How to Defrag in Safemode
By Chris Miksen
Safe Mode is a mode in Windows that loads only the necessary files and drivers. Safe Mode is primarily used to troubleshoot software. You may wish to defragment your computer in Safe Mode if for some reason you cannot access Disk Defragmenter upon normal boot-up. Disk Defragmenter does not work in Safe Mode with Windows 7, but it does run in Safe Mode in Windows Vista. The defragmenter runs silently, so you may not know that it's running at all.
Click the "Start" menu. Click the small right arrow next to the lock icon. Select "Restart."
Begin pressing the "F8" key on your keyboard until the Windows "Boot Options" screen appears. Use your arrow keys to scroll up to "Safe Mode" and press "Enter." Safe Mode will load.
Click the "Start" menu. Select "All Programs" and click the "Accessories" folder. Click "System Tools" and select "Disk Defragmenter."
Select "Defragment Now." No progress bar will be displayed, nor will any additional windows open. Disk Defragmenter will run silently in the background until the task is completed, at which time you will be notified.
References
Tips
- If your computer gives you a "Keyboard error" while pressing "F8," restart your computer and begin pressing "F8" three to four seconds after the computer kicks on.
Writer Bio
Located in Pittsburgh, Chris Miksen has been writing instructional articles on a wide range of topics for online publications since 2007. He currently owns and operates a vending business. Miksen has written a variety of technical and business articles throughout his writing career. He studied journalism at the Community College of Allegheny County.