Computer expert need.

[Crazy440]

When I do a ctrl+alt+del it shows I have 6 apps plus explorer+systray.  I was told,some years ago, that before I do a defrag, I should end task all of these, except explorer.  Today my Ol'Lady did a defrag without doing this and it seemed to work just fine.  Any advantage to doing the end task thing or does it matter?
Thanks,
Crazy

[Arthu®]

No expert at all, but I believe the only advantage to closing all the other applications (as you would also have to do everytime you install something, but no one really ever does) is that it makes the system more stable and there is less of a chance that windows will screw up. Therefore they recommend it I believe. But I could be totally off track. I just know that 99% of the time everything will be alright when doing it while not closing all the applications.

Arthur

[Manfred318]

Closing the open apps makes the system run faster as well, so your defrag might take longer when the apps are open, but no real harm done if you dont close them.

[Crazy440]

Thanks for the info

Crazy