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Thread ID: 48547	2004-08-26 06:08:00	FAQ #34 - Why does scandisk/defrag stop after only 10%?	-FAQ- (807)	Press F1

Post ID	Timestamp	Content	User
265413	2004-08-26 06:08:00	FAQ #34 - Why does scandisk/defrag stop after only 10%? The contents of this FAQ were contributed by: Chilling Silence, Graham Petrie, Graham L, E . ric, tweak'e and Kiwitas . The first 10% of the system defragmenter is dedicated to scandisk, if it is enabled . It will stop after that if there are other programs running in the background . Performing a scandisk and defrag can be likened to changing the oil in your car - you don't get to use your car while the oil is being changed . Likewise, you should not use your computer whilst performing a scandisk or defrag . Most computers start with programs loaded in the background as well as have screensavers, anti-virus and indexing services, including FindFast**, programmed to start when the system is "idle" or at pre-determined times . These programs will interfere with scandisk and defrag if they start up whilst the maintenance is being performed . For this reason it is important that all programs and screensavers be closed down and/or disabled before scandisk and defrag begin . If this is not done those programs still running will write to the hard disk and scandisk/defrag has to start again to check for any changes which causes scandisk and defrag to begin again . . . and again . . . and again every time something is written to the hard drive . No wonder it never gets past 10% ! An easy way to prevent programs interfering with scandisk and defrag is to perform the maintenance in Safe Mode . To get into safe mode restart the computer and tap the F8 key as it is booting up then choose Safe Mode from the menu . Because the monitor's drivers are not loaded your screen will look pretty ugly but at least you will be able to get the job done . Refer to FAQ #31 - What is safe mode? How do I restart in Safe Mode? if you are having problems getting into safe mode . If you would prefer to run scandisk and defrag from within Windows you will have to close down all programs running, including your anti-virus, screensaver and anything else that is visible in the System Tray at the bottom right of your monitor by the clock . Either use Ctrl+Alt+Del and End Task all running programs except Explorer and Systray or right-click on the items in the System Tray and choose Exit . Make sure you are disconnected from the internet and any networks before closing down your firewall and AV program . After your maintenance has been completed you can reboot and the programs will restart themselves again . **FindFast is often found on Windows versions prior to Win XP . It is generally considered unnecessary and should be removed/uninstalled . Some other reasons why scandisk and defrag stop after only 10% • One other cause of scandisk and defrag being unable to get past 10% is because the hard drive has become too full . Windows needs at least 15% free hard drive space to do the job . If you have less free space than that you will need to make more room by deleting files or uninstalling programs . • Swapfile resizing will also stall a scandisk and defrag in Windows versions prior to Windows XP . You may need to increase your minimum virtual memory, eg 100MB or more depending on the amount of RAM you have . • Sometimes whilst defragging it may appear that it is "stuck in one place" for longer than usual and nothing is happening except your HDD is still chirping away . The answer to this is to be patient as it might be a large file being moved to where it can be optimised for faster recovery . If this is the case a defrag that normally takes 20 minutes could possibly take two hours or more . As long as your hard drive is still busy be patient and give it more time . Original FAQ available from here ( . pcworld . co . nz/thread . jsp?forum=1&thread=21514&message=56711&q=faq+%235#56711" target="_blank">pressf1 . pcworld . co . nz) .	-FAQ- (807)
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