ch 8 organizing and managing your hard...

Instructor: Prof. Michael P. Harris Chapter 8ITSC 1405 – Intro to PC Operating Systems Organizing and Managing Your Hard Drive

Chapter 8Organizing & Managing Your Hard DiskLECTURE NOTES

CHAPTER OUTLINE TEACHING SUGGESTIONSChapter Overview

Learn how to organize a hard disk efficiently and logically to serve your specific needs.

How to determine the best command to use to locate a specific file, or to manage the hard disk, will be discussed.

Will discuss the purpose and function of the CHKDSK command and then use the command to accomplish various tasks.

Use the Disk Defragmenter Program to optimize performance of your disk.

WHY ORGANIZE A HARD DISK? Why Organize a Hard Disk?

Accumulate programs. Each program generates data files. Installing WXP creates folders:

Windows (WINNT).- Used for OS.

Program Files. Installing programs. Programs included with Windows

--Outlook Express Documents and Settings.

- Holds user system preferences. My Documents.

- Default folder for data files. Minimum two subfolders (My

Music and My Pictures) Critical files/folders placed in root

directory needed by W to boot system. Files/folders hidden from view.

Integrated programs (suites) provide

Slides 2-5

Chapter Overview duplicated in PowerPoint slides.

After completion of lecture, suggest to students that they review Objectives and Outcomes found on first page of chapter as a check to see if they have mastered concepts.

SECTION 8.1 (pp. 374-380) Slides 6-20

Classify/categorize/organize information for ease/speed of locating it.- Dewey Decimal system - method of organizing books in library.

Suites come with computer or purchased by user.

Two popular choices of integrated programs are Microsoft Office and WordPerfect Office.

Some users prefer individual programs instead of a suite.

Discuss pros/cons of integrated programs vs. individual programs.

If user does not determine how program is installed, they will spend time looking for folders/files and not working with them.

Placing data files wherever program places them - not productive/efficient use of WXP.

Carolyn Z. Gillay, Bette A. Peat, Windows XP Command Line Franklin, Beedle & Associates ©2003 ISBN: 1-887902-82-1


tools for common types of work. Word processing program Spreadsheet program. Database program. Presentation software. Other related tools.

Additional programs must be installed on hard disk before use. Critical programs that should be

purchased/downloaded Virus checking programs (Norton

AntiVirus or McAfee Virus Scan File compression utility such as

WinZip Other programs meet individual needs.

An installation program Creates folder/folders for application

program being installed. Copies files from CD-ROM to named

folders. Compressed files need to be

uncompressed before installation begins.

Usually makes entries in WXP Registry Adds program names to menus. Registers file extensions.

Need to control where programs are installed. If directions not given to installation

program, then program determines names of folders and where files/folders will be located. Microsoft programs install program

folders under Program Files folder. Other programs install program

folders/files to root directory. Root directory becomes

filled with many files and subdirectory names.

When using DIR (DOS) or Explorer (Windows), it becomes difficult to tell what files are on the hard disk, or where they are located. Spend time looking for files not

working.

Most users let software installation programs organize hard disk.

Floppy disk root directories also have limits, i.e., double-sided disk holds only 112 files in root directory.

Figure 8.1 A Typical Hard Disk Organization, p. 377 in PowerPoint Presentation.In figure

Names in uppercase are folders.***** represent additional folders. Names in lowercase are files.…..Represent additional files.Italics are hidden items…

Some programsCreate separate folder for data files.Save files to program’s subdirectory.Use My Documents folder to save data files.-----Problematic using folder to save all data

files.-Question is where will you place data files.

Figure 8.2 Organizing a Disk by Software Application Package. See PowerPoint slide #16. - Discuss why this is an inefficient organizational scheme.- Example better than placing data files in the root directory or in program subdirectories, it is still inefficient.- - Too many repeated subdirectory names.- - To locate a data file, need to remember which application you were working on and where appropriate data file is located.- - Have to key in long file names.

Think about logic behind your organization scheme.

Discussion Question (1) - Why would you want to organize a hard disk?

Discussion Question (3) - Why would you not want to place data files in the program subdirectory?



Problem does not change with Windows environment.

Use of long file names on floppy disks on floppies can be a problems Floppies used as backup for files from

hard disk. Floppies always use FAT FAT –using 1.44 MB floppy – 224

entries. If FAT16 is file system on hard disk-

Root directory table capacity (hard disk) is 512 entries. Get message disk full if all files

located in root directory. If FAT32 is file system.

Root directory table capacity (hard disk) 65,535 entries.

Scrolling through 65,535 entries – difficult to find file.

NTFS file system does not have these limitations.

Most programs install to C:\Program Files subdirectory Others install directly to C:\ Can choose own installation location.

Problem if asking for technical support – they assume software installed to setup program’s default directory.

Discuss Figure 8.1 A Typical Hard Disk Organization p. 377 Power Point Presentation See notes in Teaching Suggestions.

Where should data files be placed? Do NOT place data files in program

folders Program files do not change Data files changers as add/delete

information Copying/backing up/moving data

files difficult – search folders to find data files.

Rationale for folders – categorize information. Data files contain information. Program files contain instructions.



Creating meaningful names for data files part of organizational scheme. Naming conventions

Help identify what file contains Requires knowledge of how

application program works. WXP – limits file names to 255

characters Long file names problematic in WXP

Limitations of root directory table. File name limited to 255

characters. Folder name part of file name.

Difficult to browse file in Explorer. Older applications

Older programs use 8.3 file naming rule. WXP creates MS-DOS

alias for long file name Give long file names only in

Explorer/My Computer Cannot save long file names.

Errors in keying in names. Difficult to remember naming

strategy. Many Utility programs will not work

with long file names. Following don’t like spaces

(allowed characters) Some utility programs Internet WXP

Similar file names problematic in creating meaningful names.

Discuss Figure 8.2 A Sample Organizational Scheme p. 379. Power Point Slide Scheme is inefficient To locate data file need to know

what application created file and where file is located.

Data file used in conjunction with different programs can be a nightmare. Data could be in two places (Word-

processing/database folders). Locating data files difficult.



Need organizational scheme with logic behind it.

Organize disk by way you work. Remember software (programs) are

tools. Organize disk to assist you in

saving, retrieving, and backing up data files.

Business. People work by projects. Store data by project not

application. Education.

May want to organize by application.

METHODS OF ORGANIZING A HARD DISK Guidelines for efficient/logical organization

of hard disk. Root directory – map to rest of disk Plan disk organization.

Done before placing anything on hard disk.

Think about work you do and easiest way to find work files.

Develop a naming convention for files and directories. Easy to follow Name should identify data in file.

Create many folders/subfolders prior to copying files into them.

If application software installed on computer, cannot/must not rename/move program/program support files. Can create/delete folders for data files No risk in moving/copying/deleting

data files Create shallow/wide folders NOT compact

deep folders. Data files and program files should not be

in same subdirectory. Data changes, programs do not. Easier for backup purposes.

Many small directories with few files better than a large subdirectory with many


Recommendations - not rules. Discuss KISS- Keep it simple, stupid. Important to go over this section thoroughly

as new computer users have a great deal of difficulty organizing their disks and have trouble locating files they want to work on.

WHAT IS GOOD ORGANIZATIONAL SCHEME FOR ONE IUSER MAY NOT WORK FOR ANOTHER

Root Directory --Index/table of contents to hard disk.--Contains files placed there by OS--Rest of files should be subdirectory listings--Ideally see all folders when opening Explorer/expand My Computer/Drive C.--Keep it clear of unnecessary files.

Shallow/wide easier to find filesCompact/deep – files buried several levels down

A Utility subdirectory keeps all applications in one place.

Naming conventions should be easy to follow so new files/folders can be logically



files. Categorizing data. If too many files in a subdirectory,

break down into two or more subdirectories.

Easier to update and manage subdirectory with limited number of files.

Can always combine few files in many subdirectories into one subdirectory.

Directory names short but descriptive . Create separate subdirectory for batch

files. Batch files help automate processes

that are done often. Place subdirectory for batch files under

root directory. Call it BATCH.

Create UTILS (utilities) subdirectory. Create separate subdirectories for each

utility program. Utility software programs provide

commonly needed services, i.e., Norton Utilities.

Each utility program does something useful that the OS does not allow you to do.

Often, utility software/shareware packages have similar file names. Need own separate/identifiable

subdirectory. Learn how to install programs.

Create own organizational scheme. Do not let installation program put

programs anywhere they wish. Learn how to use application packages and

how packages work. Does application package assigns file

extension? If not can assign extension that will

apply to specific work done with application program's data files.

Learn how application package works with subdirectories.

Analyze way you work. Usually better to organize disk by

named to fit in convention. Advantages to organization by project .

Know where all software applications located.Program files all in one place.

Easier to add software packagesUpdate existing software package

File extension tells what data file belongs to what program.

ORGANIZATION SHOULD BE LOGICAL. TAKES TIME TO DO. MAKES EFFECTIVE USE OF HARD DISK.

Discussion Question (2) - What are the advantages and disadvantages of organizing a hard disk by application program rather than by project?

Discussion Question (4) - List five criteria that can be used for organizing a hard disk and explain the rationale for each.

Discussion Question (5) - What are two major considerations for any disk organizational scheme?

Discussion Question (9) – Why would you want to own utility programs that do not come with the operating system?



project as way most people work. But if use application program’s

default data directory to save/retrieve files – (May want to create data directories) - organizing around projects will not work.

Analyze your environment. Educational environment – organize by

application package. Teaching one application package

– focus on package. Business – organize by project.

Program files in one place. Easy to add new project delete old

one. Know which data files belong to

which project by file extension. Hard disks can be organized in many

ways. Make effective use of hard disk. If data files organized

Rarely use Start/Programs menu. Go to directory that holds files you

will work on. Ultimately, organization result of

How does user work? How do programs work?

ORGANIZING A DISK Organizing a Disk

Usually start with unorganized disk. If reorganizing disk want to do it without

reformatting or losing files.

VIEWING THE DISK STRUCTURE WITH THE TREE COMMAND Viewing Disk Structure with TREE Command

Used to see graphical representation of disk.

Syntax. See PowerPoint slide. TREE [drive:] [path] [/F] [/A]

ACTIVITY: USING THE TREE COMMAND Activity – Using the TREE command.

Activity steps.

SECTION 8.3 (p. 385) Slide 30

Use DATA disk to emulate organizing an existing disk

SECTION 8.4 (p. 385) Slides 31-32

/F – displays names of files in each folder./A – use ASCII instead of extended characters



Open Command Prompt window. Make C:\WUGXP default directory Key in:

TREE TREE /A TREE /F CD \

Activity completed.

ORGANIZING THE DATA DISK Organizing the DATA Disk

DATA disk has minimal organization. Looking at structure, not contents, of text

files. Reorganize DATA disk to make it easier

to manage. Need to create directories. Copy files to correct subdirectories. Move files.

Will create GAMES subdirectory. Map to game programs on DATA disk.

ACTIVITY—SETTING UP THE GAMES SUBDIRECTORY Setting up the PROG Subdirectory

Note: DATA disk in Drive A and C:\> is displayed.

Activity steps. Key in:

A: MD GAMES MD GAMES\ARGH MD GAMES\MLINK MD GAMES\OTHER COPY C:\WUGXP\GAMES\MLILNK\

*.* GAMES\MLINK DIR C:\WUGXP\GAMES\MLINK DIR A:\GAMES\MLINK CD GAMES\OTHER CD C:\WUGXP\GAMES C: A: COPY C:LS*.* DIR C: COPY C:ML*.* CD\ TREE GAMES /F COPY C:ARG*.* GAMES\ARGH CD C:\ TREE GAMES /F DIR C:\WUGXP\*.TXT

SECTION 8.5 (pp. 385-387) Slide 33

See graphical representation of folder structure.

TREE with /A parameter – Got lines that could be created with keyboard using only ASCII characters

Extended character set – able to draw solid unbroken lines on screen.

Discuss using graphic display with redirection or MORE filter.


Discuss why students’ disk could look different from slide. They can copy, delete, and/or create files as needed.

Do not move or copy programs installed on hard disk. May do so here – special examples.

SECTION 8.7 (pp. 388-394) Slide 36 COPY – copies only files not

subdirectories. Can manipulate default directory to shorten

path name. Be careful when using DEL with a wild

card. Advantages of XCOPY.

- Copies files and subdirectories.- Default confirms overwrite.- Can make choices by date.

Discussion Question (6) - What are some of the drawbacks of using the COPY command for organizing your disk?



ATTRIB -S -H -R *.* DEL *.TXT XCOPY C:\WUGXP\*.TXT /D:05-31-

00 Activity completed.

THE MOVE COMMAND REVISITED The MOVE Command Revisited

Used to move files to new location or rename subdirectory. Moving data files and data

directories usually safe. Moving program files and renaming

program directories is not done safely Windows registers program files,

their names, and location in Registry.

If files moved/renamed at command prompt, Registry cannot find them.

Programs may no longer work. Program files.

Not usually copied to location. Installed in location with a setup

program. Files pertaining to program –

placed in many different locations. Problems can also occur when dealing

with small programs contained within one directory and run under DOS not windows.

If you manipulate program files/directories. Note which directory program files are

in before starting.

ACTIVITY—USING MOVE TO ORGANIZE YOUR DISK Using MOVE to Organize your Disk

Data disk in Drive A, A:\> displayed. Activity steps.

Key in: DIR VEN.* ATTRIB +H STEVEN.FIL MOVE VEN.* ASTRONOMY\VENUS DIR VEN*.* ATTRIB -H STEVEN.FIL


When reorganizing hard disk:- Do not usually want to copy files and directories.- Want to move files to new location.- Want to rename subdirectories.

Go over program installation routine. Emphasize why it is not "safe" to move

programs. Primarily concerned with organizing

data files.

Discussion Question (7) - Why is moving program files and renaming program directories not as "safe" as moving data files and renaming data file directories?


ATTRIB command used to hide files that will not be moved.

REN command does not rename subdirectories.

MOVE command



DIR VEN.* then DIR MER.* DIR JUP.* MOVE MER.* ASTRONOMY\

MERCURY MOVE JUP.* ASTRONOMY\

JUPITER TREE ASTRONOMY /F REN ASTONOMY 3PLANETS DIR ASTRONOMY DIR 3PLANETS then DIR /W MD ASTRO

Close the command line window Open My Computer & double-click Drive A Click View then Icons then View then Status

bar then View button and select List Size the window so all files are displayed Hold down <Ctrl> key and without

releasing it click following 11 files:AST.99 ASTRO.NEW PLANETS.TXT AST.BUD GALAXY.NEW TITAN.TXT ASTROLOGY.FIL ASTRO.TXT AST.TXT ZODIAC.FIL GALAXY.TXT

Release <Ctrl> key, Move mouse over any of selected files and

right click right mouse button Click Cut Double-click ASTRO directory Right-click in blank area of folder Click Paste Deselect the files Click View then List Close all open windows Open Command Line window and make A:\

the default directory Key in TREE /F

Activity completed.

CHECKING A DISK: FAT and NTFS Checking a Disk

CHKDSK still viable utility program. External command. Stored in C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32

subdirectory Used on disks with any file system

supported by WXP Professional. CHKDSK gets needed disk information.

Reports disk space and usage information (NTFS and FAT file systems).

Status report provided with information specific to file system on

Keyed in one way – move filesKeyed in another way – renamed

subdirectories. Stress differences between moving files and

renaming subdirectories. GUI is more efficient. – Create directory to

hold files and then copy group of files to directory.

Discussion Question (8) - What steps would you take to move a directory?

SECTION 8.10 (pp.403-404) Slides 41-47

REVIEW.- What information about your disks do you often need?

CHKDSK makes sure both copies of FAT match.

Directories - called indexes by NTFS. Syntax.

- Volume = Specifies drive letter, mount point, or volume name.



drive you checked. Amount of free space left. Bad spots. File fragmentation. Problems with logical structure.

CHKDSK use with FAT file system. Analyzes:

File Allocation Tables. Directory table for root

directory. Directory structure.

Integrity of files. Validity of any long file name.

Checking FAT includes tracing out chain of data for each file. Do directory entries match location

and lengths of files with FAT on specified drive?

Are all directories readable? After checking disk – (gives statistical

information). Reports # of files on disk. How much space taken. Establishes amount of space left on

disk. NTFS uses MFT to track files on disk not

FAT. CHKDSK with NTFS (three stages).

Stage 1. Looks for consistency. Identifies which file segments and

clusters are currently being used. Then compares collected

information against information NTFS keeps on disk. Looking for discrepancies or

problems. Stage 2.

Verifies “indexes” (directories). Checks for internal consistency. Ensures every file belongs to at

least one directory. Reference to file in MFT is

valid. Verifies file times/dates/size. This stage is most time consuming.

- Filename – FAT only = Specifies files to check for fragmentation./F = Fixes disk errors./V = On FAT/FAT32 displays full path & name of every file on disk./R = Locates bad sectors & recovers readable information (implies /F)./L: size (NTFS only) = Changes log file size to specified # of kilobytes – if size not specified displays current size./X = Forces volume to dismount first if necessary. All opened handles to volume invalid (implies /F)./I - NTFS only = Performs less vigorous check of index entries./C - NTFS only = Skips checking of cycles within the folder structure.

Discussion Question (10) - What is the function and purpose of the CHKDSK command?

Discussion Question (11) - CHKDSK informs you of two types of errors. Explain.

Discussion Question (13) - Give the syntax for CHKDSK and explain two parameters when used with FAT volumes. With NTFS volumes.



Stage 3. Checks and verifies security for

each directory and file. Info includes file’s owner,

permission granted to users/groups, and auditing that is to occur for file or directory.

CHKDSK syntax. See PowerPoint slide #52. Right-side column – syntax

explanation. /I or /C switch reduces amount of time

required to run CHKDSK by stripping certain checks of volume.

Some parameters valid only with FAT file system.

Some parameters valid only with NTFS drives.

On hard disk need to have administrator privileges to run CHKDSK.

ACTIVITY—USING CHKDSK ON HARD AND FLOPPY DRIVES Using CHKDSK on Hard and Floppy Drives

DATA disk in Drive A with A:\> displayed.


C: CD \WINDOWS\SYSTEM32 DIR CHKDSK.* CHKDSK CD \ CHKDSK E: A: CHKDSK

Activity completed.

THE VERBOSE PARAMETER WITH THE CHKDSK COMMAND The Verbose Parameter with the CHKDSK

Command Using /V on FAT drive.

Running in verbose mode. Gives status report. Lists every file on disk, including

hidden ones.

SECTION 8.11 (pp. 404-408) Slides 48

Discuss results of:- CHKDSK command.- CHKDSK E: command.- Last CHKDSK command in activity.

Remind students that if they do not have a disk formatted with NTFS should stop at Step 4 and read rest of activity.

SECTION 8.12 (p. 409) Slides 49-51 Discussion Question (14) - What is the verbose

mode: Explain the use of the /V parameter with the CHKDSK command, with a FAT file system, and an NTFS file system.



Using /V on NTFS drive. Displays clean-up messages.

Parameters are associated with specific commands and perform specific tasks for those commands. /V switch with FORMAT – puts

volume label on disk. /V with CHKDSK - see above.

ACTIVITY—USING THE /V PARAMETER AND USING DIR PARAMETERS Using the /V Parameter and DIR Parameters

DATA disk in drive A, A:\> displayed. Files may appear in different order. To facilitate mouse usage, disable

QuickEdit Mode. Activity steps.

Key in: CHKDSK /V CHKDSK /V > CHKDSK.TXT EDIT CHKDSK.TXT

Move scroll bar halfway down screen and then to bottom of file.

Click File then Exit Key in: DIR /S then DIR *.NEW /S

then DIR /AD Activity completed.

USING CHKDSK TO REPAIR DISK PROBLEMS Using CHKDSK to Repair Disk Problems

FAT disk. FAT and directory work together. Each file has entry in directory table.

Entry points to starting cluster in FAT.

If file longer than one cluster, FAT has pointer to next cluster.

Pointers chain all data together in a file.

Lost clusters. Occur when chain broken (lost

pointer). No entry in root directory. Marked as used in FAT. Not available for new data. Do not belong to specific file. Cannot be retrieved.


Redirect output of CHKDSK /V to file and use command line editor to see it.

DIR /S supplants CHKDSK /V in ability to show every file on the disk in every subdirectory.

CHKDSK /V shows hidden files but DIR with new parameters are better.

Discuss use of DIR with /A, /D, /R, /H, /S, and /A.

Discuss use of (–) sign before attribute.


On FAT disk FAT and directory work together.

Explain how lost clusters occur. Discuss reasons why space is lost on disk. Most lost clusters recovered contain useless

information. Thus, generally just delete the files. Always written to root directory with file extension of .CHK.

Discussion Question (12) – What is a lost cluster? A cross-linked file? What impact does either of these have on available disk space?

Discussion Question (16) - Why would you use the parameter of the file name with the CHKDSK command?

Discussion Question (17) - What is the



Lose space on the disk. Why lost clusters occur.

User does not exit a program properly.

Power failures or power surges. NTFS disk.

In Stage 2 CHKDSK looks for orphaned files. Has entry in MFT but not listed in

any directory. Similar to lost cluster in FAT file

system. If lost or orphaned files occur may not be

able to boot back into Windows. Boot using Windows boot disks and

use Automated System Recovery Disk to try to repair damage or use System Restore.

Will be covered in Chapter 13. When WXP running cannot use CHKDSK

with /F to try to repair disk errors. See PowerPoint slide # showing message at

beginning of CHKDSK display. Can schedule CHKDSK /F to run when

computer starts up next time. Utility will run before most of system

loads – eliminates problem of other processes running.

Can use /F and /R with CHKDSK on a floppy.

With multiple hard drives can run CHKDSK on drive that is not default. On active partition may report

erroneous error messages. /F – repairs logical errors.

/R – locates bad sectors and recovers readable information.Using /R implies /F.

Be careful when running CHKSDK. Back up data files in case “fix”

behaves improperly. Using /F on hard disk with large

number of files (millions) CHKDSK can take a long time (days) to complete. Will not have access to drive you

purpose and function of the /F parameter when it is used with the CHKDSK command, and under what circumstances would you use it?



are repairing – command does not give up control of disk until it is finished.

If drive (system volume) being checked during startup process – computer not available to you until CHKDSK process is complete.

Cross-linked files. Usually occurs on FAT disks. Two files claim same cluster in FAT. See PowerPoint slide #72 Figure 8.7

Cross Linked Files. Edit – MY.FIL – file contains own

data as well as part of HIS.FIL. Delete MY.FIL will be deleting

part of HIS.FIL. To recover data from cross-linked

files: Copy each file to new location so

they are no longer linked. One of files is usually bad – but

have one file that is good.

ACTIVITY—USING CHKDSK TO REPAIR DISK PROBLEMS Using CHKDSK to Repair Disk Problems

DATA disk in drive A with A:\> displayed.


CHKDSK /R CD /D C:\ CHKDSK A: /R CHKDSK E:

Activity completed.

CHECKING DISK WITH SYSTEM TOOLS Checking Disks with System Tools

Can use System Tools (found in GUI) to check a disk. Error-checking (CHKDSK). Backup. Defragmentation.

ACTIVITY—CHECKING DISKS WITH SYSTEM TOOLS Checking Disks with System Tools


To run CHKDSK Windows XP needs total access to disk.

Stop at Step 3 unless you have errors or have an NTFS drive.

If there are errors on FAT disk – would be asked if you wanted to convert lost files to fragments.

SECTION 8.16 (p. 418) Slide 70


Three options for floppy. 1. Check for errors.

Can fix errors if any found.Can try to fix bad sectors BUT



DATA disk in drive A. Activity steps.

Key in: EXIT Open My Computer. Right-click A drive. Click Properties/Tools/Check Now. Click Automatically fix file system errors Click Start Close all open windows.

Activity completed.

CONTIGUOUS AND NONCONTIGUOUS FILES Contiguous and Noncontiguous Files

To OS data is string of bytes that it keeps track of by grouping data into file.

To store/retrieve files disk divided into numbered blocks called sectors. Contiguous sectors grouped into

clusters. Files usually take up more space than one

sector. OS keeps track of location of all parts of

file by means of directory and FAT. NTFS – keeps track of files by means of

MFT. Original W95 used standard FAT – 16-bit

version. B W95 – Millennium version.

Can use 16-bit FAT or 32-bit FAT (FAT 32)

Uses 32-bit FAT Beginning with W2K supports NTFS. NTFS

Previously supported only by Windows NT.

Allows local security. Access to areas of partition can be

blocked to some users – allowed to others. Useful in environment where two

or more users have access to same computer.

Can block access to OS files. Decision on which file system to use made

when disk volume originally partitioned.

Process time consuming.Floppy cheap – copy files on

another disk & throw floppy away.

2. Can be backed up.3. If Defragmentation chosen – CANNOT BE DONE ON FLOPPY.

Defragmenting done only on hard disk.


Cluster = Smallest unit OS deals with. Number of sectors that make up clusters on

hard disk varies depending on size of hard disk and FAT used.

Contiguous vs. fragmented disk.- Performance implications of a fragmented disk.

All floppy drives are FAT12. See PowerPoint slide #84.

- Shows one file in cluster. See PowerPoint slide #85.

- Shows two contiguous files. See PowerPoint slide #86.

- Senator file fragmented.- If Senator file deleted FAT makes clusters 1, 2,3,7, and 8 available – data actually remains on disk.

See PowerPoint slide #87.- Adding a file

See PowerPoint slide #88.- Adding more files.

Discussion Question (15) -Compare and contrast contiguous files with noncontiguous (fragmented) files.



FAT keeps record of cluster numbers each file occupies. As OS writes files to new disk – makes

entry in disk’s directory. Updates FAT with cluster numbers

used to store that file. Files are written to disk in adjacent

clusters whenever possible. Easier to retrieve/store information.

See right side for explanation of the PowerPoint Slides showing contiguous and noncontiguous files.

Contiguous files are written to adjacent clusters on a disk.

Non-contiguous (fragmented) files are spread out on the disk.

Fragmented disk - disk with fragmented files. Causes system to slow down. Takes longer to read as read/write

heads move around disk to find all parts of a file.

Use parameter with CHKDSK to see if files are contiguous or noncontiguous.

Fragmented disk - disk with fragmented files. Only works on FAT volumes.

ACTIVITY—USING CHKDSK TO SEE IF FILES ARE CONTIGUOUS Using CHKDSK to See if Files are

Contiguous DATA disk in Drive A with A:\>

displayed. Activity steps.

Key in: CHKDSK BORN.TXT CHKDSK *.TXT CHKDSK *.* CHKDSK CLASS\*.*

Activity completed.

DEFRAGMENTING YOUR HARD DISK


Adding parameter of file name checks disk & sees if all parts of file are contiguous.

Wildcards used to check a group of files with a common denominator.

A fragmented disk (noncontiguous files) slows performance.

Disk optimization program rearranges storage on hard disk so each file is stored in sequentially numbered clusters.

Discussion Question (18) -Explain the purpose and function of disk optimization programs.


Fragmented hard disks.



Defragmenting your Hard Disk Perform disk maintenance to make

programs run faster/better. Run Defragmenter program.

Program moves data on disks so files are contiguous and rewrites directory table and FAT.

Can run Disk Defragmenter without closing all programs.

Better/faster/safer to close all open programs you have running. Include screen savers or virus-

protection programs.

ACTIVITY—USING DISK DEFRAGMENTER Using Disk Defragmenter

Can this activity be done in your lab? Activity steps.

Click Start/All Programs/Accessories/System Tools/Disk Defragmenter

Highlight Drive C Click Analyze/View Report/Close Close all open windows

Activity completed.

Occurs as new files data placed on first available clusters.

Performance slowed down. Run Defragmenter program from:

Tools menu on disks drive property sheet.Start Menu.

Cannot defragment floppy disks.


Chose to defragment or view analysis report in dialog box in graphical display of disk.

Defragment hard drive regularly as it improves performance of system.
