When defragging the C: partition I see the meta data file heavily fragmented
and I am adviced by PerfectDisc to do an offlinedefrag.I do and get the
message on reboot:Failed to query defrag32version
Couldn't gain exclusive access to disc C:\
There is a possible drive conflct
The computer reboots agai and repeats the message and returns to windows.
What can cause this,what does it mean?Any remedy?Is it of any importance
that the meta data file is undefragged?
Anzgar
Unless the metadata file is badly fragmented it is unlikely to cause
issue - it also depends what file it is. Most metadata are loaded
into, and kept in, memory when the volume is mounted.
If you cannot run the bootime defrag it is becuase you have a device
that is accessing the volume very early in the boot process. This
prevents the bootime defrag from gaining exclusive access (which it
needs).
You can track the process causing this by opening your Registry
(Regedit.exe) to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
\. Each Service has a startup value called "Start". It has an active
value between 1 and 4 which maps to a Services startup up such as
"Disabled" (4), "Manual" (3), "Automatic" (1,2). If you have a service
with a startup of 1, it will likely prevent third party defragmenters
from performing bootime defrag or even chckdsk from doing its thing.
Look for that value. A value of 0 is also possible, but unlikely to
cause issue as this is related to the Boot Loader - not Kernel. You
can ignore those.
Usually you can safely change a value of 1 to a value of 2, but the
usual Registry-editing caveats apply (make sure you know what you are
doing). In all the cases where I've seen a Service listed here with a
Start value of 1, it has been an error on the part of the driver
manufacturer (a little over enthusiastic
). It happens somewhat
regularly with security and encryption products.
Given that a bootime defrag is a rare event, you could also consider
this edit a temporary fix, and return the startup value to its
original setting after the defrag is complete.
PS: I work for another third party disk defragmenter that is also
affected by similar circumstances.
