Emptying Prefetch Folder?

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Kenny

Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly and also
creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click operation. Also
changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to make it more efficient
or disable it completely. Would like to hear others opinions on this.
 
No need for you to empty the Prefetch folder. XP does this every three
boots.
----

You can force a "boot optimization" by doing the following:
Start | Run | Type: cmd | OK |
Type:

defrag c: -boot

Hit Enter
----

Disk Layout can be manually forced by:
Start | Run | Type: cmd | OK |
Type:

Rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks

Hit Enter
----

Start | Run | Type: regedit |OK
Navigate to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\
Session Manager\Memory Management\PrefetchParameters

Look for EnablePrefetcher in the right pane, if the value is not 3,
Double click EnablePrefetcher and change the value to 3.
Values are (0 = disabled, 1 = Application launch prefetching, 2 = Boot
prefetching, 3 = Both prefetching). 3 seems to be the preferred option.


Optimizing Startup Times by Using Defragmentation Tools
http://www.microsoft.com/resources/...windows/xp/all/reskit/en-us/prkd_tro_uutk.asp
 
Not sure where you got your information from Wesley but XP certainly does not
empty the prefetch folder at any time, unless you set up a batch file for it
to do so. Disabling the prefetch is not a good idea as it certainly does
assist in reducing boot times. Cleaning it out is only a necessity if you
install\uninstall a lot of programs, then the prefetch folder can become
bloated. You should also know that you will need the task scheduler enabled
in services in order for the prefetch folder to become populated. If you
delete all entries in the prefetch folder it will take about three boots for
it to become fully populated. I challenge anyone to provide a benchmark
showing that deletetion of entries in the prefetch folder speeds up either
the boot or the system. Merry Christmas
 
PREFETCH has a MAJOR flaw.
once an entry in placed in the prefetch folder. it stays.
if you uninstall the program its entry does not get removed.
so the system chases its tail for a while looking for the missing program on every boot

and NO, from experience the prefetch folder is not cleaned every 3 days.
have had entries for over a month.

I prefer to run with the registry patch to TURN OFF the prefetch operations.

(e-mail address removed)



Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly and also
creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click operation. Also
changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to make it more efficient
or disable it completely. Would like to hear others opinions on this.
 
I thought that was something you ate?
Would you like to share your knowledge as to who's wrong or right, and what
the actual facts are?
 
PREFETCH has a MAJOR flaw.
once an entry in placed in the prefetch folder. it stays.
if you uninstall the program its entry does not get removed.
so the system chases its tail for a while looking for the missing program on every boot

and NO, from experience the prefetch folder is not cleaned every 3 days.
have had entries for over a month.

I prefer to run with the registry patch to TURN OFF the prefetch operations.

(e-mail address removed)



Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly and also
creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click operation. Also
changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to make it more efficient
or disable it completely. Would like to hear others opinions on this.
Click to expand...

Try this..its safe and quick...and free.:)http://www.majorgeeks.com/download2495.html
Windows XP Prefetch Clean And Control 1.2.0
 
Actually, I was incorrect. Prefetch folder is emptied of unused *.pf files
after a week or a month of no use for those particular files. Still some
debate on this.
 
I have been using XP for over 3 years now.

The prefetch folder on my machine has never exceeded 130 items.

At this moment there are 79 items in it with date stamps of 12-1-04 and 12-2-04. There is 1 old item - NTOSBOOT - dated 10-11-04. Total of 4.99MB used for prefetch.

My advice - leave it alone, it takes care of itself.

--
Just my 2¢ worth,
Jeff
__________In response to__________
| Actually, I was incorrect. Prefetch folder is emptied of unused *.pf files
| after a week or a month of no use for those particular files. Still some
| debate on this.
|
| --
| Hope this helps. Let us know.
| Wes
 
Read your original and all the replies. Life gets interesting at
unexpected times.
If you want to empty the Prefetch Folder, do it simply. If you keep all
the Batch Files and other "time save" programs [miracle workers]
recommended by others in one Folder, you will wind up eventually with a
huge file.
If you empty the Prefetch Folder (I do it every 7-10 days), life nor
Windows does not end. How I do it:
a. Start/Run/type "prefetch" (less quote markers). and click "OK".
b. When the folder opens, move the pointer up top and select "Edit",
then click "Select All".
c. Under the "File" menu, click "Delete". The file is emptied.
Your Batch File might save you a few clicks but insignificant time. Do
what you deem necessary (wish to).
Gene K
 
Just curious, are you deleting layout.ini also?


--
Hope this helps. Let us know.
Wes

In
Not Me said:
Read your original and all the replies. Life gets interesting at
unexpected times.
If you want to empty the Prefetch Folder, do it simply. If you keep
all the Batch Files and other "time save" programs [miracle workers]
recommended by others in one Folder, you will wind up eventually with
a huge file.
If you empty the Prefetch Folder (I do it every 7-10 days), life nor
Windows does not end. How I do it:
a. Start/Run/type "prefetch" (less quote markers). and click "OK".
b. When the folder opens, move the pointer up top and select "Edit",
then click "Select All".
c. Under the "File" menu, click "Delete". The file is emptied.
Your Batch File might save you a few clicks but insignificant time. Do
what you deem necessary (wish to).
Gene K
Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly
and also creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click
operation. Also changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry
to make it more efficient or disable it completely. Would like to
hear others opinions on this.
Click to expand...
Click to expand...
 
Wesley,
Sorry to be so late in reply but you know the time of year! Yes, I use
the Edit/Select all feature and the file you mention is selected and
deleted with all the rest. It apparently is replaced when the Prefetch
File begins to re-constitute.
Gene K
 
Kenny said:
Reading an article on Prefetch it recommends emptying it regularly
and also creating a batch file to make emptying it a one click
operation. Also changing some Prefetch Parameters in the registry to
make it more efficient or disable it completely. Would like to hear
others opinions on this.
Click to expand...

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html

or this:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495

Which might not only answer your question, but give you the "control" over
them you want.
 
Shenan said:
http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html

or this:
http://www.majorgeeks.com/download.php?det=2495

Which might not only answer your question, but give you the
"control" over them you want.
Click to expand...

Not said:
Except that The Experts Exchange IS not free
Click to expand...


Shenan said:
Scroll down..
You didn't scroll down far enough to see the answers at the bottom..
Why do people never do that?
Click to expand...
Because of this line:

Sign Up to See This Solution
Click to expand...


Yeah - that's there...
Most people barely pay attention to other things they click on and then get
signed up on mail lists and install things on their computer left and
right... But finally someone doesn't venture forward.. *grin* But if it
said "Click here for FREE! _insert something here_... " , they would do it.
No spirit of exploration anymore, unless it's easy. heh

In any case..
Go here:

http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_20711778.html

Ignore the request for you to "Sign Up to See This Solution"...
Scroll down, the answer to the question given (at least in this closed
questions' case) is below.
 

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