The Windows XP disk defragmenter doesn't work on my computer. What's wrong?

John Savill

August 27, 2006

1 Min Read
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A. I've heard of cases in which the disk defragmentation engine stops functioning, resulting in several problems, such as:

  • When you attempt to Analyze or Defragment, Disk Defragmenter performs no actions.

  • When you try running Defrag.exe from a command line or batch file, you receive a Windows cannot connect to the Disk Defragmenter engine error message.

  • When you right-click a local hard disk and select Properties, the Defragment Now button isn't available on the Tools tab, or if it is available, pressing it displays the following error message: "The Disk Defragmenter is not installed on your computer. To install it, double-click the Add or Remove Programs icon in Control Panel, click the Install/Uninstall tab, and then follow the instructions on your screen."

To resolve the problem, force a reinstallation of the disk defragmenter engine:

  1. Navigate to the %SystemRoot%INF folder (Start, Run, %SystemRoot%INF) and click OK.

  2. Right-click the dfrg.inf file and press Install.

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