Two instances of defragmenter running?

[Guest]

I suddenly began getting this message when trying to run disk defragmenter:
"Disk Defragmenter does not support running more than one instance." and it
does not allow me to run the defragmenter. I've tried running it from both
the system tools menu and with dfrg.msc from the run menu. Neither worked.
I could use some help figuring this out. I'm stumped.
Thanks

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I suddenly began getting this message when trying to run disk
defragmenter: "Disk Defragmenter does not support running more than
one instance."

First, that message is correct since running more than one defragmenter
at the same time will mess up your disk.

and it does not allow me to run the defragmenter.

Second, "defrag.exe" may be started automatically when the system is
idle. Start > Run:
%windir%\system32\rundll32.exe advapi32.dll,ProcessIdleTasks

Wait some minutes until the drive's LED stays turned off and check with
the task manager that "defrag.exe" is no longer running. Then try again
to defrag as usual. Hope that helps.

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I suddenly began getting this message when trying to run disk
defragmenter: "Disk Defragmenter does not support running more than
one instance." and it does not allow me to run the defragmenter.

Just to add another way - however, you should follow the already given
advice first. Install "TweakUI":
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/downloads/powertoys/xppowertoys.mspx

TweakUI > General > Settings > Optimize hard disk when idle > untick >
Apply > OK. Try to defrag as usual and tick the option above when done.

 

[Guest]

Thanks for the tips. I understand that I should not have two instances of
Disk Defragmenter running. I am puzzled that it would be running when I did
nothing to cause it to start automatically. Unfortunately, neither tip
worked. I'll try them again. Any further suggestions?

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

Thanks for the tips. I understand that I should not have two instances
of Disk Defragmenter running. I am puzzled that it would be running
when I did nothing to cause it to start automatically. Unfortunately,
neither tip worked. I'll try them again. Any further suggestions?

Disable the background programs being launched at system startup.
"How to troubleshoot by using the System Configuration utility in
Windows XP" http://support.microsoft.com/kb/310560/en-us

 

[Guest]

Looks promising! I'll give it a shot tonight. The help is greatly
appreciated. I'll let you know what I find out.

 

[Guest]

I tried the above suggestions, but I still get the same response from Windows
when I try to run defragmenter--that the version does not support two
instances running. Any other thoughts?

 

[Detlev Dreyer]

I tried the above suggestions, but I still get the same response from
Windows when I try to run defragmenter--that the version does not
support two instances running. Any other thoughts?

Any third-party defragmenter installed, Norton System Works or similar
tools?