2 quick questions: Im a new XP user here.i know that it was recommended to run windows defrag in safe mode all the older windows versions ( 95,98,ME-i found this out the hard way) but i have a new pc with WINDOWS XP, i use antivirus+ firewall programs in memory in normal mode should i get into safe mode before running windows defrag so nothing would write to the hard drive and cause errors or freezing up? and should i run scandisk before running defrag and should i run scandisk in safe mode as well like my older windows versions or is normal mode ok in XP?? the reason i ask is becuase i always had scandisk problems becuase of my antivirus and other programs and normal mode windows ME

I like to run in safe mode. You can't run chkdsk in XP from safe mode. Do it from My Computer. Right click the drive and choose the option from there. Good Luck. Also disable your virus checker before you defrag. Good Luck. Keep Smiling It makes them think you're up to something...

I see no reason to use safe mode unless there is a problem. Any proper firewall and a/v should not cause an issue. I don't believe there was ever an issue. I have yet to run defrag or chkdsk or scandisk in safe mode unless there was an issue. If needed windows should prompt to do it at reboot. If so then it is supposed to be the first run app. I would never disable A/v nor firewall unless I was removed from all networks.

I always thought the reason to defreag in safe mode was because not as many programs are loaded. Programs or files cannot be defragged when they are in use. I'm not a computer guru, so feel free to correct me if I'm wrong.

i run defrag in safe mode too, as only the bare essential stuff is loaded and the defragmenter can run without getting interrupted by any program thts running. The AV program or screen saver etc may interrupt the defragger. But i believe some third party tools run even in normal mode when the system is functioning.

I use "Diskeeper"® There is no need to run the defrag in safe mode....and Diskeeper does the job 3 times faster than my "Rented windowsXP" http://www.diskeeper.com/defrag.asp