AntiMalware, SuperAntispyware, and HiJackThis to check for infection(s). I also update their Anti-Virus and empty the virus vault (if needed). I do not proceed to step 6 until I have removed all infections.
6. Schedule CheckDisk to run the next time I boot the computer. Then restart the computer. I pay attention to whether or not CheckDisk finds anything wrong, if anything bad is found I run CheckDisk again.
7. Then uninstall all programs unneeded/unwanted/or just not used in a long time. I also check for updates and install any found for: Java, Adobe, Office, DivX, all browsers and the add-ons, Windows, and also any applications which may require periodic updating. I also organize the desktop and delete unneeded/unwanted folders/files/shortcuts.
8. Run CCleaner's "Cleaner" function.
9. Go through msconfig and disable all startups/services unneded or unwanted. Then if needed I go to services.msc to stop processes from the ability to run.
10. I then restart and run a defrag on all hard drives (as I said before I use Defraggler), one at a time beginning with the hard drive used most, EXCEPT for flash memory types. Do not defrag a flash memory type hard drive or a flash drive, doing so can shorten their longevity. Note that you need 15% free space on the hard drive for the defrag program to work
11. I then Restart and let the computer idle for about 30 minutes while monitoring ProcessExplorer and HWMonitor to watch for anything out of the ordinary.
Then I am done cleaning.
Last edited:
gamblingman
VIP Member
Yes, I like Defraggler also, it is efficient.
But I dont know where you heard that you have to defrag 3 times. There is no need to it 3 times consecutively. When to defrag is basically dependent on how often files are moved/downloaded/installed/uninstalled/deleted/etc...
Do an analysis of the hard drive to see if a defrag is needed, anymore than necessary will just be unnecessary wear and tear on your system.
Last edited:
johnnyludlow
New Member
The best defraggers are fully automatic and actually defragment as soon as fragmentation occurs.
Bill R TechSpec
New Member
What's The Best Defragmenter and Maintenance Routine
I agree with gamblingman as far as defrag not being the first thing to do.
I also have a very thorough routine that has proven very successful at optimizing a PC with minimal expense ("Optimize a PC" means to make it run as well as it can. It would involve actions to maximize its performance so it is as fast as possible and stably runs like it should):
0. Ensure the Hard Disc Drive is not damaged or faulty.
Solution - Run CheckDisk:
a. Start> Computer >select C Drive>Right Click C Drive>select "Properties">"Tools" > click "Check Now"> Select both boxes and click "Start".
b. This can take a long time, so let it complete (may take all night or longer. Be patient.)
1. Ensure your PC has as much memory (RAM) as possible.
a. Use the RAM Configurator linked below to see what RAM your PC uses and the max it will support.
b. Get the maximum amount of memory your computer can hold and install it (the configurator has directions on how to install it).
RAM Config: http://www.crucial.com/?cpe=pd_msn_us&ef_id=-iNN3nqIjU4AAE2a:20110707180520:s
2. Ensure the PC is protected.
Solution - Update existing Anti-Malware software or install if there are none.
a. Open the Anti-Virus program and update it;
b. Open the Anti-Spyware program and update it;
e. If no Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware, get good programs (If getting another AV program, remove the old one before installing the replacement one).
Here are some sources for Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus programs if needed:
MalWare Bytes: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
SuperAntiSpyware: http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html
AVG AntiVirus: http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2011/3000-2239_4-10320142.html
3. Remove Malware from your PC
Solution - Run the Antivrus and then the Antispyware scans (can take a while if never done. Be patient):
a. Scan the whole system with the Anti-Virus;
b. Scan the whole system with the* Anti-Spyware;
c. Follow recommendations with anything found.
4. Next, ensure the Registry is clean.
Solution: Get and run a good registry cleaner.
a. Check to see if there is a registry cleaner already on the system;
b. if none, get CCleaner here: http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/
c. Run the Registry cleaner till it finds and corrects all errors.
d. Run the "Cleaner" to analyze the disk and see what it finds to delete and then delete the files that are not needed (most of the files it finds are unneeded, but look through the categories to be safe).
e. In CCleaner, under "Tools", go to "Start Up" and look over the programs that start up on your PC. You may see a lot of programs that simply do not need to start up when you first boot up your PC. Disable these and leave only the essential ones (if not sure, note down the program name and then try to open it up via Start-> All Programs. If not essential, disable them). These are big "RAM Eaters" and many times are not needed at start up -- if you do need to use them, you can start them up as needed.
5. Defragment the drive.
As for your original question:
Here I agree with johnnyludlow that the best ones are "fully automatic and actually defragment as soon as fragmentation occurs". And according to Top 10 Reviews, that would be Diskeeper, hands down. You can see why in this Top 10 Reviews side-by-side comparison of the best defrag programs around:
http://disk-defragmenter-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
The top placers are all automatic and offer various levels of transparency. Diskeeper won because it was undetectable during defrag while the PC was being used (with programs running in the background) and it also prevents most fragmentation before it occurs.
Check out the review for all the details and get a free trial of whichever one appeals to you so you can see what it does on your system.
Good luck to you!
Bill R TechSpec
...
I agree with gamblingman as far as defrag not being the first thing to do.
I also have a very thorough routine that has proven very successful at optimizing a PC with minimal expense ("Optimize a PC" means to make it run as well as it can. It would involve actions to maximize its performance so it is as fast as possible and stably runs like it should):
0. Ensure the Hard Disc Drive is not damaged or faulty.
Solution - Run CheckDisk:
a. Start> Computer >select C Drive>Right Click C Drive>select "Properties">"Tools" > click "Check Now"> Select both boxes and click "Start".
b. This can take a long time, so let it complete (may take all night or longer. Be patient.)
1. Ensure your PC has as much memory (RAM) as possible.
a. Use the RAM Configurator linked below to see what RAM your PC uses and the max it will support.
b. Get the maximum amount of memory your computer can hold and install it (the configurator has directions on how to install it).
RAM Config: http://www.crucial.com/?cpe=pd_msn_us&ef_id=-iNN3nqIjU4AAE2a:20110707180520:s
2. Ensure the PC is protected.
Solution - Update existing Anti-Malware software or install if there are none.
a. Open the Anti-Virus program and update it;
b. Open the Anti-Spyware program and update it;
e. If no Anti-Virus or Anti-Spyware, get good programs (If getting another AV program, remove the old one before installing the replacement one).
Here are some sources for Anti-Malware and Anti-Virus programs if needed:
MalWare Bytes: http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html
SuperAntiSpyware: http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html
AVG AntiVirus: http://download.cnet.com/AVG-Anti-Virus-Free-Edition-2011/3000-2239_4-10320142.html
3. Remove Malware from your PC
Solution - Run the Antivrus and then the Antispyware scans (can take a while if never done. Be patient):
a. Scan the whole system with the Anti-Virus;
b. Scan the whole system with the* Anti-Spyware;
c. Follow recommendations with anything found.
4. Next, ensure the Registry is clean.
Solution: Get and run a good registry cleaner.
a. Check to see if there is a registry cleaner already on the system;
b. if none, get CCleaner here: http://download.cnet.com/ccleaner/
c. Run the Registry cleaner till it finds and corrects all errors.
d. Run the "Cleaner" to analyze the disk and see what it finds to delete and then delete the files that are not needed (most of the files it finds are unneeded, but look through the categories to be safe).
e. In CCleaner, under "Tools", go to "Start Up" and look over the programs that start up on your PC. You may see a lot of programs that simply do not need to start up when you first boot up your PC. Disable these and leave only the essential ones (if not sure, note down the program name and then try to open it up via Start-> All Programs. If not essential, disable them). These are big "RAM Eaters" and many times are not needed at start up -- if you do need to use them, you can start them up as needed.
5. Defragment the drive.
As for your original question:
Here I agree with johnnyludlow that the best ones are "fully automatic and actually defragment as soon as fragmentation occurs". And according to Top 10 Reviews, that would be Diskeeper, hands down. You can see why in this Top 10 Reviews side-by-side comparison of the best defrag programs around:
http://disk-defragmenter-software-review.toptenreviews.com/
The top placers are all automatic and offer various levels of transparency. Diskeeper won because it was undetectable during defrag while the PC was being used (with programs running in the background) and it also prevents most fragmentation before it occurs.
Check out the review for all the details and get a free trial of whichever one appeals to you so you can see what it does on your system.
Good luck to you!
Bill R TechSpec
...
Thanks for bumping a thread from February....