When we use our computer, the hard drive is consistently reading and writing files. After time, these files are stored in various locations across your drive and it takes longer to boot your PC (as the drive takes longer to find and load the files), applications take additional time to launch and your computer will seem more sluggish.

There’s no obvious way around this problem, unless you stop writing files to your drive or wipe Windows and re-install. The only other solution is to grab a defrag tool and analyse your drive. If it reports that the drive is more than around 20% defragmented, it’s worth running the defrag tool. This will sort the files on your drive and locate them all in a consecutive manner – which means they are easier to find and launch.

Paragon Total Defrag 2009 is a defragmentation toolkit that will enable you to sort out your drive issues. Note that this is designed for experienced power users who want to get the most from their drive.