Help Desk

Disk Defragmentation - All hard disks using a FAT based operating system are organized into tracks which are then subdivided into logically related groups of sectors known as a cluster. Even NT based operating systems, having a much different internal file structure, follows these principles.

All data is initially stored sequentially, but as files are deleted and then created or modified, small areas on one's hard disk are now marked as reusable. While one analogy might be that small holes are produced, in actuality the data is still there, at least temporarily.

Fragmentation occurs from the natural tendency of all data to be stored sequentially, writing to the first available storage areas found.

While this behavior can be somewhat beneficial, it can result in a file being stored in several fragments. This makes no difference to the operating system, which simply records the locations of each portion of our file. However, the hard drive is forced to work increasingly harder, since the drive's read/write head must now travel to many different locations multiple revolutions may now be required. With substantial fragmentation, the actual time required to access a file may noticeably slow down. Disk defragmentation is simply a way to avoid the above and increasing performance and thus speed.

While the above procedure is a necessary part of computer maintenance, it's not without its risks. Since the program reads and rewrites every file located on one's hard disk, portions of data are stored in volatile memory at all times, waiting to be rewritten to disk. So, there is a time when the data is often located in no place other than memory. If one should turn off their computer during this time or if there should be a power failure without it being on some type of UPS unit, the data could be lost.

©July 2001 Paul J. Twardy, Office Overload Rescuers

Restoring a lost task bar - If you attempt to manually resize the task bar to the point where it's hidden, it actually leaves a thin black line. Just move your mouse pointer against it and you should get a double headed arrow. But even if can't, don't panic, just follow the procedure below! Press CTRL + ESC in order to select the task bar. Since this brings up the Start Menu, just press ESC. Next, press ALT + SPACEBAR in order to obtain a shortcut menu from which you can choose Size. After you choose Size, you're mouse pointer will turn into a diamond like shape. At this point, use the arrow keys to resize your task bar The appropriate key will depend upon where you have situated the bar. The default key is the up arrow key.

The pointer now turns into a double headed arrow and a red line should move with the pointer. Simply press ENTER when the red line is a good distance from the screen edge. Now resize.

* If this is a worst case scenario, boot into Safe Mode and your default options are loaded. From here you can reconfigure it.

©January 2001 Paul J. Twardy, Office Overload Rescuers