[stormtrooper7]

I recently read that defragging makes a big difference these days, if done regularly. I heard this is due to all the large file downloads (e.g. bittorrents).

Also that automatic defragmentation is the easiest/best to use for it.

Can anyone give me more info?

[Ian]

I'd stick with the default windows degragger, as its pretty good (START > Accessories > System Tools > Defrag). It basically moves all of the bits around that make up a file into the same physical location on the disk.

I don't think it will speed your computer up very much, but its good to do once every so often (maybe every month or so) just to keep your PC running well.

[crazylegs]

When i first glanced your post i thought you said Fragging your pc..I know i like to frag on my pc on a regular basis...Now where's those Nazi's.....

[stormtrooper7]

thanks guys... especially for the fragging comment! I enjoy that too, but this time it's about de-fragging, which is funnily enough, not about taking kills back.

So, I need to get some info on good automatic defraggers. I don't really want to use the windows built-in defrag due to it's speed and generally not being able to run it at night, so need the resources and can't leave it to stew while I do nothing (or else letting it restart itself 10 times annoyingly).

Any ideas, I heard Diskkeeper was good?

[muckshifter]

XP Defrag is a "Lite" version of Diskeeper ...

The built-in boot defragmenter is pretty darn good. However, there are a few things that other, third-party programs, feel that they do better. And in fact, there actually are a few applications such as Diskkeeper and O&O Defrag that actually do more in their boot defragmentation process.

During the boot-up process there are a lot of different things going on at once. Among others, Drivers are loaded, system files are loaded, settings are read from the system registry. The built-in boot defragmenter starts to lack in support when talking about the registry files, the file table records, and other system files. Just like any other system data files, the registry files can become fragmented with their daily use. In order to cut down on hard drive seek time for the registry and other system files, which can become quite large over time and more prone to fragmentation, it needs to be defragmented. This is where the third party applications begin to answer this problem.

Boot time system defrag with Diskeeper
In order to defragment system files, and other files that are normally in use, the degragmentation must be done during the early stages of the system boot. This will allow the defrag program to have full access to all files so that it can place them together on the disk. One of the programs that allow this to be done is called Diskeeper. A trialware copy of Diskeeper can be found on Executive Software's web site.

Boot Time Defrag with O&O Defrag
Just as with Diskeeper, with O&O Defrag there is boot-time defragmentation option. This allows the system files that are in use to be defragmented as well as other special files such as the master file table. O&O Defrag is developed by O&O Software and uses different defragmentation algorithms than the Diskeeper program. A copy of O&O Defrag can be found on O&O Software's Web site.

If you "try out" both programs do not be too surprised if, after you use one, the other then complains that your drive needs defragging again ... they do use different algorithms.


I find XP is good enough for me ... after all, I am a Scot.

[1nteger]

With the new file management format NTFS defragging is not quite as necessary as often as it used to be. I have tried some other defragging programs but found that XP's own is best. However, you can make life simpler with a few additional steps:


1. When you format your hard disks always make sure you format in NTFS when asked.

2. Ideally, create seperate partitions. I always create a 'system' partition of around 20GB on which I install XP and all those little utilities and programs like winzip, media players etc. Keeping a partition small like this means that defragging it takes far less time, and this is the disk that will have most activity so it probably fragments more quickly.

3. Creat seperate partitions for games and media. Before installing any new game I always defrag my game partition to ensure that the new game goes in 'clean'...this helps speed up game loading times as well.

4. Downloads and media (torrents etc) i always put on another seperate partition or even seperate disk. Every now and then I'll back up the ones I want to keep on DVd and then reformat the whole thing in the Disk Manager.

5. To ensure your defragging doesn't get interrupted, make sure you stop all screensavers or programs likely to be running in the background. (Ctrl-Alt-Del to shut these down). Some recommend booting into 'Safe Mode' before defragging as this gives the very cleanest results possible.

If you're running a defrag over night because it takes so long, it suggests that you need to start managing your disk space

[BaseLine9]

Originally Posted by 1nteger

2. Ideally, create seperate partitions. I always create a 'system' partition of around 20GB on which I install XP and all those little utilities and programs like winzip, media players etc. Keeping a partition small like this means that defragging it takes far less time, and this is the disk that will have most activity so it probably fragments more quickly

I'd just like to agree with 1nteger here, creating Partitions is defiantly a must these days, not only when it come to defragging your machine but for added protection too

I have 10 GB system with xp on and the rest split up for various other things like music, games, films etc...
I unfortunately caught a virus/worm just before xmas, but it did not touch my 10gb system drive as all my download commands point to a different partition (Although not protection from viruses, least you have some control of where there likely to go on your pc).
I was able to clean it up with no worries of damaging anything windows related

[kashifns]

Originally Posted by stormtrooper7

I recently read that defragging makes a big difference these days, if done regularly. I heard this is due to all the large file downloads (e.g. bittorrents).

Also that automatic defragmentation is the easiest/best to use for it.

Can anyone give me more info?

Before Defragging I will suggest you to empty the Recycle Bin, Remove Temporary Files (Both Internet and from Temp folder).