The limitation of the operating system does not permit it to incorporate continuity in the process of storing file as a unit, rather it breaks the file and stores on different locations on the Drives. This is rather random approach and the file may be stored, in parts between the gaps created by previously stored files/data. Due to deletion or removal of file/Data from a location leads to an empty space, which generally gets wasted. Often a large file is deliberately stored in parts (fragments), as per the Microsoft support the paging size of a Desktop PC should be 4 KB and that of Servers should be 128 KB. These are general recommendations by Dell which can be found on online microsoft support website. The recommendation of paging size depends upon the manufacturer of PC.

Storing the files is a random, or rather haphazard approach, which restricts the computer from delivering an optimal performance. In order to know more about the recommendations for paging size refer to online microsoft support website. This process of creation of gaps between the stored files, directories and the forced storage of files in parts and pieces is referred to fragmentation.

During the design Phase of operating system Microsoft realised that since fragmentation impacts the performance of the PC, they created a tool Disk Defragmenter.  Microsoft passed on the information about the disk defragmenter tool to all it allies the official information about Disk defragmenter can also be looked into online microsoft support. Microsoft support for defragmenter tool will provide the information regarding the Disk defragmenter and for further help and support you can consult a microsoft technical support company.

Recommendations from usage of Defragmenter tool depends on the usage of PC. Microsoft support techies recommends that you should run the tool at least once a Week. MS-DOS, Windows 95/98/Me/2000/XP/Server2003/Vista have their own respective in built disk defragmenter utility which can be used to solve issues related to slow performance arising out of fragmentation. The disk defragmenter of Windows XP is a graphic al interface utility. The console allows us to have a look at the Hard Drive partitions, analyze them,  and check if the partition requires Defragmentation.

Usually, it’s recommended by microsoft technical support  to Defragment the partition if the graphical report shows any extent of fragmentation on the partition. The colours that are used for representation are Red, Green, Blue and White. Red represents fragments, Blue stands for defragmented files, the green shows the files that cannot be moved and white represents the ‘gaps’. There are other Defragmentation utilities apart from Windows available in the market however Microsoft support recommends the usage of Windows based Utility. Microsoft support technicians primarily focus on the management and optimal usage of the Hardware within the PC, Windows based Defragment utility is good for the Hard Drive optimization hence recommended by DELL. The information can be found on online microsoft support