This tip was printed from the MalekTips Computer and Technology Help and Tips website at http://malektips.com.

Windows XP and Tweak UI - Don't Automatically Optimize the Hard Disk

SUMMARY: Turn off a background process that can conflict with third-party Windows XP disk defragmenters.

Normally, whenever your system is idle for a period of time, Windows XP will use this idle time to defrag (optimize) your hard disk. This way, files and software should open faster. While most people welcome this task, especially since the defragmenting occurs when you are not normally running your computer, there may be times where you want to disable this:

1) You are using a third-party disk defragmenter.
2) You are running a laptop via a battery, and defragmenting your hard disk can use up power.

To disable this feature:

1) Start Tweak UI (read the tips in MalekTips for downloading / installation information)
2) Click the "General" link.
3) In the right pane, scroll down the "Settings" area and uncheck "Optimize hard disk when idle".
4) Click "OK" to close Tweak UI.