Defrag

[%P*Rr&^]

I cannot get the defragmenter to work. When I go to start the defragmenter
I get the message "Windows cannot access the specified device, path or file.
You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item."

I am one of three administrators for this computer but have tried changing
everyone else's accounts to "limited". I have also tried starting up in
Safe Mode and have run Kelly Theriot's Item No. 280 "Restore Defrag.exe".
And have also tried different methods of running Defrag. Nothing has
worked.

I'm on a two computer network with the other computer running Windows XP
Professional. I am running Windows XP Home.

Any ideas? I'm getting desperate.

Thanks,
Perry.

 

[André Terpstra]

Just to be sure: are you trying to use Defrag locally, i.e. on the same
computer, or remotely, via Remote Administration? The latter won't work.

Further, there may be an NTFS permission issue here. Check the exact NTFS
drive permissions of the designated drive and compare them to account
permissions + groups memberships of the account you're using to run Defrag.

Andre Terpstra,
MCP Windows XP Professional.

 

[%P*Rr&^]

Thanks for the reply. I'm trying to defrag locally using Windows XP Home.
The other computer is XP Professional. I mentioned it because while looking
through the rather (I find) incomprehensible Help files Windows XP
Professional is mentioned.

And, uhh--- What's an NTFS?

Thanks,
Perry.the

 

[%P*Rr&^]

OK - I found out about NTFS, but when I tried to access the Microsoft
Management Console (by opening Computer Management (Local), I got the
following message "The tool you requested is not available". I am really
unsure how to proceed.

Perry

 

[André Terpstra]

Perry:


Unfortunately I only use XP Pro, but I expect the following to be the same
on Home.

What exactly happens when you open Start / All Programs /Accessories /
System Tools / Disk Defragmenter?


Andre.

 

[%P*Rr&^]

First I get a message box entitled "Run As" which asks "Which user account
do you want to run this program?" I select "Current User" (actually already
selected) and either check or uncheck the box "Protect my computer etc." (it
makes no difference). Then when I hit OK I get the message "Windows cannot
access the specified device, path or file. You may not have the appropriate
permissions to access the item."

I am really appreciating this help as I find this quite a frustrating
problem and am contemplating re-installing Windows XP Home. However I am
dreading (and not understanding) the consequences.

Thanks,
Perry.