optimization/fragmentation

[BOB]

New to XP.. I find that I have to frequently optimize and
defragment my pc. I run Symantec NDD and use its
optimization feature. Is the "sorting" and "optimizing"
also defragmenting? In the win98, it showed swap files,
but not with XP. When I use the XP system tool to
defragment, the report shows large list of files that
cannot be defragmented> One in particular is 191 MB with
29 fragments for "UNDO\BACK.CAB" - is this where the
restore data is? Does this seem acceptable? Would the
NDD defragmenting program correct what the system tools
defragmented can't?
Thanks .. any help appreciated

 

[Greg Hayes/Raxco Software]

Bob,

Optimizing isn't the same as defragmenting - although some defrag vendors
tend to interchange the words.

Defragmenting refers to making sure that files are logically contiguous.
Optimizing refers to placing them specifically for some purpose.

SpeedDisk does both. In the process of defragmenting the drive, it will
attempt to optimize (place files) as well. When you run the built-in
defragmenter, it is simply defragmenting files (no optimization).

In terms of defrag ability, SpeedDisk and the built-in defragmenter have the
same abilities and limitations. You can run the built-in defragmenter and
see if it is able to clean this file up. It may or may not be able to.

- Greg/Raxco Software
Microsoft MVP - Windows Storage Management/File System

Disclaimer: I work for Raxco Software, the maker of PerfectDisk - a
commercial defrag utility, as a systems engineer in the support department.