Defragmenting Multiple Drives

[Guest]

I have total 5 PCs with Windows XP installed. All of them has 2 to 4
partitions. On every Sunday, I maintain them using the Windows XP tools like
Disk Cleanup, Chkdsk and Defrag. Everything is fine except the Defrag.

There are actually 2 things that must be improved in Windows.

First is: You can not select multiple drives for defragmentation.
Second one is: There should be an AutoShutDown option after defragment is
complete.

We always have to worry about our PC while defragmentation. Suppose! if I
want to Defrag my 4 drives then I have to stay at office as when the defrag
will complete on first drive then i have to select second drive manually.
Furthermore, who will shut down the PC when defrag will complete. I think
this will be the same case with you also. Is in it.

These both option can save a lot of time. We can feel free atleast on Sundays.

Your comments will highly be appreciated.

Note: I don't know about the Windows Vista. If Microsoft has made some
option in Vista then let us know.

 

[Guest]

You run Disk Cleanup, Chkdsk and Defrag every Sunday ?? That seems to be
way too much overkill. Once every month or two is usually sufficient.

MD

 

[Fitz]

The defrag program in Windows XP is basically an OEM version of Lavasoft's
Diskeeper (limited capability). Multiple drive defrag is available on the
retail version of that program, along with other features such as
scheduling. You may want to consider buying a 3rd party software if you need
more functionality.

Most venders of "bundled" software don't make it as capable as the retail
version- there would be need or advantage for the user to upgrade, and
therefore no money in it for the vender.

Fitz

 

[Guest]

Running those utilitys daily isnt a big deal if its needed....Why would one
want
to "auto shutdown" after defrag,its like adding it to windows update,makes no
sence...As for Defragging multiple hds,guess it could be done,as running the
other utilities for all hds,and one could even "auto shutdown" after
Defrag.The
place to go for that would be:http://www.technet/microsoft.com Locate:Script
center,you can get or make youre own scripts to have windows do just about
anything,just write the script...

 

[Fitz]

Sorry, not Lavasoft- it's Executive Software. Lavasoft's program is
Ad-Aware.

Fitz

 

[Guest]

I am talking about Windows XP features. I know there are 100s of third-party
utilities are available to do the same tasks.

It will be very easy for everyone either a begineer or advanced user to
schedule the defrag for each drive and shutting down the pc after completion.

Auto-Shut Down is important as we don't have to worry about turning off the
PC after defrag is complete.

I experience that most people do not do defrag because they don't want to do
it in office timings and they can not run it after office time. Who will
watch that moving dots or will take care of them for approx. 1-2 hours.

"MadDog", defragmentation is very much depends on your usage. Imagine about
a Computer Institution, where in daily routine we run hundred kinds of
softwares like CD-Writing, Installating / Uninstalling Softwares, Internet
Surffing and many more.

 

[Guest]

Furthermore, we people have a good knowledge about using computers. But think
about the begineers, who rarely know how to handle mouse.

They know that defragment is important but who will take care of it for 1-2
hours. Can you imagine that they can download a third-party utility and set
the features according to their use.

And what for Microsoft is? To use an inbuilt feature properly why should we
install a third party software. Think about the scripts and think when you
were using the computer for the first time.

How funny? A user who reach to Start - All Programs - Accessories - System
Tools - Disk Defragment after 30 clicks can write a script.

 

[Whatsit]

Can't you use the scheduled tasks program in the system tools directory?

You can run defragmenter and still use the computer, so I don't know what
the issue is, you probably wouldn't even notice it if you are defraging a
drive you are not using.

Or you could use Executive software diskeeper professional which has a "set
and forget" mode, that defrags on a schedule, or just when the PC is idle.

Either way, I don't see why it is up to microsoft to provide you with every
possible function of every possible secondary program. The default
defragmenter work fine, if you want extra functionality, go and pay for it.

 

[Guest]

You are not understanding the concept. This is not about the money.
Functionality or not meeting the customer satisfaction. Who tolds you that
you should use your computer while defraging.

Further, have you ever use Windows 98. You must see once the defragment
option in Windows 98. Here is a option of defraging all hard drives. Ok!

There are lot of other things which were good in old version than newer.

 

[Fitz]

Here's the concept- Microsoft did not develop the "built in" defragmenter.
It's 3rd party software that MS bundles as part of it's Windows package. MS
probably cannot legally modify it nor are they going to pay to package the
retail version. You got the "something for nothing" version. If you want
more, you have to get out your wallet.


Fitz

 

[Alias]

You run Disk Cleanup, Chkdsk and Defrag every Sunday ?? That seems to be
way too much overkill. Once every month or two is usually sufficient.

MD

Not true and those who say so are just used to a sluggish machine and
think that sluggish machines are normal.

Alias

 

[SSI]

I have 3 disks in my machine (I am a photographer) and scheduled each one of
them to defrag in the middle of the night and given a 2 hour window between
each so the first one will finish before the next one starts. It is very
easy to schedule this, take a look here:.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;555098
In as far as auto shut down I cannot help you.

 

[paulmd]

I have total 5 PCs with Windows XP installed. All of them has 2 to 4
partitions. On every Sunday, I maintain them using the Windows XP tools like
Disk Cleanup, Chkdsk and Defrag. Everything is fine except the Defrag.

There are actually 2 things that must be improved in Windows.

First is: You can not select multiple drives for defragmentation.
Second one is: There should be an AutoShutDown option after defragment is
complete.

We always have to worry about our PC while defragmentation. Suppose! if I
want to Defrag my 4 drives then I have to stay at office as when the defrag
will complete on first drive then i have to select second drive manually.
Furthermore, who will shut down the PC when defrag will complete. I think
this will be the same case with you also. Is in it.

These both option can save a lot of time. We can feel free atleast on Sundays.

Your comments will highly be appreciated.

Note: I don't know about the Windows Vista. If Microsoft has made some
option in Vista then let us know.

Norton Utilities can do multiple drives simultaneously. But considering
that you seem to know that already, I'm not entirely sure why I'm
bothering.

Did you know that this forum is for HELP, not bitching. Microsoft does
have a feature request email address.

 

[wepost]

In such a scenario getting an automatic defragger with remote
installation and scheduling features as its well worth the money, saves
time and the job gets done without hassles. Got Diskeeper running on
our systems.