what is prefetch?

[roger]

i found this folder and it seems to hold something like
cookies. what is the function of prefetch files?

 

[Carey Frisch [MVP]]

The Prefetch folder contains information regarding the optimal disk layout
of program files so they launch quicker. You may delete all those files,
but XP will rebuild that folder so that your computer runs as efficiently
as possible. After deleting the prefetch files, your computer's performance
will suffer slightly until the prefetch folder is rebuilt. It takes approximately
three computer reboots to properly rebuild the prefetch folder contents.

Windows XP's Built-In Optimization
http://www.extremetech.com/article2/0,3973,1149277,00.asp

 

[sqr]

Every once in awhile the prefetch dir should be cleaned out to boost system
performance.

 

[Kelly]

Hi Roger,

The Prefetcher component in Windows XP is part of the Memory Manager, and
helps to shorten the amount of time it takes to start Windows and programs.

Windows XP "monitors" itself and notices which applications are launched
frequently. It gathers information about these applications and what they
access with the launch and stores this information in the prefetch folder.

It then uses this information to "optimize" access to these files so that
they launch faster.

Once every three days, by default, Windows XP will perform a partial
defragmentation and adjust the layout of the disk based upon current use.
The files to be moved are written in the file Layout.ini (found in the
Prefetch directory under the System Root directory).

More information here on the Prefetch Folder in Windows XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_p.htm#xp_prefetch




Registry Edits, Tips and Tricks for XP
http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm