Defrag problem

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Guest

Xp pro, Dell I9300, 2gb mem, 2ghz processor speed. C drive/os
After repeated chkdsk and diskclean/defrag, I still can't get rid of 2 short
red bars of fragmentation. Here is the report:
Volume (C:)
Volume size = 14.65 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 8.80 GB
Free space = 5.84 GB
Percent free space = 39 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 4 %
File fragmentation = 8 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 43,344
Average file size = 243 KB
Total fragmented files = 1
Total excess fragments = 2
Average fragments per file = 1.00

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 768 MB
Total fragments = 3

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 3,290
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 0

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 119 MB
MFT record count = 46,720
Percent MFT in use = 38 %
Total MFT fragments = 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fragments File Size Files that cannot be defragmented
None

How do I clean up those volume fragmentation figures? Other than disliking
the red bars (they bother me), computer runs ok. Also, how do I freeze/copy
the checkdisk report; it disappears so fast I can't read it.
Final verdict is the disk is ok, though.
 
Cal

That report is not indicating any real problems.

The Master File Table is normally in 2 or 3 fragments. The pagefile is
in 3 fragments. Normally the pagefile shows as green bands. How many
green bands do you have? Do you have a second partition or drive with
free space?

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
That computer has 3 green bands. It is the same computer I was posting about
yesterday. I have not got Partition Magic, going to repartition (reallocate?,
whichever) for some of the spare space in the D drive allocated to the C
drive. Got plenty to spare. I originally (on C) had a huge red band before
repeated defrag/chckdsk, and the file printouts after defrag showed many
files (couple megs in total and 4 or 5hundred files) with "content IE5" if I
remember correctly. Now they are gone, but I still wonder if the leftover
small red bars are some more of that old stuff.
And just for the record, I think Symantic is highpriced in the beginning.
Now they charge an additional 10.00 if you need to re-download after 2
months. Plus their program, if I read the license correctly in a hurry, is
only good for 1 computer rather than one private owner. Got that off my
chest, and I appreciate your help.
 
disable page file and hibernation.
reboot.
defrag.
reboot
re-enable page file and hibernation.



(e-mail address removed)



Xp pro, Dell I9300, 2gb mem, 2ghz processor speed. C drive/os
After repeated chkdsk and diskclean/defrag, I still can't get rid of 2 short
red bars of fragmentation. Here is the report:
Volume (C:)
Volume size = 14.65 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 8.80 GB
Free space = 5.84 GB
Percent free space = 39 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 4 %
File fragmentation = 8 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 43,344
Average file size = 243 KB
Total fragmented files = 1
Total excess fragments = 2
Average fragments per file = 1.00

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 768 MB
Total fragments = 3

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 3,290
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 0

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 119 MB
MFT record count = 46,720
Percent MFT in use = 38 %
Total MFT fragments = 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fragments File Size Files that cannot be defragmented
None

How do I clean up those volume fragmentation figures? Other than disliking
the red bars (they bother me), computer runs ok. Also, how do I freeze/copy
the checkdisk report; it disappears so fast I can't read it.
Final verdict is the disk is ok, though.
 
Cal

After I had posted I discovered your earlier posts.

You really do not need to worry about the amount of free space on your
C drive. You need to maintain a minimum of 15% but 20% is desirable.
That is easily achieved on a 15 gb drive. There are a number of ways
this can be done. I will mention three.

It is likely that an allocation of 12% has been made to System Restore
on your C partition which is over generous. I would reduce it to 700
mb. Right click your My Computer icon on the Desktop and select
Properties, System Restore. Place the cursor on your C partition
select Settings and the slider and drag it to the left until it reads
700 mb and exit. When you get to the Settings screen click on Apply
and OK and exit.

Another default setting which could be wasteful is that for temporary
internet files especially if you do not store offline copies on disk.
The default allocation is 3% of drive. Depending on your attitude to
offline copies you could reduce this to 1% or 2%. In Internet Explorer
select Tools, Internet Options, General, Temporary Internet Files,
Settings to make the change.

The default allocation for the Recycle Bin is 10 % of drive. On your
drive 5% should be sufficient. In Windows Explorer place the cursor on
your Recycle Bin, right click and select Properties, Global and move
the slider from 10% to 5%. Selecting global will make the change apply
also to your D partition, where the saving in disk space will be even
more significant.

On your system, System Restore should not be monitoring your D
drive.Right click on your My Computer icon , select Properties, System
Restore, place the cursor on D drive, click on Settings and click on
the box before Turn off System Restore on this drive. Click on OK,
Apply, OK and exit. Restart the computer for the change to take
effect.

Select Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp to
Empty your Recycle Bin and Remove Temporary Internet Files. Also
select Start, All Programs, accessories, System Tools, Disk CleanUp,
More Options, System Restore and remove all but the latest System
Restore point. Run Disk Defragmenter.

Now before you create any more files you may be able reduce the
pagefile fragmentation. Move the pagefile from C to D and set no
pagefile on C. Restart your computer and recreate your pagefile on C
and set no pagefile on D. Restart your computer and run Analyse in
Disk Defragmenter. I would expect the pagefile to be represented by
one single greenband.
How to move the paging file in Windows XP
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/307886/en-us

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Mikeyhsd and Gerry, I appreciate the interest/help. My final frag report:
Volume (C:)
Volume size = 14.65 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 8.80 GB
Free space = 5.85 GB
Percent free space = 39 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 0 %
File fragmentation = 0 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 43,310
Average file size = 243 KB
Total fragmented files = 0
Total excess fragments = 0
Average fragments per file = 1.00

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 768 MB
Total fragments = 1

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 3,290
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 0

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 119 MB
MFT record count = 46,686
Percent MFT in use = 38 %
Total MFT fragments = 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fragments File Size Files that cannot be defragmented
None
39% increased to 45% with paging on D drive, went back to 39% when returned
paging to C drive. Question: Is there anything wrong with leaving paging on
the D drive with my data files? 6% increased space is quite a bit. As for the
other tips on ridding the C drive of unnecessary clutter (hibernate, temp
files, restore, etc) I had already cleaned those things up.
Mikeyhsd, although I am somewhat computer literate, I still would not have
dared to go into "strange territory" like page files etc without a more
detailed explanation, but I do appreciate your try. Perhaps I am just a bit
too cautious and careful.
 
Cal

Whether or not to partition is a controversial subject. In the past
those arguing for partitioning have done so on the basis that it helps
improve performance. Others dismiss any gains as being minimal
pointing out that other factors have more influence on performance.
Both arguments have merit. What is not disputed is the pagefile needs
to be in the same volume as Windows, unless it is in it's own
partition place at the beginning of a second hard drive. Retaining a
minimal 50 mb pagefile in the Windows partition is still considered
necessary to enable the system to handle small memory dumps, if and
when they occur. For more explanations please view links below:
http://aumha.org/win5/a/xpvm.htm
http://aumha.org/a/parts.htm

Other ways to increase free disk space on your C partition can be
achieved by relocation of folders.

For Temporary Internet Files select Start, Control Panel, Internet
Options, Temporary Internet Files. Settings, Move Folder.

To move the Outlook Express Store Folder select in Outlook Express
Tools, Options, Maintenance, Store Folder, Change.
http://www.tomsterdam.com/insideoe/files/store.htm

My Documents is one of a number of system created Special Folders
including My Pictures and My Music. These can more easily be relocated
using Tweak Ui. Download TweakUI, one of the MS powertoys, from here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/powertoys.asp

In TweakUi select My Computer, Special Folders. You can scroll down to
see the full list of Special Folders to the left of the Change
Location button.

You may also need to change Default File locations in the Microsoft
Office programmes you choose to move the My Documents folder. For Word
go to Tools, Options, File Locations, highlight Documents, click on
Modify and change file path. For Excel go to Tools, Options, General
and change default file path.

You mentioned getting an external hard drive. I would think about
merely adding a second internal hard drive. I imagine your computer
can accomodate this and it would be more covenient.. If you do decide
to add a second hard drive, leave the existing hard drive as master
and make the new drive the slave.

--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
your page file is the only thing I see fragmented with 1 fragment.
easiest way I know of to cure it if it bothers you that much is to do as I suggested.
if you move your page file, it should be to the first partition of another hard drive.
moving it to another partition on same hard drive can cause slow downs (minute).



(e-mail address removed)



Mikeyhsd and Gerry, I appreciate the interest/help. My final frag report:
Volume (C:)
Volume size = 14.65 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 8.80 GB
Free space = 5.85 GB
Percent free space = 39 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 0 %
File fragmentation = 0 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 43,310
Average file size = 243 KB
Total fragmented files = 0
Total excess fragments = 0
Average fragments per file = 1.00

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 768 MB
Total fragments = 1

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 3,290
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 0

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 119 MB
MFT record count = 46,686
Percent MFT in use = 38 %
Total MFT fragments = 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fragments File Size Files that cannot be defragmented
None
39% increased to 45% with paging on D drive, went back to 39% when returned
paging to C drive. Question: Is there anything wrong with leaving paging on
the D drive with my data files? 6% increased space is quite a bit. As for the
other tips on ridding the C drive of unnecessary clutter (hibernate, temp
files, restore, etc) I had already cleaned those things up.
Mikeyhsd, although I am somewhat computer literate, I still would not have
dared to go into "strange territory" like page files etc without a more
detailed explanation, but I do appreciate your try. Perhaps I am just a bit
too cautious and careful.
 
Mikey

It is no longer fragmented. That's what one fragment means!

--

Regards.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


your page file is the only thing I see fragmented with 1 fragment.
easiest way I know of to cure it if it bothers you that much is to do as I suggested.
if you move your page file, it should be to the first partition of another hard drive.
moving it to another partition on same hard drive can cause slow downs (minute).



(e-mail address removed)
 
mikeyhsd said:
your page file is the only thing I see fragmented with 1 fragment.
easiest way I know of to cure it if it bothers you that much is to do
as I suggested.
Click to expand...


Fragmentation of the page file is not an issue worth worrying about, since
access to the page file is essentially random anyway.

if you move your page file, it should be to the first partition of
another hard drive.
moving it to another partition on same hard drive can cause slow
downs (minute).
Click to expand...


Yes, moving the page file to another partition on your main drive can hurt
performance because it puts it farther from the other frequently-used data
on the drive and thereby increases the tme it takes for head movement to and
from it. For best performance, the page file should normally be on the
most-used partition of the least-used physical drive. For almost everyone
with a single partition, that is C:

However, it's also worth pointing out that for those people who have plenty
of RAM (and that's many, if not most, of us in these days of inexpensive
RAM, there's usually very little paging going on, and where you put the page
file is therefore much less important than it used to be.
 
Ken

A pagefile in a number of fragments fragments free space. This
increases file fragmentation. The exercise in this thread was to
secure, if possible, a single green band in Disk Defragmenter. It was
not to defragment the pagefile.

Also the location of the pagefile was not in question. The pagefile
was being moved temporarily to facilitate consolidation of the disk
space occupied by the pagefile on the C partition.

--

Regards.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Gerry said:
Ken

A pagefile in a number of fragments fragments free space. This
increases file fragmentation. The exercise in this thread was to
secure, if possible, a single green band in Disk Defragmenter. It was
not to defragment the pagefile.
Click to expand...


Although the thread may have started out that way, the message I replied to
was about defragmenting the page file. I thought it worth pointing out that
this was not a worthwhile objective.


Also the location of the pagefile was not in question. The pagefile
was being moved temporarily to facilitate consolidation of the disk
space occupied by the pagefile on the C partition.
Click to expand...


Again, perhaps the thread started that way, but the message I replied to was
about moving it.
 
In my own writing and composing, always in retrospect, I find a critical need
in watching out for context and clarity: I often "miss", it seems. It is
never easy, and my mistakes are when I drop my guard.
 
--
bug*sly


Cal M said:
Mikeyhsd and Gerry, I appreciate the interest/help. My final frag report:
Volume (C:)
Volume size = 14.65 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 8.80 GB
Free space = 5.85 GB
Percent free space = 39 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 0 %
File fragmentation = 0 %
Free space fragmentation = 0 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 43,310
Average file size = 243 KB
Total fragmented files = 0
Total excess fragments = 0
Average fragments per file = 1.00

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 768 MB
Total fragments = 1

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 3,290
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 0

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 119 MB
MFT record count = 46,686
Percent MFT in use = 38 %
Total MFT fragments = 3

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fragments File Size Files that cannot be defragmented
None
39% increased to 45% with paging on D drive, went back to 39% when returned
paging to C drive. Question: Is there anything wrong with leaving paging on
the D drive with my data files? 6% increased space is quite a bit. As for the
other tips on ridding the C drive of unnecessary clutter (hibernate, temp
files, restore, etc) I had already cleaned those things up.
Mikeyhsd, although I am somewhat computer literate, I still would not have
dared to go into "strange territory" like page files etc without a more
detailed explanation, but I do appreciate your try. Perhaps I am just a bit
too cautious and careful.
Click to expand...
 
Can I post the defrag report on here. I have deleted, cleaned, removed, etc.
I had went from 1% to 11% now its @ 10%. HELP......Thanks.
 
Yes


--

Hope this helps.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Here is my defrag report. I have my free space @ 22%. This is the report....I
have windows xp

bug*sly
Volume (C:)
Volume size = 18.63 GB
Cluster size = 4 KB
Used space = 14.38 GB
Free space = 4.25 GB
Percent free space = 22 %

Volume fragmentation
Total fragmentation = 13 %
File fragmentation = 26 %
Free space fragmentation = 1 %

File fragmentation
Total files = 35,990
Average file size = 487 KB
Total fragmented files = 7
Total excess fragments = 16,903
Average fragments per file = 1.46

Pagefile fragmentation
Pagefile size = 359 MB
Total fragments = 107

Folder fragmentation
Total folders = 2,482
Fragmented folders = 1
Excess folder fragments = 0

Master File Table (MFT) fragmentation
Total MFT size = 57 MB
MFT record count = 38,624
Percent MFT in use = 65 %
Total MFT fragments = 2
 
Fragments File Size Files that cannot be defragmented
16,274 691 MB \Program Files\Windows Media
Player\___ARESTRA___crank dvd rip.avi
Click to expand...

There should be no .avi files in that folder.

What is ___ARESTRA___crank dvd rip.avi?? ___ARESTRA___crank dvd rip.avi may
actually be in use while you're trying to defrag. Delete the file or finish
downloading it to a proper location.

___ARESTRA___ files seem to have something to do with Ares.

Ares is a sharing program that enables users to share any digital file
including images, audio, video, software, documents, etc.

<quote>
Question 15.) While sneaking around my folders I came across something that
said "ARESTRA". This name preceeded this file I was DL'ing (it looked like
this: __ARESTRA__Mozart - Symphony.mp3). What is this?
* An ARESTRA file is just a temporary file made by Ares when you are DL'ing
something. This is merely a placeholder used as a feature so you can preview
what you've DL'ed (if you're talking about a video or song file). It's also
used by Ares to remember the amount of the file already DL'ing if you have
to exit the program then start the DL again later.
* On an automatic basis, Ares will remove this ARESTRA file when you
complete the DL of a file OR if you cancel a DL. You will then see the
normal name of the file displayed with out the "__ARESTRA__" title.
* For a further understanding, the file isn't technically being deleted, in
reality the program removes the "__ARESTRA__" title when the DL of the file
is completed.
You can not open up an Arestra file in another program while Ares is
running.
* If you have cancelled a DL and the Arestra file still exists, you can
delete it only after you exit the Ares program. The computer will give you
an error stating something like "this file is in use by another program" if
you try to this this without exiting first.
<quote>
http://www.peerevolution.com/forums/showthread.php?t=126#Q15

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
Wes

Would you be able to delete it in safe mode?

--

Regards.

Gerry
~~~~
FCA
Stourport, England
Enquire, plan and execute
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
 
Hi Gerry,

I have no idea. I had to Google __ARESTRA__ to even know what it was. I
never heard of any of that stuff before yesterday.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In
 
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