What is 'defragging', and why should I do it?

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Performance and Maintenance is not in control panel in my Windows XP. Task scheduler is in Programs/Accessories/System Tools. The command c: >c:\defrag.log 2>&1 did not work when saved as c:\defragit.cmd and entered as a new task from the browse list. Do you have any other suggestions?

The full command to run is "defrag c: >c:\defrag.log 2>&1". (And yes, Task Scheduler shows up in different places depending on whether you're using default, or "classic" start menu.)

If you do not defrage your PC, then what is the worst possible thing that can happen?

The computer will get slower and slower and slower...

I'm defragging my computer as I type this. But lately, I've been getting beaten up by dozens upon dozens of spyware and malware. I run Spybot - Search & Destroy and AdAware, but it seems everytime I scan again some of the same programs are there. Will defragging help me get rid of some of these programs? Will it affect their getting on my computer or their affect on it at all?

Defragging will help your computer run more efficiently, but will have no impact at all on spyware or virus infestations. For spyware particularly, the only real defense is, as you have been doing, running a spyware scanner periodically, and avoiding the sites and software that carry spyware when you can.

I tried to defrag C: using the Executive Home freebie, but got error message, "clusters too big, must be no larger than 4K." Will any defragger do this?
(Previously I said "4M")

Thanks

The built in defragger in Windows should work just fine.

It seems to me that defrag in Windows 2000 doesn't work from the command line. In my office we found a product called Autodefrag which will automate running the Windows Defrag in graphical mode. You can get it here: www.morphasys.com\autodefrag.

How large is the log file going to become that is being created giving the results of defrag?
Does this overwrite with each scheduled defrag or will it over time consume lots of space?
Excuse if this is a silly question, I'm a novice.

Thanks for a great article.

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