Using XP to defragment MFT

[Guest]

Hello,

I'm mounting an NTFS volume using Microsoft iSCSI Initiator on Windows 2000.
The Master File Table is heavily fragmented. Since the volume is not
available at boot-time, I am unable to defragment the MFT. (I'm using
Executive's Disk Keeper).

A support rep at Executive suggested that I mount the volume using Windows
XP on my laptop, defrag the MFT, then remount the volume back on the Windows
2000 server.

I have been unable to verify from a second source that this would work and
be safe. Does anyone know if this will present a problem?

Thank you.

 

[Greg Hayes/Raxco Software]

Patrick,

With Windows XP, you can defragment "most" of the $MFT online. I can't
think of anything "wrong" with mounting the drive under Windows XP and doing
this. However, just to be safe, please be sure to have a verified-good
backup of the data on the drive. Also be aware that once the drive has been
converted to the Windows XP version of NTFS, there is no going back and
there could possible be low level disk utilities under Windows 2000 that may
no longer run correctly.

- Greg/Raxco Software
Microsoft MVP - Windows File System

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

Want to email me? Delete ntloader.