The disk defragmenter in Windows Vista is set to run on a schedule, automatically defragmenting drives to help keep your computer running optimally. However, there may be circumstances where you wish to disable this task:

* You are concerned about spyware and other malware, and wish to disable any tasks that cause hard drive access without your immediate knowledge of what is happening.

* You are running an alternate defragmenter software package.

* Your computer is a laptop and often runs off a battery; the defragmenter would quickly drain battery power.

To turn this feature off:

1. Click the "Start" button and type disk defragmenter, then click "Disk Defragmenter" when it appears. Or, click the "Start" button, select "All Programs", "Accessories", "System Tools", then "Disk Defragmenter".

2. Confirm you wish to run this tool if User Account Control (UAC) prompts you.

3. The "Disk Defragmenter" dialog box appears. Uncheck "Run on a schedule (recommended)".

4. Click "OK" to close the "Disk Defragmenter" dialog box.